[Taboleo] Overwhelmingly Efficient Niro EV... Body and Mind Both Feel More Comfortable

Kia 'The All-New Niro EV'

2nd Generation Upgrade Retains Advantages
Test Drive Period Efficiency Records 9.1 km/kWh
Far Exceeds Official Combined Efficiency

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] When it comes to economic efficiency and practicality, one car that cannot be overlooked is Kia’s Niro EV, which has returned with a fresh new look. As the second generation has been fully redesigned after five years, everything from design and space to environmental features has been upgraded. The most impressive aspect was its overwhelming energy efficiency; during the test drive, it recorded 9.1 km/kWh, far surpassing the official combined efficiency of 5.3 km/kWh. We drove the “The All-New Niro EV,” the benchmark electric sports utility vehicle (SUV), on a 92 km round trip from Hanam, Gyeonggi Province to Gapyeong.

▲From a subject of teasing to a design strength

The second-generation Niro has maintained its position as the second best-selling compact SUV in the domestic market, with 11,896 units sold from January to May this year. It’s a design you’ve likely seen often on the road. Compared to the first-generation model, which was criticized with nicknames like “Mangdung-eo Niro” (Mandarin fish Niro) and “Baemjang-eo Niro” (Eel Niro), it has undergone a complete transformation. The Niro EV’s design is based on the previously released hybrid model.

Compared to the hybrid model, the Niro EV’s front radiator grille is blocked off. However, the two-tone hexagonal pattern used in place of the grille strongly emphasizes the vehicle’s identity as an electric car and its futuristic appeal. Notably, the charging port is located at the center of the front, and together with the grille and daytime running lights, it creates a face-like appearance reminiscent of a robot. Thanks to this design, the charging port’s position feels natural, which is another advantage.

Inside, like the hybrid model, you can feel a sense of openness and eco-friendliness. Sitting in the driver’s seat, the 10.25-inch panoramic display (cluster/AVN) spanning from the dashboard to the door trim immediately catches the eye. Additionally, the electronic shift dial (SBW) located on the center console emphasizes the high-tech impression befitting an electric vehicle. The use of eco-friendly materials also means there is no “new car smell,” which remains a strong point.

The interior space, always praised, has become even more generous. Compared to the first-generation model, the overall length has increased by 45 mm, while the wheelbase (distance between front and rear wheels) and width (excluding side mirrors) have each grown by 20 mm. Combined with the open design elements, this creates a much larger sense of space than the previous generation.

The trunk’s cargo capacity has also increased by 15 liters to 451 liters, and the trunk floor height has been unified so that when the second-row seats are folded down, the floor is flat, making it ideal for car camping and outdoor activities.

▲Overwhelming energy efficiency based on solid fundamentals

Starting the vehicle and leaving the parking lot, I could feel the subtle motor sound unique to electric cars along with smoothness and quietness. When I pressed the accelerator on the road, the powerful propulsion pushed me back in my seat. The new Niro EV is equipped with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) high-efficiency motor delivering a maximum output of 150 kW and maximum torque of 255 Nm. The acceleration I mentioned earlier was experienced even in normal mode, not just in sport mode. This is the advantage of electric cars with strong initial torque.

The ride comfort and quietness on the highway were satisfactory. Although some road vibrations and noise were noticeable, this is typical of electric vehicles without engines and was not uncomfortable. A major advantage was the inclusion of Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2), a feature usually found in Kia’s premium sedans. When activated, the car drives itself, significantly reducing the driver’s burden.

Near the destination, the route included sharp curves and repeated uphill and downhill sections, but there was no sense of instability. This was despite the wet road surface due to rain. The overall fundamentals such as acceleration, handling, quietness, and braking were excellent. The light steering and vehicle behavior were also impressive.

And I can’t leave out the i-PEDAL mode. During this test drive, I actively used the regenerative braking system i-PEDAL on the return trip via the destination. The feeling of i-PEDAL was, how should I put it, like someone gently pressing the brake pedal beside you as soon as you lift your foot off the accelerator. When you release the accelerator, braking force is applied, but it’s not abrupt, so it’s easy to control. This enables one-pedal driving. Especially because the braking force of i-PEDAL is consistent, it was possible to brake precisely where I wanted, even in congested traffic or at stop lines. Additionally, the auto hold function is applied to i-PEDAL, allowing complete stops and starts using only the accelerator pedal, which was impressive.

The official combined energy efficiency of the Niro EV is 5.3 km/kWh. For the trip to the destination, I drove in normal mode with repeated rapid acceleration and braking, achieving 7.0 km/kWh. On the way back, using eco mode and i-PEDAL for typical driving, I recorded 9.1 km/kWh. The overall efficiency for the entire test drive was 7.9 km/kWh. The Niro EV’s trim prices, including a 3.5% individual consumption tax, are ▲Air 46.4 million KRW ▲Earth 49.1 million KRW.