Your definitive guide to the electric Kia Niro SUV lease - the best small crossover deal?

Is the electric Kia Niro SUV lease the best small crossover deal-Your definitive guide

“There just isn’t enough affordable electric cars”

Is a tagline often used in the media and press in reference to our all-electric industry. While there is an element of truth to this statement, there has been a concerted effort more recently by manufacturers to produce and deliver robust, but cost-effective, BEVs. Because the electric car industry had to fight to be recognised as a genuine proposition, much of the investment, time and efforts went into more luxury and refined product.

With 275-300 mile ranges, 0 - 62 times of sub 5 seconds and some of the best tech and comfort, many prestige EVs really caught the public’s attention. But unlike company car and business leasing customers, the true retail and consumer markets have slowed in their uptake of this product. Indeed, the used-EV industry is facing some minor trials as it tries to understand the re-sale value of the EVs after the leasing contract has been completed; in particular whether or not the Government will support these customers with tax breaks, incentives or interest free loans.

The issue we all face is that IF the auctions and used car industry cannot properly stabilise the zero-emission vehicles, the RVs on new options will be impacted.

However, car makers like Kia have been flying the flag for cheaper EV lease deals. With their e-Niro launch in 2019 through to the revised Niro EV in 2022, the South Korean brand have been making a case for affordability with their compact crossover SUV.

Originally the model was available in both a 39 kWh and 64 kWh version but the Niro EV is now just available in the 64 kWh model. Nevertheless, in 2022 the fully electric Kia Niro was named the 3rd best-selling EV in the UK with some 11,197 registrations.

While falling short of the market leaders Tesla, the brand was not beaten by any other manufacturer which proves just how successful and buoyant this SUV is. But the Kia is not without competition and comparable options. These include the Hyundai Kona, MG MG4 EV, BYD ATTO 3 and the Smart #1. In terms of the options to decide from (and the price) UK leasing customers can enjoy:

•  Niro EV 2 - from £37,295 this model includes 17” alloys, integrated 10.25” TFT Cluster and a 10.25” touchscreen display with navigation, Apple CarPlay, forward-collision avoidance, rear parking sensors, smart cruise control and the towing pack;
•  Niro EV 3 - from £39,545 this model includes 17” alloys, cloth with vegan leather upholstery, driver lumbar support, 7-year Kia Connect services, front and rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass and vehicle to load (this enables your car to offer 3 kW of power to other devices when you are out and about); and
•  Niro EV 4 - from £42,295 this model includes 17” alloys, HUD, power opening tailgate, passenger relaxation seat, remote smart parking assist, sunroof and full vegan leather upholstery.  

But is the electric Kia Niro a good EV?

This option will have a usable 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery which will offer 0 – 62 times of 7.8 seconds, 104 mph top speeds and 150kW (or 201 hp). And the drivetrain will be FWD. Expect a combined winter range of 200 miles with warmer weather allowing for 270 miles on a full charge.

On charging, the 11 kW AC max will allow 7 hour 0 – 100% charging times with the 80 kW DC maximum allowing 41 minute 10 – 80% times. This car has a vehicle fuel equivalent of 147 mpg and a cargo volume of 475L. You can tow with the electric Niro - 300 kg (unbraked) and 750 kg (braked). 

Should we get a maintenance contract with it?

And deciding on maintenance with any contract hire and leasing deal is a consideration for any personal or business customer. The rentals shown on our e-car lease website are what we call driver-maintained, which means that responsibility for all servicing, maintenance and tyres are down to the customer to organise and pay for.

While it is accepted that the EVs are more cost-effective to maintain; service intervals are generally on a long-life schedule which means every 2 years / x thousand miles. For a customer on a low-mileage lease deal, there may only be just one service during the course of the contract. But that doesn’t mean you DON’T have to maintain the vehicle, which is some notion often suggested.

And, to be clear, the warranty does not include maintenance aspects either. This is to assist in cases of faults or issues caused through no fault of the driver; but the warranty is, in itself, contingent on you properly servicing the car.

With a funder-maintained agreement, for an additional fixed cost you can include the provision for servicing, maintenance and tyres for the duration of the contract. And with most funders offering all punctures and wear/tear on tyres, this is a valuable element with each tyre likely to cost anywhere from £200 - £400 PER tyre. And for any driver on a 4-year contract they may lose the benefit of a manufacturer’s warranty.

In these cases, the maintenance provision of the leasing contract will support the driver / lessee throughout, with dedicated maintenance experts at the finance company to assist you too. Much of this will come down to the individual / company attitude to risk and cost - just ensure you weigh up both options pragmatically before making a decision. 

In terms of the car shown, the Kia Niro Electric Estate 150kW 3 64kWh 5dr Auto Pure Electric Vehicle, this is based on the following configuration: 

•  Cityscape Green Premium Paint
•  Cloth/Artificial leather - Black
•  Metal chopped carbon centre fascia
•  17" alloy wheels
•  Mode 3 / Type 2 Charging Cable (Public Charging & home wallbox charger – Fast charging)