For more information about the Niro's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS) websites. While the base model isn't offered with any of the most common driver-assistance technology, the rest of the lineup comes standard with equipment such as automatic high beams, lane-keeping assist, and more. We managed to fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and 18 with the rear seats folded. Unfortunately, the rear seats don't form a flat load floor when folded, and other similarly sized crossovers can accommodate more cargo. As a result, cargo space is not reduced by its battery pack. The Niro was designed from the outset to be a hybrid, not converted from an existing gasoline-powered vehicle. There's even a button to turn the passenger's climate control off if that seat is empty, which could save energy in hot summer months when hybrids traditionally forfeit efficiency due to the increased load from the air conditioner. Also standard across the lineup is two-zone automatic climate control, with controls for the driver and front-seat passenger. Leather appointments enter the mix starting on the mid-level Touring trim, but even the fanciest Niro features synthetic upholstery. The base LX features a fuss-free interior that is heavy on plastic and cloth. For more information about the Niro's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. The Niro plug-in hybrid boasts a combined city/highway rating of 105 MPGe, and it also has an estimated all-electric driving range of 26 miles. The last version we tested returned 46 mpg highway on our 75-mph fuel-economy test. The thriftiest Niro hybrid is rated at 53 mpg in the city, 48 mpg on the highway, and 50 mpg combined. We also appreciate the available multipurpose steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which can be used for changing gears or cycling between four levels of regenerative braking, depending on the selected drive mode. Steering responses in the Niro are swift and accurate. However, we noted an unusual level of impact noise coming into the cabin when driving over bump-ridden roads. The Niro easily tackles uneven roads, delivering a controlled, stable ride. That battery adds up to 26 miles of EV operation, according to the EPA. The plug-in-hybrid version uses the same basic powertrain as the standard model, albeit with a larger battery pack for increased EV range. The fully loaded EX Premium trim we tested, which was weighed down by all the extra equipment, needed 9.5 seconds to complete the same task. The system makes a total of 139 horsepower and motivated the Niro to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds during our testing, placing it in the hunt with much of the competition. Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceĪ 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor team up with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in the regular Niro. The LXS PHEV comes standard with automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Kia claims a 1300kg braked towing capacity, but only a 100kg maximum towball download.Not only does the plug-in version have added value, it also provides an estimated 26 miles of pure-electric range and more satisfying driving manners. For someone who wants to cut their fuel bills – AKA everyone – it’s a headline statistic. With a 42L tank on board, theoretical driving range sits above 1000km. The upshot is claimed combined-cycle fuel economy of just 4.0 litres per 100km using 91 RON petrol on either the city or country cycles, equal to 92 grams of CO2 per 100km. The small battery’s reserves are kept in play through regenerative braking, which is the same way Toyota’s ubiquitous system functions. The electric motor is mounted in the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the compact 1.32kWh lithium-ion battery lives under the back seat, and the setup drives the front wheels. The Niro HEV’s drivetrain comprises a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine making 77kW of power and 144Nm of torque, as well as a 32kW/170Nm electric motor, for combined outputs of 104kW and 265Nm.
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