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The primary Kia Niro was a really late starter in Australia, arriving some three or 4 years after it hit the remainder of the world.
Providing a mixture of hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure electrical (EV) drivetrains, Kia’s first correct eco-car was by no means an enormous vendor right here prefer it was abroad, largely as a consequence of its dated design and comparatively premium pricing.
That’s no reflection on its deserves although, because the first-generation mannequin was a pointy driver and fairly environment friendly in all engine variants, whereas additionally packing a shocking quantity of house and tech.
Quick ahead to 2022 and Kia’s launched an all-new era, and Australia is alongside the remainder of the world by way of the launch rollout.
The brand new-generation Niro drops the PHEV in Australia, however each the Niro Hybrid (HEV) and Niro EV pack a way more trendy design in and out, the newest tech and options the corporate has to supply, and a brand new era of platforms and powertrains for enhanced efficiency, dynamics and effectivity.
All these developments haven’t come low cost although, with the new-generation vary as much as $4500 dearer than earlier than, positioning each the HEV and EV in step with premium competitors in addition to autos from the scale class above.
On check we’ve the 2023 Kia Niro HEV GT-Line, the top-spec petrol-electric model which is priced about the identical as a top-spec Toyota RAV4 Edge Hybrid regardless of being a bodily smaller automotive.
Can the electrified Kia justify its steep asking value, or is the Korean model having amusing?
How a lot does the Kia Niro HEV GT-Line price?
Costs are up considerably over the earlier era, however that’s offset considerably by the improved gear ranges throughout the vary, in addition to ongoing value changes throughout the trade. Regardless, the Niro is hardly a cut price.
The highest-spec Niro HEV GT-Line on check is priced from $50,030 plus on-road prices, or about $55,705 drive-away.
For reference, it’s some $4000 costlier on the highway than a Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD Hybrid ($51,308 D/A), and is sort of as a lot as an entry-level Lexus UX250h Luxurious 2WD Hybrid ($59,807 D/A).
It’s additionally some $6500 dearer than the outgoing top-spec Niro Hybrid Sport.
2022 Kia Niro pricing:
- Kia Niro HEV S: $44,380
- Kia Niro HEV GT-Line: $50,030
- Kia Niro EV S: $65,300
- Kia Niro EV GT-Line: $72,100
Costs exclude on-road prices
Rivals embrace:
- GWM Haval Jolion Extremely Hybrid: $40,990 D/A
- Honda HR-V e:HEV L: $47,000 D/A
- Lexus UX250h Luxurious 2WD: $52,025
- Mazda MX-30 G20e Astina: $41,190
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV Aspire: $50,490
- Subaru Forester Hybrid S: $49,340
- Subaru XV Hybrid S: $42,090
- Toyota C-HR GR Sport Hybrid: $37,665
- Toyota Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Hybrid: $46,050
- Toyota RAV4 Cruiser 2WD Hybrid: $45,750
Costs exclude on-road prices except specified
What’s the Kia Niro HEV GT-Line like on the within?
The brand new-gen Niro is a world away from its predecessor in and out, and it’s all for the higher within the cabin. It’s like a mini EV6 in right here.
In GT-Line spec, the Niro will get nearly each function and display screen the corporate can throw at it, and the automotive’s boxy design means it feels a lot airier inside than the compact exterior may counsel.
From the primary row the Kia feels effectively constructed with a very good mixture of supplies and surfaces, nevertheless it’s a bit… darkish. Australia doesn’t get any of the sunshine inside choices obtainable abroad, however a minimum of there’s good soft-touch supplies on the higher sprint and doorways, and the switchgear all feels stable.
The configurable contact bar that homes the digital infotainment and local weather controls is, just like the EV6 and Sportage, one of many higher examples of touch-based switchgear. The shortcuts are organized logically they usually aren’t so small or shut collectively that you simply’re continuously urgent the improper factor on the go – plus there are precise knobs for quantity and temperature.
