Find out if the Kia Niro is the SUV that will work for you, or if you should be looking elsewhere... Look here for more information: www.osv.ltd.uk/kia/niro-estate
I've just picked up a 2yr old version 2 and I'm completely blown away by how the car drives and performs. My drive back home was a baptism of fire in 50 mph crosswinds and driving rain and I'm pleased to say the car was incredibly stable. The steering is light at slow speeds but firms up nicely when you put your foot down. Yes, it may take a bit of adjustment but considering the conditions I was driving in it was fine (excellent tyres by the way). I averaged 54mpg virtually against the wind all the way. Beware the hybrid driving instrument graphics, it's a bit additive!! Brakes are spot on. Seats are very comfy and I was a little surprised how nippy it was in Sport mode. The auto box is seamless and seems a perfect match to the drivetrain. Well done Kia!!
The Prius CVT isn't belt driven but is often referred to as an eCVT. There are no belts. In fact the Synergy drive is quite brilliant and extremely reliable.
Exemplary review - informative and professional overview of an excellent car which seems to tick all the hybrid boxes without being outwardly "smug", like the Prius.
The reviewer seems misinformed as to how Prius "Hybrid Synergy"works: It is no cone-and-belt CVT. Rather, it has two electric motors connected by a differential gear. The absence of any friction coupling as well as any mechanical changing of gear ratios makes it elegant, with amazingly few moving parts. But it does depend on the electric motors and engine having flatter torque curves than may be. The addition of a true automatic transmission apparently takes the Niro past inherent design limitations of "Hybrid Synergy." What are the qualifications of these unnamed reviewers, anyhow?
Really great Review. I bought the Spirit (which is Niro 3 under UK specs I think). reasons are simple: Better equipement and the bigger tires. Yes, Bigger tires :) I had the chance to try the Niro 1 and Niro 3 and I really didn't like the way the smaller tires felt on the road. The car felt a little more jumpy which didn't make it feel stable. The bigger tires (18") are amazing. Yes fuel economy takes a hit, but I thought it was a great combination bewteen handling and economy.
The Toyota Prius's CVT transmission is NOT belt based as stated multiple times. It to 100% gear based built with concentric parallel and counter rotating rings and gears, and is 15 % more efficient than any fixed ratio gear and clutch based tranny (and the RIO has two clutches vs. the statement that is has none.) Do your research before opening your mouth.
Great review of the Niro. Extremely informative and helpful, top marks, thanks very much. One moot point though which seems to have been overlooked, or rather glossed over rather too hastily is as follows. Is the foot operated parking brake, as opposed to conventional handbrake, European style, designed with the north American market in mind? Regardless of the ostensible reason of freeing up space for cup holders. If so why not go the whole hog and ditch the right hand drive entirely? Seems to make as much sense as the inclusion of the weird foot brake "handbrake". This is the only thing which would genuinely put me off what is otherwise a a really well sorted motor. Thanks again for this excellent review.
I very much enjoy your well detailed reviews. I feel that the Niro is the best option in the segment if practicallity and running cost are also considered. Any plans on reviewing the updated 2020 Kia Niro PHEV. I really hope you do.
Well done, thank you all. Good in depth review. If seating position isn't high, so it's neither SUV nor Crossover, just a little higher car. it's so purpose of crossover, that a driver climbing op to sit, so driver sitting like on a desk seat, not sitting down on a hachback seat.
Intelligent informative review. As it's all about economy why can't the reviewer tell us what he is getting to the gallon in 'real world' driving ? Matt Watson is the only one that does.
Hi Bruce Bartenetti, Specifications in each country in the world change due to manufacturer marketing strategies and local compliance requirements so you would need to check with your local dealer if you are outside of the UK.
Surprised that a motoring journalist hasn't done his homework, he states here that the Ioniq has identical fuel figures to the Niro. No it does not, the Ioniq is approx 10 mpg better because of it's shape and weight and it's cheaper !
Right direction for sure. But, take a look at the "orange peel" paint work around the Eco/Hybrid badge on the back! Come on Kia, you can do better than that.
Terrible misinformation about the prius’ transmission. It’s e-cvt, no belts. It’s highly reliable and the single best item of the synergy drive. The geared transmission is a long-term risk on this Kia. (Ask anyone who has a Ford dry clutch powershift transmission.) Also, nickel metal hydride batteries are used to this day in some priuses because they have certain advantages, especially low temp performance and longevity.
Very thorough. Maybe too much so. 37 minutes. TMI and gets tedious and overwhelming with really just too much technical specs and every last comparison etc. Surely could have been edited down to more like 25min. But the guy sure seems to know what he's talking about.
Something KIA could have easily done to make this EV car a lot more attractive. ■ Make the look abit nicer to look at, abit like Kona or Sportage. At the moment its ugly and bland. ■ More versatile colour and even two tone colour would have made this bland car an uplift. ■ Cut constant annoying noises when starting the car, better sound system, better sat nav, etc. Please leave a comment.
