One of the highest areas of focus for Kia automobiles is making a car with stellar fuel economy, that does not have the soaring expense of competitors in the same niche. There is an inescapable truth right now within the market segment that the industry is transforming into offering up hybrids and crossovers that absolutely lack character and excitement. The experienced writers and staff at Carbuzz.com happily claimed that past week that “Hybrids don't at all have to suck, if Kia has anything to say about it”. We fully admit here at Jim Butler Kia of St Louis that the Niro is our attempt to formidably knock down the Toyota Prius from its throne as the most dominant seller in the hybrid car segment.
The approach at hand was to put hybrid technology in the one package modern car buyers find irresistible: the classic SUV. At the present time, the Niro is the competitor for larger Toyota models such as the RAV4 and Prius v, but due to its very high level of fuel economy, it can go toe-to-toe with the efficient and best-selling Prius. This Niro plug-in is a new addition for 2018, and it makes use of a larger battery, ultimately resulting in an EPA-rated all-electric driving range of 26 miles. It is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, with direct injection and variable valve timing. In the PHEV model, an 8.9-kWh battery offers up 60 HP, nearly 20 more than in the standard hybrid.
Power is sent to the front wheels only by means of a six-speed dual clutch transmission, refusing to file quickly in line behind other hybrids that use continuously variable transmissions, sometimes emitting an annoying noise when you step on the gas. Writer Jared Rosenthal had a commute less than 26 miles, and averaged around 52 MPG when running in hybrid mode, with a model that had the addition of the EX Premium trim. They enjoyed the 8-inch navigation system, Harman Kardon audio, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, heated and ventilated front seats, leather steering wheel and a power driver seat featuring two memory positions. The team also expressed their appreciation for the high-tech safety features on board such as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot detection with rear cross traffic alert.
During a test drive with us here at Jim Butler, you'll love the influence that is evident from the Jeep Cherokee in the rear, while the front has Kia's slightly more corporate stance, with daytime running lights and LED headlights. Characteristically light steering makes it a snap to maneuver into tight spots, and the CarBuzz team also claimed that the Niro runs circles around the Prius in terms of driving feel. Be sure to check out the benefits of Sport Mode: it has the added valuable effect of charging the battery during high performance drives.
The team was heavy on the throttle and braking, bringing the battery to its fully-charged state in just 45 minutes. Driving range is approximately 560 miles with a full tank and charge. When situated head to head with the Prius, the Niro wins out in terms of noise: if St Louis area highway driving is frequently on your itinerary, you will be thrilled to spend your drive time among high doses of electric silence!