As we’ve seen with different Kia fashions, the Niro homes the digital instrument cluster and central infotainment show in a conjoined design, with the shows measuring 10.25-inches every in GT-Line specification.
Each screens provide the identical feel and appear as different Hyundai and Kia fashions, although the Niro is the primary Kia in Australia to function the model’s net-based Kia Join companies – assume distant engine begin, app-based automobile standing, automobile monitoring, emergency name, and distant vacation spot entry through smartphone.
The brand new options add a lacking layer of polish to the Kia’s infotainment system, which additionally will get 10 years of Site visitors Info companies and free map updates if you service at your authorised Kia vendor.
It even has voice instructions with pure voice recognition in GT-Line fashions with Kia Join, which is once more one thing that has been lacking from different mannequin traces. You not want Apple CarPlay or Android Auto lively to make use of the voice management button and get the automobile to enter navigation locations, for instance.
The interface itself continues to supply wealthy graphics and snappy response, and the usual six-speaker audio system is sweet with out being nice. The eight-speaker Harman/Kardon-branded premium setup reserved for the Niro EV GT-Line is a greater guess, nonetheless.
The seats are trimmed in perforated Bio PU leatherette, and whereas not tremendous convincing as actual cow cover, the upholstery is supple and there’s a sample to the inserts that’s visually fascinating.
Drivers are handled to an eight-way powered seat with two-way electrical lumbar assist, although there’s no reminiscence presets. There’s a very good vary of adjustment in each the seat and the steering wheel to discover a comfy driving place.
The entrance passenger seat is a handbook six-way unit on all grades bar the Niro EV GT-Line, which appears a bit foolish given the HEV right here ought to be equal. The entrance seats function heating and air flow, and the steering wheel is heated additionally.
Storage is sweet up entrance, with a configurable cubby within the centre console with cupholders, door bins that may maintain decent-sized bottles, a shelf forward of the rotary e-shifter which additionally homes the wi-fi cellphone charger. This little cubby additionally has a USB-A port for smartphone mirroring, a USB-C cost port, and a 12V socket.
Whereas the Niro is classed by VFACTS as a ‘Small SUV’, the second row is way nearer in passenger house to autos a dimension up.
There’s glorious headroom because of the tall roofline, and there’s loads of legroom. I’m 6’1 and may comfortably sit behind my very own driving place, although the bench itself is kind of flat.
Facilities embrace airline-style map pockets on the entrance seatbacks, USB-C cost ports on the interior sides of each entrance seats, rear air vents, a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders, in addition to bottle holders within the rear doorways.
Kiddies are catered for with ISOFIX anchors for the outer seats, and top-tether factors throughout all three positions.
Open up the GT-Line’s hands-free energy tailgate and there’s 425 litres of baggage capability, which once more is a match for autos within the dimension class above – a Mazda CX-5 presents 438L/1340L, for reference.
The realm itself is huge, sq. and flat, and expands to a formidable 1419L with the rear seats folded. Whereas there’s a step as much as the seatbacks in its max quantity setting, the ground folds upwards to even out the distinction in top.
Boot options embrace a foldable cargo cowl, in addition to baggage internet hooks and a lightweight.
In contrast to the Niro EV, which will get a tyre restore equipment, the Niro HEV comes with a space-saver spare beneath the ground.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Energy within the Niro HEV comes from a 1.6-litre Smartstream naturally-aspirated petrol engine teamed with a transmission-mounted everlasting magnet synchronous electrical motor and a 1.32kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The direct-injected petrol engine develops 77.2kW (5700rpm) and 144Nm (4000rpm) by itself, whereas the electrical motor contributes an extra 32kW and 170Nm – system outputs are quoted as 104kW (5700rpm) and 265Nm (4000rpm).
Drive is distributed to the entrance wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Kia claims the Niro HEV GT-Line ought to speed up from 0-100km/h in round 10.8 seconds, by the way 0.4s slower than the bottom mannequin.
