Kia Niro SUV - Interior & comfort
The Kia Niro interior is well built and there's plenty of standard equipment
Unlike the futuristic interior of the latest Toyota Prius, the Kia Niro’s is much more traditional and looks just like you’ll find elsewhere in the current range of Kia models – it’s particularly similar to the larger Kia Sportage SUV. The Niro is less comfortable, though, because its suspension has a sharp edge to it that sends too many bumps inside the car.
The different trim levels in the Niro family are distinguished by exterior treatments – the bigger wheels and LED headlamps of the higher-spec versions replaced by conventional halogen headlights and 16-inch wheels on the entry-level 2 models.
Everything about the car feels high-quality and well built, too.
Kia Niro dashboard
The Niro’s dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen, which we found reasonably responsive and easy to use. The controls mounted on the steering wheel could take a few moments to figure out, but the buttons on the centre console are more straightforward and the dials look classy and futuristic. Material quality is pretty good overall, especially the parts you regularly touch and particularly the leather-trimmed surfaces of the 3 and 4 models.
Equipment
There are three trim levels available – 2, 3 and 4 – all of which come with a DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity as standard.
The entry-level 2 models features 16-inch alloy wheels, gloss black and chrome exterior trims, dual-zone climate control, LED daytime running lights, an automatic windscreen de-fogging system as well as a 3.5-inch TFT screen in the instrument cluster. The 2 trim level also has an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes a reversing camera. Roof rails are fitted, and it now comes with an electronic handbrake to free up space.
An even more generous 3 trim level adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen, sat nav, 18-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel as well as front parking sensors and stainless-steel scuff plates.
Also included is a power-adjustable driver’s seat with powered lumbar adjustment, while four-zone climate-control air-conditioning adds comfort for passengers. The Niro PHEV is based on the 3 trim.
Finally, cars in top-spec 4 trim get a whole host of extra kit as standard. This includes heated outer rear seats, LED headlights, keyless entry and go, ventilated front seats and an electric sunroof.
Options
Buyers will also be able to add metallic paint for around £600 extra and there's a choice of 10 colours. There’s also the option of larger alloy wheels (with the caveat that the car isn’t as efficient with the bigger 18-inch rims).
