Our car is fully loaded with all the features you could want. One highlight is the leather-effect ‘vegan’ upholstery, which is made using Tencel fabric from eucalyptus trees. It’s unclear whether this upholstery adds a touch of luxury to the car while still being durable, or if it feels more like a fancier version of a vinyl tablecloth that you can easily wipe clean after a child’s party. At the moment, I’m leaning towards the former option.
We’ve had our Niro for a while now, allowing it to fully settle into our everyday lives before sharing our thoughts. Its size makes it feel compact on the roads, which is a nice change after navigating through tight gaps in a wider BMW iX for 10,000 miles. The Niro’s drivability and acceleration in real-world conditions are excellent.
Unlike its sibling, the Hyundai Kona Electric, the e-Niro used to feel a bit unstable due to the strong torque going to the low-rolling-resistance tires. However, this new version feels more controlled and manageable without sacrificing speed. The hardware is the same, but the tuning has been improved.
The Niro also provides ample interior space. It’s even possible to fit a set of golf clubs in the boot widthways, thanks to the spaciousness and wide opening.
Overall, the Niro is easy to drive, the perfect size, spacious, and comes with good equipment levels. It gives off a similar vibe to what we used to say about the Golf a few years ago.
Second Opinion
The Niro EV is an example of brilliant evolution rather than a revolutionary electric vehicle. Take a car that was already successful, address its minor flaws, and create a mainstream sensation. It’s another reason to compare it to the Golf.
James Attwood
Kia Niro EV 4 specification
Specs: Price New £42,295 Price as tested £43,040 Options Interstellar Grey with Grey pillar £745