The all-important gas consumption determine is a thrifty 4.0L/100km on the mixed cycle, with the Niro HEV rated to run on common 91 RON unleaded. The gas tank measures 42L, that means theoretically it is best to be capable of get 1000km on a tank. CO2 emissions for the Niro HEV are quoted at 91g/km.
Kia says the Niro HEV can tow as much as 1300kg, with a max towball obtain of 100kg.
How does the Kia Niro HEV GT-Line drive?
The brand new Niro encompasses a growth of the 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated hybrid system from the earlier automotive, regardless of quoting similar outputs to its predecessor.
It’s additionally driving on a more moderen, lighter platform shared with the brand new Hyundai i30 Sedan (or Elantra), although the tare mass continues to be up on the previous-gen Niro Sport by about 40kg because it’s a bodily bigger automobile than earlier than.
Press the starter button and the Niro involves life in silence, because it defaults to EV mode on startup. You may’t truly toggle hybrid mode settings like you may in another automobiles although – i.e. there’s no EV button like a Toyota hybrid.
As we’ve famous in earlier evaluations of Kia hybrid merchandise, it takes a second to get used to the driving really feel of the Korean model’s electrified merchandise, as the electrical motor is mounted on the transmission and subsequently shifts by means of gears even when the petrol engine isn’t firing.
You may truly really feel the cogs shifting as you construct velocity, which feels a bit overseas at first however you shortly get used to it.
Whereas the Niro’s outputs aren’t tremendous thrilling, the low-down response from the electrical motor means it will get together with respectable tempo and doesn’t really feel underpowered in comparison with rival hybrid choices.
It solely ever actually runs out of puff on the high finish, given electrical motors taper off at larger speeds and the petrol engine solely generates 77kW at 5700rpm.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine is nice and fairly refined in city driving, however can get a bit gruff and shouty in case you actually push it. Don’t purchase into the sporty GT-Line branding, that is no efficiency product.
Nevertheless, the Niro does really feel athletic in the way in which it rides and handles. With its native suspension tune and deal with dynamics with this new platform, the Niro HEV is surprisingly nippy and responsive if you level it at a bend.
The Kia’s fast and direct steering groups effectively with the taut, planted chassis, which makes for a little bit of enjoyable when slinking by means of suburban streets and tight automotive parks. It’s additionally effectively damped, so whereas it rides a bit on the firmer aspect, it doesn’t crash and jar over imperfections like drain covers and tram tracks.
You should use the paddles on the steering wheel to take management of shifting your self, and there’s Sport mode for the steering and powertrain for higher response. Nevertheless, as famous earlier getting the engine to carry revs generally is a little coarse and unrefined.
Gradual issues down a bit and the Niro HEV does a reasonably seamless job of shuffling between energy sources, and flicks itself into EV mode very often.
That is mirrored in its spectacular real-world gas consumption – we noticed an indicated 4.9L/100km after per week of testing together with a return journey to Phillip Island on nation highways, however at instances we noticed low fours, even excessive threes.
Insulation from wind and highway noise is respectable with out being standout, although that is nothing new for the section.
On the aforementioned return journey to Phillip Island from Melbourne, the coarse-chip nation highways transmitted a little bit of tyre roar into the cabin nevertheless it wasn’t overwhelming or boomy like some similarly-sized rivals.
The Niro HEV GT-Line comes geared up with an array of lively security and help methods, and like different Hyundai/Kia merchandise these options are effectively calibrated and fairly useful in on a regular basis use.
Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assists are at all times useful on busy freeways and inner-city roads, and assist to alleviate any blind spots triggered from the Niro’s thick C-pillars.
Kia’s adaptive cruise management and Lane Following Help options additionally take the pressure off longer freeway stints, managing acceleration, braking and turning inside a lane. It really works for site visitors jams, too.
For all its strengths although it’s value noting the dearth of a 360-degree digital camera system in any grade. Given many rivals provide one, it’s disappointing the Niro’s premium pricing doesn’t purchase you a digital camera with 3D view as we’ve seen within the firm’s different merchandise.
