Refreshed Kia Niro Hybrid Praised for Quality and Economy
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
The refreshed Kia Niro hybrid has been reviewed in Israel, earning praise for its quality, comfort, and fuel efficiency, achieving 18 km/liter in testing. It features updated styling, a refined interior with dual screens, and comprehensive safety equipment, including a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. While its performance is adequate rather than sporty, its hybrid powertrain provides a combined 138 horsepower and is competitively priced, though more expensive than some Chinese rivals. The Niro faces significant competition from other hybrid SUVs in the Israeli market.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The refreshed Kia Niro hybrid offers good quality, comfort, and fuel economy, achieving 18 km/liter.
- It features updated styling, a refined interior with dual screens, and comprehensive safety features.
- The hybrid powertrain delivers a combined 138 horsepower through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
- The base EX trim starts at 177,000 shekels, with the Premium trim at 180,000 shekels.
- The Niro faces strong competition from models like the Kia Sportage hybrid and Toyota Corolla Cross.
The updated Kia Niro hybrid has arrived in Israel, featuring a refreshed design that incorporates elements reminiscent of electric vehicles, such as a closed-off front grille and updated wheel designs. While its exterior dimensions remain unchanged, the interior sees cosmetic enhancements and a driver-focused layout inspired by EVs. A notable interior feature is a touch panel that toggles between controlling the audio system and the climate control, requiring some adaptation but offering a cleaner dashboard. The Niro's seating position is comfortable and offers good ingress and egress, though it's lower than before. Material quality has been improved, and storage spaces are plentiful. Rear legroom is generous for two adults, but the seat width may be tight for a third passenger. The trunk offers a practical 404 liters of space, and unusually for a hybrid, it includes a spare tire, a feature appreciated by fleet managers.
Even the base EX trim, starting at 177,000 shekels, is well-equipped with a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, synthetic leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control. The Premium trim, tested at 180,000 shekels, adds a larger digital instrument cluster, 18-inch wheels, and power-adjustable driver's seat. Safety features are comprehensive, with the Niro having earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating in 2022, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist.
The powertrain remains the same: a 1.6-liter gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 138 horsepower and 27 kgm of torque, managed by a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While acceleration (0-100 km/h in 11.3 seconds) is not its strong suit, the Niro excels in fuel efficiency, achieving 18 km/liter during testing, with manufacturer claims ranging from 19.6 to 21.7 km/liter. The ride is comfortable, particularly at lower speeds in electric mode, and the car handles well in corners without being overtly sporty. The smaller 16-inch wheels on the base model are expected to offer slightly better fuel economy and a smoother ride in the city.
In a crowded market, the Niro stands out for its maturity, quality, and comfort. It offers a strong value proposition, especially for fleet buyers, despite being more expensive than some Chinese competitors. Its engineering and refined feel are attributed to its longer development history compared to newer entrants. The Niro faces stiff competition from its sibling, the Kia Sportage hybrid, the upcoming Hyundai Kona hybrid, and the Toyota Corolla Cross.
