Kia Niro HEV S 2022 Review

Is the KIA NIRO Hybrid any good

Niro HEV – Over the last few weeks we have driven a few of the Kia NIRO electric cars, this week it’s the Hybrid EV turn. We drove the ‘S’ model, which is the entry model but it also comes in the top spec GT as well.       2022 Kia_Niro_S_HEV_0005 As mentioned the Niro looks like a smaller Seltos, quite stylish and comfortable. It’s just the right size fir urban adventures with enough room for longer driving holidays or weekends away.

The Hybrid version is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces power of 77.2kW along with 144 Nm of torque. When combined with the 32kW electric motor, the HEV model produces a combined maximum power output of 104kW and 265 Nm of torque.

It’s matched to a second generation 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (6DCT) driving the front wheels.

2022 Kia_Niro_S_HEV_driver instruments

The combination allows for excellent fuel economy of around 4.0L/100K and we got just a bit over that on test.

Unlike the fully electric versions, the HEV is a great compromise between efficiency and range. There is zero range anxiety with the hybrid. When it gets empty simply take five minutes at a petrol station and fill up and be on your way again. It seems stunning that there is a theoretical 100km plus out of this small SUV styled car. That’s the beauty of it.

The KIA Niro HEV is priced from $44,380 for the S version and around $50,000 for the GT version,. Those are plus the usual costs.

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

2022 Kia Niro S HEV grill

TO LISTEN TO THE NIRO HEV RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

2022 Kia_Niro_S_HEV_central screen

Quick NIRO HEV thoughts

What is good?

  • Range and excellent economy
  • Simple and easy to drive
  • Wireless Smart Phone mirroring

What is not so good?

  • Wired smart phone charging
  • No full size spare
  • Halogen headlights – really

2022 Kia_Niro_S_HEV_rear seats

Some other Niro Articles

Also Look At

The Niro S HEV is an entry level Hybrid Electric car. You could look at Hyundai Kona EV, Haval Jolion HEV, Ford Escape PHEV, Honda HRV EV,  Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid  and MG ZS

2022 Kia_Niro_GT_HEV_engine

Kia Niro    

Model

Niro HEV S

Model Price $44,380 MLP*
Engine 1.6L Hybrid Petrol Euro 5
Drivetrain 6 Sp DCT FWD
Battery Capacity / type 1.3kWh / Lithium Ion
Power 77.2kW @ 5700rpm 104kW combined
Torque 144Nm @ 4000rpm 170Nm combined
Fuel ADR 4.0L/100km
Range (WLTP) / efficiency 1050Km / ADR
Fast Charge / Home (240V) N/A
Safety 5 Star ANCAP (tested June 2022)
CO2 Emissions 91g/km
0-100kmh/Top Speed 10.4secs / TBA
Servicing Capped Price
Warranty 7yr/ Unlimited km with 7Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2022 Kia Niro S HEV drivers instruments

Overall Rating    

80/100

Behind the Wheel 8
Comfort 8
Equipment 8
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 8
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 8
Styling/Appeal 8
Technology/connectivity 8
Value for Money 8

2022 Kia_Niro_S_HEV_0007

Dimensions

 
Overall Length 4420mm
Wheelbase 2720mm
Width 1825mm
Height 1545mm
Wheels 16×6.5J Alloy
Tyres 205/60 R16 92H
Max ground clearance Up to 160mm
Wading Depth TBA
Approach N/A
Rampover N/A
Departure angle N/A
Turning Circle KTK 10.6m
Boot Capacity Min 425L
Boot capacity Max 1419L
Battery Weight 443kg
Kerb Weight 1496kg
Payload (kg) 444kg
GVM (kg) 1940kg
GCM 3240kg
Towing Capacity 1300kg
Tow Ball rating 100kg

2022 Kia_Niro_S_HEV_0002

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    Rating - 8.0/10
8.0/10

Summary

Niro HEV – Over the last few weeks we have driven a few of the Kia NIRO electric cars, this week it’s the Hybrid EV turn. We drove the ‘S’ model, which is the entry model but it also comes in the top spec GT as well.

The KIA Niro HEV is priced from $44,380 for the S version and around $50,000 for the GT version,. Those are plus the usual costs.

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About Rob Fraser 2507 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.