The Kia Niro, one of the South Korean brand’s constant best-selling cars, we enjoyed the PHEV model

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Car Reviewed: Kia Niro PHEV ‘3’ 1.6 GDi

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Slightly larger than the first generation Niro, the PHEV is available in three trim grades 2,3,4 and eight attractive colours for paintwork. There is a curious colour option, which I liked: the C pillar at the rear of the car being in a coordinating colour, grey or black, depending on the car’s colour.

The Niro is a bolder design than the already successful 2016 model with 70,000 sold; choice, safety, practicality, and economy are key. The Niro has a Five-star Euro NCAP rating for safety.

The Plug-in hybrid PHEV model is a satisfying choice. Overall, it is refined and very comfortable. It is quite satisfying, rides well and drives well; the electric to-engine switch is very smooth.

The car is powered by a super-efficient ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre 16 valve GDi engine with 180bhp it is a plug-in hybrid that is assisted by a small 11.1kWH battery. The transmission drives the front wheels with a six-speed DCT automatic, and the electric motor handles the reverse.

On the road, the electric range of 39 miles is reasonably good, with a top speed in excess of 65mph when in EV-only mode, probably a bit lower in real-world driving. All in all, the combination of powertrains in this model can bring some real fuel economy up to 353.1mpg on the right type of short medium journey, all without the stress of charging en route. The realistic MPG after the battery is run down would be around 58mpg.

However, being a PHEV charging away from home can be pretty slow. 2 hours and 55 minutes on a 7.2kW or 11kW charger is what you should expect, as the PHEV models are more suited to overnight home charging.

Acceleration is reasonably brisk with 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, not a high performance but around towns and local driving more than enough with the 180hbp working with the electric motor. The Niro rides well and is comfortable with its light steering and easy-to-drive. The choice of mode selector is ECO or Sport, which does perk things up and helps when overtaking. The hybrid also uses regenerative braking via paddles beside the steering wheel. When slowing down, this will harvest more energy, topping the small battery up. It isn’t quite like the one-pedal on some cars, but the strongest setting works well, so braking is hardly needed.

The car tested was ‘3’ level in the trim grades, the car was very well specced overall. It is hard-wearing inside, with many storage compartments and cup holders front and back. The instrument display is easy to use in a typical intuitive Kia way. The whole dash is visually appealing and has an element of a Wow factor when first seen. The user can customise some operations. Thankfully, the heating and ventilation controls are separate from the main screen display in a switchable bar beneath; this is also used to operate the 12-speaker sound system along with the ventilation; you need to see it.

The boot is a roomy 451 litres, and quickly dropping the seats with the touch of a button increases it to 1445 litres and gives you a nearly flat load area.

The Kia Niro is a charming, safe, stylish family SUV with more than enough tech to satisfy your move into the future with a plug-in hybrid. The Kia’s seven-year/ 100,00o mile Kia warranty transferable warranty adds reassurance with new technology.