Vehicle Description

Kia Niro 74 Plate 2 Nav Review

The Kia Niro 2 Nav 74 Plate is a practical, stylish, and tech-packed hybrid crossover that stands out in the competitive compact SUV market. Designed to offer excellent fuel efficiency and eco-friendly credentials without compromising on practicality, the Niro 2 Nav is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and comfortable vehicle with the added benefit of low emissions. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this model a solid option for everyday drivers.

Performance and Efficiency
The Kia Niro 2 Nav comes with a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, forming a hybrid powertrain that produces a combined output of 139 horsepower. This powertrain ensures a smooth driving experience with a seamless transition between petrol and electric power, depending on driving conditions. Whether you’re navigating urban streets or cruising on the motorway, the Niro delivers a quiet and efficient ride.

Thanks to its hybrid setup, the Kia Niro is highly fuel-efficient, making it an excellent choice for drivers who want to reduce their fuel costs and environmental impact. The car also offers low CO2 emissions, making it a great option for those looking to comply with environmental regulations or who want to minimize their carbon footprint. Expect impressive miles per gallon (MPG) figures, with the Niro making short work of longer commutes and weekend trips.

The dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) is smooth and quick, offering a responsive driving experience. While the Niro isn't a performance car, it offers enough power for everyday driving, and its electric motor provides a strong torque boost at low speeds for excellent city driving efficiency.

Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Kia Niro 2 Nav boasts a modern, spacious, and well-thought-out cabin. The interior is designed with high-quality materials, giving it a premium feel without the hefty price tag. The front seats are comfortable and offer good support for longer journeys. There is ample legroom and headroom for both the driver and passenger, and the seating positions are elevated, providing good visibility of the road ahead.

The rear seats are spacious enough for two adults to sit comfortably, with enough room for a third in the middle if needed. The flat floor in the rear makes the cabin feel even roomier, and it’s easy to get in and out. The boot space is also generous for a hybrid crossover, providing plenty of room for luggage or shopping. With the rear seats folded down, the cargo area expands even further, offering good versatility for larger loads.

Technology and Features
The Kia Niro 2 Nav comes with a solid range of technology features. The centerpiece is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which is both easy to use and responsive. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and hands-free calls. The satellite navigation system is intuitive and accurate, making it easy to find your way on both familiar and unfamiliar routes.

The digital instrument cluster provides the driver with key information about fuel efficiency, battery levels, and driving modes. This feature helps you keep track of your driving habits and maximize fuel economy.

Additionally, the Kia Niro 2 Nav comes with Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a DAB radio, ensuring that you stay connected and entertained on the road. The rear-view camera and parking sensors provide added convenience and safety when reversing or parking in tight spaces.

Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a strong suit of the Kia Niro 2 Nav, with a full suite of driver assistance features. Standard features include lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. These systems help prevent accidents and make driving more relaxing by providing extra layers of protection in various driving scenarios.

The Niro also comes with adaptive cruise control, making long-distance driving on the motorway more comfortable and less tiring. The combination of these features gives the Niro a reassuring feeling of safety, especially for those who drive frequently on busy roads or highways.

Driving Experience
Driving the Kia Niro 2 Nav is a relaxed and comfortable experience. The suspension is well-tuned, providing a smooth ride that absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease. The car’s relatively low centre of gravity, thanks to the battery placement, contributes to a stable driving experience, particularly when cornering.

While the Niro isn’t designed to be sporty, it’s agile enough for city driving, with light steering and a turning circle that makes maneuvering in tight spaces easy. The hybrid system delivers a quiet and refined drive, with the petrol engine only kicking in when needed. The regenerative braking system helps recharge the battery while slowing the car down, providing a sense of smooth deceleration.

In urban environments, the Niro excels in low-speed driving, with its electric motor doing the bulk of the work, providing near-silent operation and efficient power delivery.

Verdict
The Kia Niro 2 Nav 74 Plate is an excellent choice for drivers looking for a practical, stylish, and eco-friendly crossover with a solid mix of performance and efficiency. Its hybrid engine offers great fuel economy and low emissions, making it an ideal option for both city commuters and those who frequently drive longer distances. The spacious and comfortable interior, combined with a user-friendly infotainment system and a host of standard safety features, make it a well-rounded option for families or individuals seeking a reliable, eco-conscious vehicle.

For those looking for a hybrid vehicle that doesn’t compromise on features, comfort, or driving enjoyment, the Kia Niro 2 Nav is a fantastic option that offers great value for money. Whether you're looking for a daily driver, a family car, or a vehicle for longer trips, the Niro ticks a lot of boxes.