Specs:
Range – 480 kms long range version
Range – 310 kms short range version
Acceleration – 0 to 100kph around 7.8 secs
Top Speed – 155kph
Cargo Space – 451L
Seats – 5 adults
Pure Electric
Fast Charge – 80% in 54 mins (long range version)
Power Pack – Long range 64-kWh lithium-polymer
Power Pack – Short range 39.2-kWh lithium-polymer
Drivetrain – Front wheel drive
Single Speed constant ratio drive
Price: Around AUD $60k – $65k
(Norwegian pricing as at 30-10-2018 = $63,000)
Full Specs Not Yet Available
In Brief
The Kia Niro EV was designed in California so it has a certain west coast feel about it. The vehicle was released in South Korea in the second half of 2018 with other markets to follow shortly thereafter (caveat: depending on battery availability). Dubbed a Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) the Niro made it’s debut at CES in January. It is Kia’s second fully electric vehicle after the popular but range limited Kia Soul. The Niro EV will most likely be in Australia towards the end of 2019 with a price tag somewhere between $55k-$65K (depending on battery size, configuration etc). It will certainly be a serious competitor for its sister company’s Hyundai Kona EV and it would seem to have better rear passenger room. From the various test reviews of range, this car (with the 64kW battery) is capable of close to 500kms. The vehicle sports as standard forward-collision warning, forward-collision-avoidance assist, smart cruise control with stop/start and Level 2 autonomous-vehicle-rated lane-keeping assist. The vehicle comes with a comes with a seven-year 160,000kms warranty as standard. Kia is certainly capable of delivering high quality vehicles and we’re excited at the idea of this particular model being in Australia within the next twelve months with a price tag that will make it extremely compelling in relation to the Renault Zoe, Nissan LEAF, Hyundai Kona & Ioniq and the Tesla Model 3.