What do you get?
Niro HEV GT-Line highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- 10.25-inch central touchscreen
- 10.0-inch head-up show
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired)
- Distant Good Park Help
- Kia Join app connectivity
- Keyless entry and begin
- Synthetic leather-based seat trim
- Heated, ventilated entrance seats
- Gloss black exterior mirror trim
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Rear privateness glass
- Laminated entrance door glass
- Metallic scuff plates, pedals
- Gloss black inside trim highlights
- Entrance ambient lighting
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Twin rear map pockets
- Two-tone paint choices
That’s on high of the Niro S specification:
- LED daytime working lights
- Computerized headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Powered, auto-folding exterior mirrors
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- DAB+ digital radio, AM/FM tuner
- Leather-based-trimmed steering wheel
- Paddle shifters (to regulate regen)
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Fabric and synthetic leather-based trim
- Six-way powered driver’s seat
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
Is the Kia Niro HEV GT-Line secure?
The brand new Niro hasn’t been crash examined by ANCAP or Euro NCAP as but, however Kia says it’s prone to be put to the check throughout the third quarter of 2022 – watch this house.
Naturally, a five-star security ranking is the goal for each the HEV and EV.
Commonplace security gear contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian and Bike owner detection
- Junction help
- Reverse AEB
- Blind-spot help
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Excessive Beam Help (auto high-beam)
- Clever Velocity Restrict Help
- Lane Following Help
- Lane-keep help
- Main Automobile Departure Alert
- Parking sensors, entrance and rear
- Rear Occupant Alert
- Reversing digital camera
- Protected Exit Warning
- Protected Exit Help
How a lot does the Kia Niro HEV GT-Line price to run?
The Niro, like the broader Kia vary, is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
Additional, the high-voltage elements (e.g. battery, e-motor) are coated for seven years or 150,000 kilometres.
Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.
Pricing is as follows:
- 12mths or 15,000km: $276
- 24mths or 30,00km: $653
- 36mths or 45,000km: $370
- 48mths or 60,000km: $1035
- 60mths or 75,000km: $311
- 72mths or 90,000km: $818
- 84mths or 105,000km: $533
In complete, the Niro HEV will price $3996 over the lifetime of the seven-year capped-price service schedule, which is a heavy whack no matter the way you have a look at it. Three years sits at $1299, and 5 years is $2645.
Kia Australia says all service objects are included within the above CPS schedule, that means there’s no hidden prices for objects like brake fluid, brake alternative, or coolant adjustments.
Maybe much less daunting is the gas consumption, which in the true world noticed an indicated 4.9L/100km over 640 kilometres of blended driving with a skew to freeway environments. At first of the week with extra city driving and slow-moving site visitors, we noticed nearer to 4.0-4.2L/100km.
That’s nonetheless inside 1L of Kia’s declare, and the small 42L tank will run fortunately on cheaper 91 RON unleaded.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia Niro HEV GT-Line
The brand new Kia Niro HEV is a giant step ahead over its predecessor, however its excessive pricing and restricted provide (extra right here) will little question maintain it a reasonably low-volume providing, whilst consumers scramble to get hybrids.
It drives fairly effectively, returns spectacular real-world gas financial system, and presents segment-busting practicality, whereas additionally that includes head-turning design and the newest tech the Korean model has to supply – largely.
The servicing will get fairly costly in the long term too, particularly when manufacturers like Honda and Toyota are doing $125-$200 companies for the primary 5 years. Kia’s common of $400-$600 each year is certainly a bit excessive.
Whereas costly each to purchase and to keep up, the Niro HEV GT-Line provides one other worthy participant into the rising hybrid market, and extra selection for the Australian shopper can solely be a win in at this time’s ever pricier and supply-stricken new automotive market.
Click on the photographs for the total gallery
MORE: All the pieces Kia Niro
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