Back in the summer, I spent two weeks with the all-new, fully electric Kia Niro EV. It was an excellent introduction to what is one of the Korean brand’s best-selling cars. A real world range of 250 miles impressed, even when sat for many hours at motorway speeds.

Not everyone is yet ready to make the move to a fully electric car and for them, Kia can offer the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Niro, the subject of this test. The manufacturer claims the Niro PHEV can achieve around 38 miles of electric only running and the WLTP test cycle claims 282.5mpg. CO2 emissions are commendably low at just 22g/km.

An early morning run through to Leeds in heavy traffic, a journey of some 45 miles, saw the trip computer read a scarcely believable 325mpg. I was only aware of the engine firing up once when making a brisk overtake.

The return leg was accomplished with the engine powering the car, which saw the indicated economy drop to 75mpg for the full journey. Had I been able to charge in Leeds, which would have taken around three hours, I would have been able to replicate the EV only power for the whole trip.

The key with running a PHEV is to keep plugging in as much as possible which will maximise efficiency. However, fully electric car drivers will not thank you for hogging a public charger, as they will claim their need is great than yours.

When running on battery power, the motor makes city driving a relaxed and smooth running experience. At higher speeds, battery and combustion engine combine for brisk, if not startling performance.

The six-speed DCT gearbox is a relatively smooth operator and there are steering wheel paddles should you wish to take control. They remained untouched during my week behind the wheel.

A trip to the North East provided ample opportunity to test the Niro on some of my favourite roads. Ride comfort is good, the car clearly being set up to cosset the occupants rather than provide thrills for the driver. Most will approve of this approach.

The new Niro is wider, longer and taller than its predecessor (as well as being far more striking to look at) and this pays dividends when it comes to passenger space. There’s head and legroom aplenty in the rear seats, whilst the front perches are comfortable and electrically adjustable. My top ‘4’ grade test car also boasted seat heaters both front and rear.

It should be noted that the Niro PHEV sacrifices over 100 litres of boot space to the hybrid version, which may be a deal-breaker for some. What remains is 348-litres, which is easily extended to 1,342 with the rear seats folded away. Access is via a powered tailgate.
The dashboard design is striking and material quality throughout the car impressive. Yes, there are some scratchy surfaces if you choose to explore the plastics lower down in the car, but the areas that you regularly come in contact with feel suitably premium.

Should you choose to splash out on the top spec Niro, expect to find an electric sunroof, upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo system and a dual 10.25-inch screen set up.

In my humble opinion, the Niro PHEV may just be the pick of the range. With an impressive electric only range, those with the ability to charge at home should find most of their everyday running is achieved with zero emissions. However, should a long motorway journey be on the cards, this can be accomplished without the need to run the gauntlet of our patchy charging infrastructure.

That said, whichever version of the Niro you choose, you will find it is an easy and undemanding car to live with and one that is of course backed by Kia’s impressive seven-year warranty.