Kia have introduced an all electric version of their Niro, and it’s available to lease now. The e-Niro is an eye-catching, pure-electric crossover vehicle with a real-world range of around 235 miles. This new electric car also has an attractive starting price from around £32,000 (after the plug-in car grant).
This award-winning vehicle recently got the title of ‘Overall car of the year’ and ‘Best electric car of the Year’ at What Car? Award.
The all-electric e-Niro has zero tailpipe emissions and a large 64 kWh battery providing a real-world range figure good enough to stop range anxiety ever being a ‘thing’.
The e-Niro joins the Hyundai Kona Electric as one of only two electric vehicles currently available in this price bracket and able to achieve a realistic driving range of around 250 miles. The Tesla Model 3 will hopefully join them in early 2020.
The E-Niro inherited it’s 64kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack from sister brand Hyundai’s Kona Electric. The upcoming Kia e-soul will also house the same battery when it arrives in 2020). The e-Niro electric car was released in 2 battery sizes 39kWh and 64kWh, although only the larger version is available in the UK.
The e-Niro has the capability to reach a range of 283 miles (WLTP). You access the vehicle’s charge port from the front of the car, similar to the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe. If you’re charging the e-Niro with a standard home 7kWh charging unit, it will take around 10 hours to gain 100% charge. Whereas if you are using a rapid charger this EV can be charged up to 80% in approximately an hour.
e-Niro has a smart regenerative braking system which enhances battery efficiency and improves the car’s range, this technology allows the e-Niro to save energy and recharge the battery pack while coasting or braking, it also opens up the world of one-pedal driving (like many electric cars).
Like the Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, the new fully electric model is front-wheel drive. It features multiple drive modes (Eco, Eco+, Normal and Sport modes) and has smart cruise control which helps regulate your speed and distance between the vehicle in front.
The e-niro has a modern design with plenty of space and tech that complement its zero-emissions powertrain. It’s distinguished from other existing electric models with a variety of new features and design elements, it’s front face is a bit more subdued than the current format of the Hyundai IONIQ for example which has a very obvious “I’m an electric vehicle” front bumper! (-superb EV though!).
e-Niro has a similar feel to the Hyundai Kona Electric, they are built on the same drive-train and their interiors do have some resemblance although overall the e-Niro does feel a bit roomier. There’s a choice of 5 paint colours, and 17 inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard. The interior comes with black leather upholstery with e-niro blue trim features.
This new electric vehicle will be available in one spec initially but is packed with convenience features and high standard technology so you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything. Some of the tech features include heated leather seats, coloured interior mood lighting, 8″ Touchscreen Satellite Navigation with infotainment system including apple car play and android auto, 8-speaker JBL® Premium Sound System and wireless phone charging.
