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By Jonathan Crouch

Kia's second generation Niro Hybrid is an electrified small SUV with a much sassier look. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 56

Kia's Niro Hybrid gets a sharper look - and sharper technology in this second generation form. As before, the car remains a mix between a family hatch and a Crossover, but this time round is a little larger and quite a lot more sophisticated. Expect this self-charging model to continue to figure amongst Kia's top sellers.

Backgroundword count: 201

Once upon a time, Kia was a value-orientated budget brand. Then it started making high quality cars and promised that one day, those models would feature cutting-edge styling and market-leading technology too. We're now living in that era and it's epitomised by this car, the brand's second generation Niro Hybrid. The Niro model line goes back to 2016, when it was launched as Kia's Crossover take on partner brand Hyundai's trend-setting IONIQ hatch. Like that car, the original Niro was eventually offered with Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid and full-Electric powertrains. All were well received, hence 300,000 global sales and the elevation of the Niro to a position as Kia's second best UK seller. This slightly larger MK2 model, announced in late 2021, remains a token Crossover in looks but as you can see is far more eye-catching. And, as before, is available in Plug-in Hybrid and full-Electric forms if you want something more sophisticated than this more affordable self-charging Hybrid. The Hybrid version's our focus here though. Repackaged but, as we'll see, very recognisable in essence to loyal customers joining Kia on its gradual journey up-market. Should it be high on your shopping list if you're seeking a contender of this kind?

Driving Experienceword count: 265

Despite the sassier looks, this Niro Hybrid is still very much the sensible steer it's always been, which will probably suit the market just right. Very little of this second generation model's engineering has changed. There's still basically the same Smartstream 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine Kia's been using for a decade, mated to the same 6-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox driving the front wheels with the assistance of an electric motor. That's pretty much the same too, developing 43bhp (as before) but unfortunately the tiny battery that powers it isn't, reduced in size to 1.32kWh (down from 1.56kWh before), which means it's even less likely to ever power the car on its own. That's not the point with a self-charging Hybrid model like this of course; the little battery's there to reduce the load on the engine, not to substitute for it - in the way that the much larger 11.1kWh battery on the alternative Niro Plug-in Hybrid can. But that much pricier 180bhp model isn't our focus here. Niro Hybrid customers must be content with a more modest 139bhp output that delivers 62mph in 10.8s en route to 102mph. There's not much pulling power (especially with the default 'Eco' drive mode engaged), which means overtakes must be planned well in advance. And you certainly won't want to be throwing this car about through the turns, where you'll notice a bit of body roll and the anaesthetised steering. But it's great in town, with decent ride quality and refinement that's also a boon on the highway. Kia's served up plenty of new drive tech too.

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