When Kia made a bold move into the eco-friendly realm of electric cars, they quickly established themselves as contenders in the field. This year they have built on that success with the release of the 2018 Kia Niro plug-in hybrid. The Niro comes in a dynamic and practical package and has the benefit of being faster than the average hybrid, and gives the Prius Prime a run for its money.
The updated plug-in Niro boasts an impressive 8.9 kWh battery, considerably larger compared to the 1.6 kWh of its predecessor. In addition, it has a more powerful electronic motor with 60 horsepower that enables it to run on electric power alone more often. A full charge will get you 26 miles before you need to fire up the Atkinson-cycle 1.6-liter inline-four engine. Keep reading to learn more about the exciting features of the 2018 Niro.
Increased Power
The new plug-in Niro piles on the pounds, with extra hardware increasing the weight by 177 lbs compared to the standard Niro. Although it only carries the same combined torque and power of 95 lb-feet and 139 horsepower, it’s still 0.6 seconds faster when going from 0 to 60 mph even with the extra weight.
The additional speed is provided by the new and more powerful electronic motor, which has also improved the dynamic character of the Niro. While hybrids can often feel a little insubstantial, and the original Niro certainly has a delicate quality, the plug-in offers all the great features of the original while feeling considerably more stable. The extra stability makes it more suited for rougher roads, ensuring the car’s grip in no way suffers for its eco-friendly Michelin Energy Saver A/S tires, which further enhance the car’s green credentials.
The Niro’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic effortlessly blends power from both the electronic motor and gas engine, offering a charge-sustaining mode that ensures you get the most mileage from your charge. In addition to impressive performance, you will find the engine avoids one of the pitfalls of hybrids using variable automatic transmissions and lacks the annoying droning that can present at high-rpm in other hybrid cars.
Impressive Exterior
While technical specs of the Niro plug-in are certainly pushing boundaries, the appearance of the car is just as innovative. A bold new design brings a wider stance to the new Niro, supported by a strong construction of high-strength steel that ensures this little car can handle all but the toughest roads. Sleek lines give the new Niro a sanguine and somewhat sporty appearance, as well as upscale good looks.
The body design is accented by bright, crisp LED lighting that’s both effective and energy efficient, and angled to cut a dashing impression day or night. Add to this an aerodynamic shape that’s designed to maximize efficiency and the Niro is a compact car with stunning looks and high performance.
Luxurious Interior
The interior of the new Niro is equally luxurious, with a carefully-crafted space designed to make the most of every inch. Comfortable and versatile with customizable driver features, the Niro has an impressively large cargo area with a cargo cover to protect your belongings.
If you’re looking for a powerful car that’s as eco-friendly as possible while not relying entirely on an electric charge, the Niro is a beautiful option with a lot of great features.
Image by makamuki0, used under CCO 1.0
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.