Niro HEV – Over the last few weeks we have driven a few of the Kia NIRO electric cars, this week it’s the Hybrid EV turn. We drove the ‘S’ model, which is the entry model but it also comes in the top spec GT as well. 
As mentioned the Niro looks like a smaller Seltos, quite stylish and comfortable. It’s just the right size fir urban adventures with enough room for longer driving holidays or weekends away.
The Hybrid version is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces power of 77.2kW along with 144 Nm of torque. When combined with the 32kW electric motor, the HEV model produces a combined maximum power output of 104kW and 265 Nm of torque.
It’s matched to a second generation 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (6DCT) driving the front wheels.
The combination allows for excellent fuel economy of around 4.0L/100K and we got just a bit over that on test.
Unlike the fully electric versions, the HEV is a great compromise between efficiency and range. There is zero range anxiety with the hybrid. When it gets empty simply take five minutes at a petrol station and fill up and be on your way again. It seems stunning that there is a theoretical 100km plus out of this small SUV styled car. That’s the beauty of it.
The KIA Niro HEV is priced from $44,380 for the S version and around $50,000 for the GT version,. Those are plus the usual costs.
This is a Motoring Minute
Im Rob Fraser
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Quick NIRO HEV thoughts
What is good? |
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What is not so good? |
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Some other Niro Articles
- Kia Connect is released in Kia Niro second generation 2022
- Kia Niro Plus part of a purpose-built vehicle’ strategy
- Kia Connect confirmed all-new Niro
- Kia Niro All new EV and HEV vehicles here
- Kia Niro Electric Vehicle 2022 Review
- Kia Niro Hybrid 2021 Review
- KIA Niro PHEV Sport 2021 Review
- KIA Niro Full 2021 Review
- Kia Niro – Mild Hybrid, Plug-In or Full Electric?
- Kia NIRO Australia enters the electrified market
Also Look At
The Niro S HEV is an entry level Hybrid Electric car. You could look at Hyundai Kona EV, Haval Jolion HEV, Ford Escape PHEV, Honda HRV EV, Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid and MG ZS
Kia Niro | |
Model | Niro HEV S |
| Model Price | $44,380 MLP* |
| Engine | 1.6L Hybrid Petrol Euro 5 |
| Drivetrain | 6 Sp DCT FWD |
| Battery Capacity / type | 1.3kWh / Lithium Ion |
| Power | 77.2kW @ 5700rpm 104kW combined |
| Torque | 144Nm @ 4000rpm 170Nm combined |
| Fuel ADR | 4.0L/100km |
| Range (WLTP) / efficiency | 1050Km / ADR |
| Fast Charge / Home (240V) | N/A |
| Safety | 5 Star ANCAP (tested June 2022) |
| CO2 Emissions | 91g/km |
| 0-100kmh/Top Speed | 10.4secs / TBA |
| Servicing | Capped Price |
| Warranty | 7yr/ Unlimited km with 7Yr. conditional roadside assist |
*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)
Overall Rating | 80/100 |
| Behind the Wheel | 8 |
| Comfort | 8 |
| Equipment | 8 |
| Performance | 8 |
| Ride and Handling | 8 |
| Practicality | 8 |
| Fit for Purpose | 8 |
| Styling/Appeal | 8 |
| Technology/connectivity | 8 |
| Value for Money | 8 |
Dimensions | |
| Overall Length | 4420mm |
| Wheelbase | 2720mm |
| Width | 1825mm |
| Height | 1545mm |
| Wheels | 16×6.5J Alloy |
| Tyres | 205/60 R16 92H |
| Max ground clearance | Up to 160mm |
| Wading Depth | TBA |
| Approach | N/A |
| Rampover | N/A |
| Departure angle | N/A |
| Turning Circle KTK | 10.6m |
| Boot Capacity Min | 425L |
| Boot capacity Max | 1419L |
| Battery Weight | 443kg |
| Kerb Weight | 1496kg |
| Payload (kg) | 444kg |
| GVM (kg) | 1940kg |
| GCM | 3240kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1300kg |
| Tow Ball rating | 100kg |
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Summary
Niro HEV – Over the last few weeks we have driven a few of the Kia NIRO electric cars, this week it’s the Hybrid EV turn. We drove the ‘S’ model, which is the entry model but it also comes in the top spec GT as well.
The KIA Niro HEV is priced from $44,380 for the S version and around $50,000 for the GT version,. Those are plus the usual costs.
