The UK is set for the April release of the new Kia e-Niro 2019. One of the first real big announcements for the EV market, it’s catching not just the attention of electric early adopters but brings the competitive price, performance, and comfort to have really caught the attention of the market. But is it worth that attention?
Look at it from a glance, it doesn’t have the futuristic look expected of the luxury EVs out right now, but that practicality and even slightly conservative style may well be a plus for most drivers. With a substantial chassis and 17-inch alloy wheels that blur the line between compact and SUV depending on how you look at it, calling it a crossover is certainly justified.
The e-Niro is a very nippy Kia electric car. With a 201 hp motor powering a sizeable 63 kWh battery pack, it gives a lot more torque and a feeling of power you might not expect from it, especially when you hear it does 0-62mph in 7.8 seconds. But it’s an extremely responsive drive with adjustable brake generation pads controlled by pads behind the steering wheel. The battery supplies up to 282 miles of driving and even more in city settings, meaning plenty of go per each charge.
If you know the Niro, you know the kind of quality you can expect under the surface, too. Sturdy, if not somewhat conventional interiors with a pragmatic dashboard, leather heated seating, and a sizeable infotainment system, all seating five. With a sizeable 451-litre boot, practicality is an enduring feature in the range and well represented with the e-Niro 2019, too. Beyond the infotainment system, there’s plenty of great tech under the hood, too. Rear sensors and camera, collision warning, and lane keep assist are all featured with the First Edition trim level.
It’s all sounding and looking good from the Kia e-Niro, but why has this EV, in particular, got everyone so excited? The performance of the vehicle, the relatively practical design, and all the extra comfort and tech features are naturally a plus, but perhaps the biggest bonus of all is the price. After making use of the government grant, this costs only £32,995 at launch, making it a far cry from the luxury electric vehicles that are simply out of the average driver’s budget.
So, is it time to make the leap to this Kia electric car? The benefits are clear. EVs are much more energy efficient, which not only means they produce a great deal less CO2, but also that your running costs can be cut significantly. Less reliance on a standard diesel engine means a lot less wear and tear and lower maintenance costs, too. The price was the main factor keeping drivers from the EV market, but the e-Niro might be set to change all of that.
The Kia e-Niro at Dicksons
Keep coming back to Dicksons for more updates and news on the Kia e-Niro or visit our dealership in Forres when the car drops in April to get your hands on it for a spin. Contact us today to find out more.
