October 2018
Kia confirms details of electric e-Niro
The e-Niro differentiates itself from the existing Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid with a series of exclusive design features. These include a bespoke aerodynamic grille with an integrated charging port, redesigned air intakes and arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights combined with blue trim headlights. It also gets unique 17-inch alloy wheels, while the rear bumpers have been redesigned.
Inside the Kia e-Niro, the all-electric powertrain negates the need for a traditional gear stick and gear linkage, instead using a 'shift-by-wire' rotator dial drive selector.
The dash features bright blue trim around th events, while the cabin is trimmed in a choice of fabric and synthetic leather, full synthetic leather or real leather.
The seven-inch display in the centre of the dash allows drivers to locate nearby charging points as well as monitor the remaining charge and range. There's also a seven-inch LCD instrument cluster.
Kia says it's e-Niro's 2700mm wheelbase ensures all occupants enjoy generous legroom, while space and a sense of roominess is boosted by its crossover design. Its body is 1805mm wide and 1560mm tall, ensuring maximum head- and shoulder-room throughout the cabin. At 4375mm in length, it offers 451 litres of luggage space, with a dedicated storage area under the floor for the charging cable.
In Europe the Niro will be equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. On the WLTP combined cycle, it provides a driving range of more than 301 miles on a single charge, producing zero on-road CO2 emissions.
Models equipped with the long-distance 64kWh battery pack are paired with a 204PS motor, producing 395Nm torque, enabling the e-Niro to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds. Like the Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants, the new electric model is front-wheel drive.
Kia says its Niro was engineered from the start to accommodate a specific range of hybrid and fully-electric powertrains. The Niro’s ride and handling therefore was always readily adaptable to the introduction of an all-electric powertrain.
The battery pack is located low down in the body, between the two axles, giving the crossover a low centre of gravity. With a relatively wide stance, the e-Niro offers drivers maximum stability and driving enjoyment on winding roads, and minimal body roll under cornering. The car is equipped with fully independent rear suspension, tuned to deliver high stability and immediate handling responses and filter out small vibrations at higher speeds when travelling over poor surfaces.
The e-Niro’s regenerative brakes – 305 mm in diameter at the front, 300 mm at the rear – exhibit a consistent, linear deceleration and braking feel, and harvest kinetic energy to recharge the battery pack on the move.
December 2018
Kia issues corrected range figures
A mistake during WLTP testing by a third-party company has led to the e-Niro's range previously being misreported. It's now recalculated the range to be 282 miles.
December 2018
Kia e-Niro prices announced
Priced at £32,995 after deduction of the £3500 plug-in car grant. Premium paint is available as an optional extra at an additional £565.
In keeping with every Kia, the e-Niro comes with a unique-in-the-UK seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to certain wear and tear conditions. The warranty additionally covers the battery pack and electric motor for extra peace of mind. It is fully transferable should the car be sold before the time or mileage limits have been reached.
December 2019
New top-spec Kia e-Niro 4 announced
A new high specification ‘4’ grade has been added to the line-up, replacing the previous ‘First Edition’ model. Its standard equipment list includes a new updated 10.25-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with telematics system featuring UVO Connect Services, LED headlights with bi-function projection, ambient lighting and a battery heating system.
Inside there’s black leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, an electronic parking brake with autohold, automatic air conditioning, adaptive Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, a smart entry system with engine start and stop button, wireless mobile phone charging, Apple CarPlayTM and Android AutoTM smartphone connectivity, an eight-speaker JBL® premium sound system and DAB radio.
A full suite of safety equipment is included, too, with Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) fitted as standard, alongside seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knees.
The Kia e-Niro ‘4’ is available to order now from UK showrooms with a list price of £37,995 reducing to £34,495 after the PiCG, and that includes Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard.
e-Niro line-up
Model
|
Power hp
|
Torque Nm
|
0-60 secs
|
Max speed mph
|
Range miles)
|
CO2 g/km
|
e-Niro ‘4’ 64kWh lithium-ion auto
|
201
|
395
|
7.5
|
104
|
282
|
0
|
Price
Model
|
Price £ (after government Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG)
|
e-Niro ‘4’ 64kWh lithium-ion auto
|
£34,495
|
March 2021
Kia introduces sub-£35,000 e-Niro 2 with long-range 64kWh battery
Following recent changes to the plug-in car grant, Kia has announced a new Kia E-Niro 2 long-range model, priced from £34,945.
The new variant features the same long-range 64kWh battery pack and high-power 150kW motor as higher-specification e-Niro models, while offering a £34,945 on-the-road price (before applying any government grants).
The e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range is capable of travelling up to 282 miles on a single charge (WLTP combined), and up to 382 miles in city driving.
While its long-range battery pack and powerful electric motor delivers comparable driving range and performance to far more expensive EVs, it also provides a wide range of standard equipment. Highlights include its 8.0-inch touchscreen display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, reversing camera system and rear parking sensors, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Smart Key & Button Start. A battery heating system is also fitted, designed to insulate and warm up the battery while the vehicle is plugged in, minimising the adverse effects of cold temperatures.
The new model is now available to order across the UK, with customer deliveries due to start in July.