Vehicle Description

Kia Niro 3 72 Plate Review

The Kia Niro 3 72 Plate is a well-rounded hybrid crossover that delivers impressive fuel efficiency, practicality, and a comfortable driving experience in a stylish package. As part of Kia’s hybrid lineup, the Niro 3 offers a blend of eco-friendly performance, modern technology, and a spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a practical and affordable hybrid vehicle. Whether you’re commuting daily, tackling weekend trips, or looking for a family-friendly option, the Niro 3 has a lot to offer.

Performance and Efficiency
The Kia Niro 3 is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, forming a hybrid powertrain that delivers a combined output of 139 horsepower. The car’s hybrid setup provides a seamless transition between petrol and electric power, which ensures smooth acceleration and efficiency during both city commutes and longer journeys.

With a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), gear shifts are quick and smooth, offering a pleasant driving experience. In terms of performance, the Niro isn’t designed to be a sports car but provides a comfortable and responsive drive. It handles well in urban environments and feels nimble enough for tight city streets, while still offering a stable and smooth ride on highways.

In terms of fuel economy, the Niro 3 excels, with figures close to 50-55 mpg depending on driving conditions. This makes it a cost-effective option for drivers who prioritize low running costs and reduced emissions. The hybrid system also enables the Niro to perform well in stop-and-go traffic, with the electric motor providing extra assistance during low-speed driving, which is ideal for city use.

Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Kia Niro 3 impresses with a spacious, comfortable, and well-designed cabin. The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, with leather upholstery as standard in this trim, adding a touch of luxury. The front seats are supportive, offering ample adjustment to ensure comfort during long journeys. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and front passenger, making the Niro a comfortable place to be.

The rear seats offer generous space for passengers, with sufficient legroom for adults to sit comfortably, which is often a limitation in some compact crossovers. The rear bench is wide enough to accommodate three passengers for shorter trips, and the flat floor makes it easy to move around.

Boot space is one of the standout features of the Niro 3, offering 451 litres of capacity with the rear seats up, making it one of the more spacious options in the hybrid segment. For even larger items, the rear seats fold down to provide a 1,405-litre total load space, making the Niro highly versatile for carrying larger loads or luggage.

Technology and Features
The Kia Niro 3 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of modern technology, making it a tech-savvy and user-friendly vehicle. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the standout feature, providing access to satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and DAB radio. The system is intuitive, easy to use, and responds quickly to touch inputs, ensuring an enjoyable user experience.

The digital driver display provides essential driving information, including speed, fuel efficiency, and battery usage. This makes it easy for drivers to keep track of how the hybrid system is performing and make adjustments to maximize efficiency.

The Kia Niro 3 also offers a range of advanced driver assistance features, including lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. These features enhance safety and convenience, especially on longer trips or during city driving where the risk of minor collisions can be higher.

Driving Experience
The Kia Niro 3 offers a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with the hybrid powertrain providing a good balance of performance and efficiency. The electric motor delivers a quiet and seamless experience at low speeds, making it an ideal choice for city commuting. The transition between electric and petrol power is barely noticeable, ensuring a refined driving experience.

The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) is smooth and quick, with gear shifts occurring seamlessly. The Niro provides enough power to handle everyday driving with ease, though it’s not a vehicle built for speed or aggressive driving. It’s geared more towards comfort and efficiency, and it excels in these areas.

The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections without feeling too soft or floaty. It’s an easy car to drive, with light steering and a small turning circle, making parking and tight maneuvers simple and stress-free. The overall driving experience is more relaxed and easygoing, perfect for urban environments and longer journeys where comfort is key.

Verdict
The Kia Niro 3 is a fantastic hybrid vehicle that offers a combination of style, efficiency, practicality, and technology. Its hybrid powertrain delivers excellent fuel economy and low emissions, making it a great choice for eco-conscious drivers. The interior is spacious, with a comfortable ride and plenty of features designed to enhance the driving experience. The Niro 3 provides a generous amount of tech and safety features, all in a well-built and stylish package.

For anyone looking for a compact hybrid crossover that delivers on performance, efficiency, and comfort, the Kia Niro 3 is a strong contender. It’s perfect for city driving, long-distance journeys, and families who need a practical and reliable vehicle. Its blend of low running costs, ample interior space, and modern features makes it an excellent all-around choice for a wide range of drivers.