Maybe The New Black for Hybrids

What we like:

Good handling

wireless charging dock

air conditioned seats

alloy wheels without the need for a cover

neat styling

range

What we dislike:

Could use more power (would turbocharging make it fun?)

brakes need more bite

rear seats do not fold flat

The compact KIA is powered by their new 1.6 direct injection engine, which is further supplemented by an electric motor, which helps the engine with more grunt while on the run, during hybrid mode, and also helps charge the drive batteries during deceleration. Going against convention, the Niro utilises a 6-speed dual clutch transmission to feed drive to the wheels. The Prius C, and most other Japanese makes tend to utilise a CVT transmission in this case.

While there is admittedly better take-off response from the 6-speeder, it does pale a little in terms of refinement, as compared to a seamless CVT setup. But where this transmission does shine is in its response to immediate throttle inputs.

The 2,700mm wheelbase of the Niro is longer than the 2,550mm of the Prius C, meaning more interior space and better comfort. As mentioned earlier on, the placement of the battery in the boot does have an advantage. The Niro turns out to be a very good handling car.

There is much less plough when entering tight corners, and the car responds well to multiple directional changes, without the rear getting unsettled, also in part thanks to the short rear overhang. The 265Nm of torque gives decent enough performance to pull the fuel sipper around the bends. Unfortunately, the brakes, like most Korean cars could use more bite.

Steering feel comes across as a little artificial, but there is enough feedback coming through for you to know what the wheels are doing on the road.

There are little things that you may not easily see, which work to keep things more efficient, like the active air flap hidden behind the grille, which closes at higher speeds for drag reduction purposes, an air curtain, that reduces air turbulence generated at the front wheels, and flat underbody panels to reduce drag from below the car.

Driving aids come in the form of adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, electronic stability control and hill-start assist, to ensure that the car does not roll back when you lift off the brakes.

Overall, we could see this as a car for those who would like to squeeze out some range from the hybrid drive. On combined cycle, the Niro delivers close to 27km/l which is very good. Throughout our test run, around the far reaches of the island, we couldn’t see the fuel gauge budge.

There are a few things that the Niro may not deliver in terms of refinement, as compared to the Prius C, but the fuel consumption figures shine, in comparison, and the list of features makes the Niro the better, so if you ever feel the need to go vegan, and save the planet… there Niro just might be the new black.

Credits: