Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Niro PHEV plug-in hybrid added to range

Kia's crossover PHEV boasts low emissions and a 36-mile electric range

Kia has launched a plug-in PHEV version of its Niro hybrid SUV, promising even lower emissions and running costs than the existing regular hybrid model.

Claimed fuel economy is 217.3mpg and the Niro PHEV boasts the lowest CO2 emissions figure of any internal-combustion-engined Kia, at 29 g/km. This qualifies the Niro PHEV for 9% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax payments – a boon to company-car drivers.

Compared to the regular hybrid, the Niro PHEV uses a higher-capacity 8.9kWh (kilowatt hour) battery pack, which is claimed to allow a 36-mile all-electric range on a full charge. When a fast charger is used, Kia claims the battery can be taken from fully depleted to a 100% charge in two and a quarter hours.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The PHEV uses the same 104bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine as the regular Niro hybrid, but a more powerful 60bhp electric motor is fitted. When the two work together, 139bhp is produced and the extra pulling power of electric traction allows a 0-62mph time of 10.4 seconds – around a second faster than the conventional hybrid.

As with the regular Niro hybrid, the PHEV uses six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox while a new ‘Eco Driving Assistant System’ promises to provide pointers on efficient driving, suggesting when the driver should brake or ease off on the accelerator.

Kia Niro PHEV equipment

The PHEV takes top spot in the Niro range and gets a few subtle styling tweaks over its sibling, with a new chrome radiator grille and blue trim details on the front and rear bumpers, as well as 16-inch alloys with aerodynamic plastic covers, privacy glass and LED tail-lights.

Standard equipment builds on the mid-range 3 trim level and includes an infotainment system with DAB radio, USB and aux-in ports, and a reversing camera. Front and rear parking sensors are fitted, as is dual-zone climate control. Black leather adorns the seats, steering wheel and gearshifter. Both seats are heated, while the driver's gets power adjustment.

To enable the high-capacity battery to be fitted, the PHEV has a smaller petrol tank than the regular hybrid – down from 45 to 43 litres. Boot space is also reduced, from 427 to 324 litres.

Kia Niro PHEV price & on-sale date

The Kia Niro PHEV is available now, priced at £30,495. Buyers qualify for a government plug-in grant of £2,500, though, bringing the price down to £27,995.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New 2024 Fiat Panda: latest details
2023 fiat panda render
News
15 Aug 2023

New 2024 Fiat Panda: latest details

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024