The Kia Niro is due to be overshadowed by the upcoming Kia EV5, which boasts a more daring design and improved supply from China. Kia plans to introduce up to 850 EV5 units monthly, potentially selling 10,200 annually compared to just 1000 Niro EVs in 2023. With the EV5 yet to be tested for performance and pricing, the Niro risks being further overlooked. The Niro EV GT-Line is priced around $78,282 in Sydney, making it ineligible for Queensland EV incentives. The GT-Line stands above the base S model and offers various features including LED headlights, remote smart park assist, and a 64-colour ambient lighting system. The Niro EV GT-Line is powered by a single-motor electric drive system with 150kW power and 255Nm torque, delivering a claimed range of 460km. The Niro’s driving experience is overall competent, with good handling and ride comfort. The vehicle includes an array of safety features and has a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The Kia Niro faces tough competition in the EV market, especially from the popular Tesla Model Y, while upcoming models like the EV5 pose a greater threat. The Niro’s pricing and position in the market may require adjustments to stay competitive.
The Kia Niro is facing competition from the new Kia EV5, which is expected to have a bolder design and stronger supply out of China. Kia is able to bring in up to 850 EV5s each month, potentially selling 10,200 annually, while the company sold just 1000 Niro EVs in 2023. The Niro is becoming overlooked compared to the impending EV5, but it is important to consider if it should be on your shortlist.
In terms of pricing, the Niro EV GT-Line is the priciest model in the range, costing almost $10,000 more than the larger Tesla Model Y RWD and around $4000 more than the related Hyundai Kona Electric Premium Extended Range. The drive-away price tag for the Niro EV GT-Line in Sydney is $78,282, which makes it ineligible for Queensland EV incentives. The 2024 Kia Niro pricing starts at $66,590 for the Niro EV S and $72,360 for the Niro EV GT-Line.
The interior of the Kia Niro features angular lines that continue from the exterior, with a neat alcove in the dashboard with ambient light elements. While sacrificing functionality somewhat for style, there is an abundance of gloss black trim and a gloss black centre console. The 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen has modern graphics and a logical interface, with an EV menu and digital instrument cluster. Features like the Harman Kardon sound system and Remote Smart Park Assist are included, but there are some unusual omissions for a top-spec Kia.
Under the bonnet, the Niro EV GT-Line comes with a single-motor electric drive system with 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque. It is front-wheel drive with a 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery, achieving a 0-100km/h time of 7.8 seconds and a claimed range of 460km (WLTP). The Niro is competent to drive, with heavy steering and a slightly unsettled ride on patchy road surfaces, but it offers quick acceleration and predictable handling. The interior is quiet and comfortable, with plenty of storage options and good visibility.
The Kia Niro comes with a range of features, with the GT-Line model including additional enhancements like LED headlights, a rear privacy glass, Remote Smart Park Assist, and a single-pane sunroof. Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and multiple airbags, resulting in a 5-star safety rating from ANCAP.
In terms of running costs, the Kia Niro EV comes with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and a seven-year, 150,000km battery warranty. Pre-paid service plans are available at varying lengths. Overall, the Kia Niro is a competent vehicle with few flaws but lacks a sense of excitement compared to its competition like the upcoming EV5 and the Tesla Model Y. With a high price tag, it may struggle to stand out in the market unless pricing adjustments are made.
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