The launch of the Kia Niro small SUV with a choice of three electric powertrains, raises customer options based on fit-for-purpose.
The hybrid helps reduces but does not minimise fuel consumption. A full electric is a commitment to reducing pollution particularly at the local level.
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A plug-in hybrid could be the best of both worlds for people who do occasional long trips.
But Kia predicts that the plug-in hybrid will be the smallest seller as Roland Rivero their product manager notes
All a lot of it will be supply driven. And currently the minimum quantity that we’ve we’ve got agreed with KIA headquarters is about 100 a month. And that breakdown works out to be around about 20 units a month for the EV and about 70 units a month for the hybrid. And the gap 10, ten or so units a month is obviously the Plug-In hybrid.
What’s good
- Choice of three engines
- Range
- Fast charging ability
What’s not
- Design seems a little dated
- No full size spare tyre
- Expensive in EV model
Also Look At
Model | 2021 KIA NIRO EV |
| Model Price | $70,990 MLP* |
| Engine | Electric |
| Drivetrain | FWD One Speed reduction gear |
| Power | 150kW@ 3,800 – 8,000 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm @ 0 – 3,600 RPM |
| Safety | TBA ANCAP |
| Range / Charging time | 455km WLTP / 80% charge in 53mins with 100kw DC charger |
| 0-100kmh / to[ speed | 6.8 sec / 167 kmh |
| Servicing | TBA |
| Warranty | 7yr/ Unlimited km with 1 Yr. roadside assist conditional |
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.
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Summary
The launch of the Kia Niro small SUV with a choice of three electric powertrains, raises customer options based on fit-for-purpose.
The hybrid helps reduces but does not minimise fuel consumption. A full electric is a commitment to reducing pollution particularly at the local level.
