Kia Niro PHEV 2021 Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Dec 31, 2021

 

Kia has been introducing many new models into Australia's electrified motoring market. Another addition is the Niro. This new Niro, a small-stature SUV, is available in different choices. Kia's new Niro is basically a type of attack on the eco-friendly SUV space. It covers literally all green-vehicle bases, a fully electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid version, in order to fulfil everybody's need. Although globally, the Niro was launched in 2017, it arrived in Australia recently. Despite being late, it still has managed to mark its entry in the SUV segment. 

 

Kia Niro engine:

The Niro gets its power from 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine. This engine produces 77kW of power at 5700rpm and 147 Nm of torque at 4000rpm. If seen in isolation, it's no powerhouse. It, therefore, is also paired with an electric motor transmission mounted and in parallel feed. This motor produces 44.5kW of power and 170 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive. 

 

The combined output of the engine is almost104kW of power at 5700rpm and 265 Nm of torque at 4000rpm. Even though it offers a powerful e-motor, it still produces the advertised measures as the closed-circuit hybrid version. The advantage of having  PHEV is its bigger 8.9kWh lithium-ion battery, and this battery comes with 360 volts and a 24.7Ah capacity. 

 

Kia Niro exterior:

Although the Kia Niro is one of the newest cars in Australia, it still looks a little old-school when it comes to the design and styling of its exterior, and it just cuts a fine figure on the road. 

 

This SUV looks a little more cute than average. The front end of the Niro comprises a squashed-looking grille that slightly looks similar to the older Kias. The only difference is that it has an active black-filled mesh grille pointing towards aerodynamic slipperiness. 

 

Its headlights are styled so that they look like bleeding backwards in the body panels. It has 16-inch alloys that are framed similarly to black embellishments present above. The black inserts of the Niro further enhance the aero looks! 

 

Without a doubt, the best exterior feature of the Kia Niro is its lightly raked roofline. This styling provides Niro's sides to feel a little sleeker and slightly sportier. 

 

Kia Niro interior:

From the inside, you will get a cabin that is very much like Kia. The interior of the Niro has a dark and somewhat monotone colour scheme. Sitting inside the Niro, you will feel like a space that light can't escape. The front of the cabin is the winner because it has some thoughtful material and offers a strong tech. 

 

Coming towards the cabin space, you are going to get what you probably must be expecting. On the front seats, there is plenty of room for two adults. The two adults sitting upfront can easily travel without awkward elbow bumps.

 

In addition, on the upfront, you also get plenty of niceties, including:

✓ Twin-zone climate

✓ Bottle holders in the doors

✓ Twin cupholders in the central console

✓ Easy device charging

 

The space is a little congested, tight or sparse, moving on to the rear seats. This is because of the battery that is present under the floor panel. The back passenger does get bottle holders and air vents, but there is nothing special at the backend. 

 

The boot of the Kia Niro is where you are going to find a lot of usable space. The second battery is present beneath the floor panel, and that's why the boot is comparatively on the smaller side. The boot space will be around 324 litres with the rear seats in place, and if the rear seats are folded flat, it will become 1322 litres. It does not include a spare, so you will need a tyre repair kit. 

 

Kia Niro specs:

Here are specs of Kia Niro S models on the outside:

✓ LED DRLs

✓ LED rear lighting

✓ Halogen automatic headlights

✓ Auto wipers

✓ Roof rails

 

Inside you will be getting the following: 

✓ Leather-wrapped wheel

✓ Part-leather/part-cloth seat materials

✓ Dual-zone air-conditioning

 

Coming to the technology, the Niro brings along the following:

✓ 8.0-inch touchscreen

✓ Wireless Apple CarPlay

✓ Wireless/wired Android Auto

✓ Six-speaker stereo

✓ Digital radio

✓ Second 4.2-inch screen

✓ Two USB ports 

 

The Sport model has the same-size alloys and a general exterior look. In addition to that, you will be getting the following:

✓ LED front lights

✓ 10.25-inch touchscreen

✓ NAV

✓ Faux-leather seats

✓ Paddle shifters

 

Kia Niro safety:

Upon being tested in 2016, the Kia Niro PHEV rated a five-star ANCAP safety rating. This is all because of the Kia Niro PHEV's amazing safety features.

 

For maximum safety Niro includes the following: 

✓ Seven airbags

✓ Driver's knee bag

✓ Suite of braking

✓ Traction aids

✓ Forward AEB

✓ Pedestrian detection

✓ Cyclist detection

✓ Lane Keep Assist

✓ Lane Follow Assist

✓ Active cruise control

✓ Blind Spot Detection

✓ Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Alert 

✓ Rear-view camera

✓ Rear parking sensors

 

Kia Niro price:

The Kia Niro 2021 prices range from $39,990 for the basic trim level SUV to $65,990 for the top range SUV. The model that is being reviewed is available at $50,490. 

 

Pros:

✓ The cabin includes a strong suit tech. 

✓ The real-world usage of fuel impresses.

✓ It comes with a proper gearbox.

 

Cons:

✓ This SUV can feel jerky from take-off

✓ It looks a little older

✓ The offers are not that great

 

The final verdict!

The Kia Niro is one of the most eco-friendly SUVs in Australia. The model that is the PHEV Sport is even better as it marks many good bases along the way. Although it is on the expensive end of the SUVs, still it is far from being replaced by new models. If you are looking for a small SUV that can also be plugged in and also trek across the country, then without a doubt, the new Kia Niro PHEV Sport should be on your list. In addition, if you want to know about the history of the car that you plan on buying, then Quick Revs' is the best platform for you! Our online platform provides the hidden past of every car in Australia! To know more about our services, contact us now.