FORTY two miles, that’s the difference between rushing to school and pootling along.
Same distance, same conditions, same terrain, but the day the boy fails to get out of bed in good time is a day we have to clog it to class.
Kia’s new Niro EV reads 245 miles on the range display with 100 per cent charge in the battery.
Thankfully the readout is pretty accurate, unlike the electric car of the previous week where its ‘265 range’ figure proved to be overly optimistic as it plummeted within the first few miles.
Now, a normal school run is 62 miles and driving steadily sees this drop by 65 – three mile difference is pretty good, I would say.
But when you are running late and have to hoof it – granted enjoying the plentiful amount of performance this car possesses – the range readout drops by 107, quite a difference and a lesson in how EVs like to be driven.
I explain to the boy that being late setting out costs me even more money because I’ll have to charge that extra 42 miles and at 75p/kW at a supermarket charger that doesn’t come cheap. Does he look bothered? No, not really, particularly as he’s on his phone so probably hasn’t even heard.
Boy safely delivered, it’s time to dwell on the many merits of this latest SUV from the Korean manufacturer.
I’ve always loved Kias and recommend them to people on a regular basis. The previous Niro was a stalwart but the latest variant is so much better.
The looks are strange, but in a good way, as they rewrite the styling manual that says cars have to look like a human face. What this does is make Niro stand out from the crowd and I commend it for doing so in a world where vehicles can look a bit samey.
The two-tone nature of the paintwork really sets off the livery and even seems to alter the shape making it look squat and purposeful. There’s also a sheen of quality about Niro which says it is a car that is going to last.
Inside is great too. The interior is spacious and well-appointed with high quality trim, great tech and perfect ergonomics. It is light and spacious and really well equipped. The tech is intuitive and easy to use. The Bluetooth hi-fi and infotainment system are fabulous.
Then there’s the performance. Not too long ago 201BHP, 255Nm of torque and a 0-60mph sprint time in the sevens would be the preserve of a very hot hothatch. Yet here we have those same figures in a family SUV – crazy.
Niro is so rapid with that instantaneous power that only comes with electrics. Touch the throttle and it is away and it just keeps pulling. Use the one-pedal set up, which turns the accelerator into a throttle-cum-brake, which also helps regenerate power to the battery, and that power is incredibly controllable.
This makes Niro the perfect tool for cross-country forays because it has more than enough oomph to clear slow moving traffic with alacrity. It might take the juice out of the battery but it’s worth it for the fun and progress you make.
Add into the equation superb ride, handling and levels of grip, positive steering and peerless body control and you have a machine that loves to be driven.
Lastly, Niro is immensely practical, with a large, well-shaped, boot, plenty of internal storage and comprehensive specification so I’m glad to report that it is yet another Kia I’m happy to recommend.
Fact File
Niro EV4
Engine: electric motor
Power: 201BHP, 255 Nm torque
0-62mph: 7.8secs
Top speed: 103mph
Range: 245
Transmission: six-speed dual clutch automatic
CO2 g/km: 0
Price: £42,295.00
