Released in 2017 in Europe, the Kia Niro plug in hybrid has been given a makeover for 2022, and offers a brand new configuration. Indeed, with simplicity of use, more generous space, and improved performance, you have all the cards in hand to push the limits of your imagination. It’s up to you!
New Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid 2022
The Niro Plug In Hybrid is based on the “Opposites United” design philosophy of Korean automaker Kia.
Dimensions
The Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid is 4,420 mm long, 1,825 mm wide and 1,545 mm high. Larger than a Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, it is a giant in the urban crossover galaxy.
In terms of trunk space, the Kia Niro PHEV is less generous than the Niro Hybrid, with a storage volume of up to 348 liters with the rear seats up, and up to 1,342 liters with the bench seat folded down.
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4,420 mm |
| Width | 1,825 mm |
| Height | 1,545 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 mm |
| Trunk | 348 liters |
Interior and exterior design
The Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid is spacious and takes its aesthetic cues from the brand’s latest creations. It combines an exterior design with assertive and dynamic lines, with a spacious interior, where sustainable and eco-responsible materials are chosen with taste.
With its exclusive design, two-tone grille, and hexagonal shape, the Niro Plug-In Hybrid reveals its cutting-edge, high-tech character from every angle.
It features a sleek, streamlined rear pillar that allows for airflow and optimized vehicle aerodynamics. The rear features a sober design with boomerang-shaped lights, a heartbeat reflector and a striking bumper.
Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s interior combines the best of design and technology. The seats are comfortable, and depending on the trim level, buyers will have a choice of cloth, mixed cloth/artificial leather, or artificial leather that contains Tencel made from eucalyptus wood, for a more natural look. These offer its driver and passengers a very relaxing onboard experience.
The operator’s station is intuitive and user-friendly. They guarantee the driver remarkable ease of access and interaction. All of this is enhanced by linear and customizable ambient lighting.
At the steering wheel, the driver has a 10.25-inch panoramic display, depending on the version. It consists of two high-definition digital screens, which combine driving information and infotainment functions.
Powertrain and performance of the Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid
Let’s move on to the thermal part. The Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid has recently been given a brand new configuration. The old hybrid version was limited to 141 hp of power, against 183 hp for the new version.
It’s a 105 hp 1.6 GDi gasoline engine, combined with an 84 hp electric motor. The whole thing is driven by a DCT6 dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The 84 hp offered by the electric motor are more than enough to drive comfortably in the city, and even on the highway. As for the internal combustion engine, it remains available at the touch of a pedal or thanks to the “Sport” mode on the gearbox, for occasional overtaking.
In terms of performance, the maximum top speed is 161 km/h with 18-inch wheels, and 168 km/h with 16-inch wheels. The 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in 9.6 s.
| Old Kia Niro | New Kia Niro | |
| Thermal power | 105 hp | 105 hp |
| Electrical power | 44.5 kW – 60.5 hp | 62 kW – 84 hp |
| Cumulative power | 141 hp | 183 hp |
Battery and autonomy
The lithium-ion polymer battery also increases. It increases from 8.9 kWh for the previous generation to 11.1 kWh for the new version. The latter is guaranteed for 7 years or 150,000 km.
In the WLTP combined cycle, the manufacturer announces a “zero emission” range of 59 km with 18-inch wheels, and 65 km with 16-inch wheels. Just a reminder: the smaller the rims, the more economical they are. The proof!
The WLTP procedure on the basis of which new vehicles are approved since September 1, 2018,. It replaces the European driving cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously.
How does the Kia Niro plug in hybrid recharge ?
There are two ways to charge your new Niro Plug-In Hybrid. Charge your vehicle at home, or use a public charging station. Depending on the equipment you choose, the charging method and speed will vary.
| Option 1 : Recharge at home |
Electric vehicles are recharged at their owners’ homes in 80% of cases. Usually at night. The next morning, the battery is fully charged. It almost always guarantees a more than sufficient autonomy, and accomplishes most daily trips. For a home recharge, there are three types of recharge:
- Accelerated charging: This is the most common and recommended type of charging. Your vehicle recharges 3 to 4 times faster than with the slow charging mode. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes for a complete recharge of the battery.
- Wallbox charging: This is a wall-mounted charging station, but for the Niro Plug-in Hybrid, the interest is low. The maximum charging power is limited to 3.7 kW.
