We review the Kia Niro from price to economy and all its features

Kia's 74mpg hybrid is a super Niro

TWO weeks into the summer holidays and I’m already using my kids as props.

This is Kia’s new eco hero, the Niro – 74mpg, low emissions, seven-year warranty and finance from just £132 a month.

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So it’s a superNiro, then, fighting grime and saving your cash.

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Kia says the Niro is a five-seat family crossover “that just happens to be a hybrid”.

Grannies of the world, rejoice.

It is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and 43bhp electric motor that regenerates energy as it drives. So, no messy lead to plug in, it sets off in complete silence, uses only electric power in stop/start traffic and it’s impossible to stall. Grannies of the world, rejoice.

As you speed up, the petrol engine joins the party without you even noticing.

It’s also good looking. Unlike a Prius

Want to drive hard yourself? Flick the six-speed auto to Sport mode and you can go up and down the gears manually. Unlike a Prius. It’s also good looking. Unlike a Prius. And cheaper.

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Kia boss Paul Philpott said: “We don’t do elevator music. This is a modern, attractive crossover with room for five plus their luggage.”

The Niro has four trim grades – 1, 2, 3 and the full-fat First Edition – ranging from £21,295 to £26,995. Book a test drive between now and September 30 and Kia will knock £1,000 off.

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Even the Niro 1 is luxury – 7in touchscreen, DAB, Bluetooth, dual aircon, all-round electric windows, cruise control and 16in alloys. As you climb higher up the price list, Kia adds TomTom Live, wireless phone charger, auto emergency braking and smart cruise control (it slows when the car in front slows).

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But take my advice here: avoid the bigger 18in wheels – they knock off 10mpg and increase emissions to 101g/km.

So, what did my boys think of Niro? Hulk, aged seven, was mesmerised by the tree growing on the central touchscreen (your reward for sensible eco driving) and said: “Cooool! We’re saving the world.”

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Raphael, aged nine, riding shotgun, liked the ventilated heated and cooling seats.
Both unprompted remarks that pretty much sum up the Niro: Good economy and good kit.

VERDICT: Protects you, protects the planet.

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