Vehicle Description

Kia Niro 150kW 4 65kWh 5dr Auto Estate Review (72 Plate)

The 2022 Kia Niro 150kW 4 65kWh 5dr Auto Estate is a bold step forward for Kia’s electric vehicle lineup, offering a powerful, spacious, and environmentally friendly alternative in the compact crossover segment. With a larger 65kWh battery, an efficient 150kW electric motor, and modern technology, the Niro 4 EV provides an excellent driving experience, an impressive range, and a practical solution for eco-conscious drivers looking for a blend of style, performance, and everyday usability.

Here’s an in-depth look at what the Kia Niro 150kW 4 65kWh brings to the table.

Performance and Efficiency
The Kia Niro 150kW 4 65kWh is powered by a 150kW (approximately 201 horsepower) electric motor that delivers smooth, responsive acceleration and a lively driving experience. The electric motor’s power is immediately available, offering a brisk 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds—impressive for an electric crossover in this segment. The Niro EV’s instant torque provides an engaging driving experience, with acceleration that feels powerful yet controlled.

The 65kWh battery is the heart of this EV, providing a range of around 280-300 miles on a full charge, depending on driving conditions and usage. This is one of the most competitive ranges in its class, making it an ideal choice for long-distance trips and everyday commutes without the need for frequent charging. Charging the battery is also efficient, with the Niro supporting rapid DC charging, which can charge the battery to 80% in around 45 minutes at fast charging stations. For home charging, you can expect a full charge to take approximately 7-8 hours on a standard 7kW wallbox.

In terms of driving dynamics, the Niro 4 feels agile and easy to handle. The electric motor ensures quiet, smooth, and almost silent driving, with minimal noise at highway speeds. The steering is responsive, offering good feedback, while the suspension is tuned to provide a comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections without feeling too soft or too firm.

Interior and Comfort
The interior of the Kia Niro 150kW 4 is spacious, modern, and practical. The Niro EV offers an elevated driving position typical of crossovers, with excellent visibility of the road ahead. Inside, Kia’s signature design approach is on full display with a clean, minimalist dashboard and an abundance of high-quality materials that elevate the cabin’s premium feel.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with ample adjustability to ensure that drivers and passengers can find an ideal seating position. The use of high-quality upholstery in the Niro 4 trim, including leatherette materials, adds to the premium feel of the cabin.

The rear seats offer generous legroom and headroom, making the Niro 4 a great choice for families or passengers on longer journeys. It’s comfortable for two adults in the back, and while three passengers may feel a bit cramped over longer distances, it’s a solid option for shorter trips. The boot is another strong point, offering 475 litres of capacity, which is impressive for an electric vehicle, especially considering the battery size. The rear seats can be folded down for even more space, providing plenty of flexibility for transporting larger items or luggage.

Technology and Features
The Kia Niro 150kW 4 65kWh comes with an impressive array of technology features that enhance both the driving experience and the car’s overall convenience. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is the centerpiece, providing access to satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. The interface is sleek and intuitive, with crisp graphics and fast response times, making it easy to control media and navigation functions while driving.

One of the standout features of the Niro 4 is the 12.3-inch digital driver display, which replaces traditional analogue dials and provides customizable information, including driving data, battery levels, range estimates, and energy usage. This digital display is clear, easy to read, and adds a modern, high-tech feel to the driving experience.

In terms of driver assistance, the Niro 4 comes with a host of standard features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work together to enhance both safety and convenience, making highway driving and daily commuting more relaxed and less stressful.

Other notable features include keyless entry, wireless charging, ambient lighting, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system for an excellent audio experience.

Driving Experience
The driving experience in the Kia Niro 150kW 4 65kWh is one of the highlights of the vehicle. The electric motor provides instant torque, making city driving and overtaking on the motorway effortless. It’s quick off the line and provides smooth, quiet power delivery at all speeds. The Niro 4 feels nimble for a crossover, with a responsive steering system that makes it easy to navigate tight urban streets or winding country roads.

The suspension setup strikes a balance between comfort and handling. It soaks up road imperfections effectively, providing a smooth ride, while still offering enough feedback for an engaging drive. The Niro’s low center of gravity (thanks to the battery placement) contributes to a stable and composed feel when driving, whether in city traffic or on the open road.

The car’s Eco and Sport driving modes offer customization for different driving styles. In Eco mode, the car focuses on efficiency, maximizing range, while Sport mode provides sharper throttle response and a more engaging driving experience. This gives the Niro versatility for different driving preferences, whether you’re prioritizing range or performance.

Verdict
The Kia Niro 150kW 4 65kWh 5dr Auto Estate (72 Plate) is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle without compromising on practicality, range, or comfort. It offers a spacious and modern interior, impressive performance with a powerful electric motor, and excellent efficiency, making it ideal for both urban and long-distance driving.

With its 280-300 miles of range, fast charging capabilities, and an extensive suite of tech and safety features, the Niro 4 is a well-rounded, family-friendly electric crossover that delivers on all fronts. Whether you're commuting, road-tripping, or just looking for an environmentally friendly vehicle that doesn’t compromise on space or comfort, the Kia Niro 150kW 4 is a top contender in the EV market. It’s stylish, efficient, and packed with features, making it an appealing option for a wide range of drivers.