- Slow charging: It allows you to recharge your electric vehicle via a standard socket. To do this, simply connect your vehicle to the 220 V mains, using a standard three-pin plug. But be careful, the slow recharge is only advised in case of emergency.
| Option 2: Public charging stations |
Outside your home, you can charge your vehicle at public charging stations. These are powered by alternating current (AC). They can deliver the 3.7 kW needed to recharge your Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid in 1 hour and 50 minutes.
As far as public DC stations are concerned, they are of no use to you. In fact, it is not possible to charge the Kia Niro Plug in Hybrid with DC power.
Which fuel to use ?
We remind you that hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles are the combination of an electric motor and a thermal engine. In general, the energy of the thermal engine is gasoline, which opens the choice of the Unleaded 95, the Unleaded 95 E10 and the Unleaded 98.
The Niro Plug-In Hybrid’s driver’s manual states that it is important to use fuel with an octane rating above 91. E85 is therefore prohibited.
Consumption: less emissions, more emotions
The new Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid is capable of seamlessly switching from hybrid to zero-emission electric mode. That’s how it offers you additional fuel saving potential.
According to the WLTP combined cycle, the Korean SUV model consumes between 0.8 and 1.0 l/100km on average, which is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 18 to 21 g/km. The previous version consumed 4.4 to 4.6 l/100km.
Safety equipment: simplify your life
Designed to ensure effortless driving on the road, the Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid has various safety systems:
| Active Highway Driving Assistance (HDA): With this system, the safety distance to the vehicle in front of the Kia Niro is automatically maintained. At the same time, the distance, acceleration and deceleration in your lane is controlled. |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking System with Car Detection (FCA): To avoid a collision at an intersection, the system analyzes information from surrounding vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, using the camera and radars on your Kia Niro. If the risk of collision is detected, an alert is displayed, and the maximum braking system is applied. |
| Blind Spot Detection Collision Avoidance System (BCA): An audible and visual warning is issued when the Kia Niro detects a vehicle in your blind spot. To avoid a collision, the system actively takes control of your vehicle. The same applies if a vehicle is approaching from the left or right side, when you are backing up. |
| Adaptive Cruise Control with Navigation (NSCC): The selected speed is maintained, and the safety distance to the vehicle ahead is maintained. In addition, when cornering, the controller automatically reduces the speed, based on information provided by the navigation system. |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking in Reverse (PCA-R): When you leave a parking space in reverse, the system will notify you if it detects a potential collision (pedestrian, cyclist, or object). The car will automatically stop. |
| Remote parking assistance (RSPA): Parking or leaving a parking space without even driving is possible. Simply use the key to move your vehicle. It automatically brakes if the Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid detects an object. Entering or exiting a parking space is a breeze! |
For more information, please contact your dealer.
The range of the new Kia Niro plug in hybrid
The new version of the plug-in hybrid SUV model available since 2022, consists of five trims, including two reserved for professionals: Motion, Active, Premium, Active Business and Premium Business.
Motion
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Active traffic jam assist (LFA)
- Rearview camera with dynamic guide lines
- Rear parking sensors
- …
Active
- Hands-free access and start (Smart Key)
- Active Highway Driving Assistance (HDA)
- Rain sensor
- Front parking sensors
- 10.25″ touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility via USB cable
- …
Premium
- 100% digital 10.25″ instrument cluster
- Hands-free power tailgate
- 18” alloy wheels
- Aluminum finish pedals and door sills
- Full LED front headlights
- …
Price: buy a new Kia Niro plug in hybrid
Here again, it all depends on the finish you choose for your Niro Plug-in Hybrid. With an entry price of €37,990, it costs €7,010 less than a Peugeot 3008 hybrid with 225 hp. You can benefit from an ecological bonus of €6,000 until June 30, 2022. Marketed since 2017 in Europe, the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is manufactured directly in South Korea.
| Finishes | Price |
| Motion | 37 990 € |
| Active | 40 190 € |
| Premium | 42 790 € |
| Active Business | 40 690 € |
| Premium Business | 43 440 € |
Our opinion
The Kia Niro Plug In Hybrid is as comfortable in the city as it is on the highway. In Premium trim, the comfort it offers is excellent, and the equipment is worthy of the upper segment. Its competitors include the Renault Austral E-Tech with 160 hp. This one is a little more imposing, but the prices have not yet been communicated.
| To help you make the right choice, the OnMyBike team regularly offers articles on electric and hybrid cars |