The Niro PHEV plug-in hybrid version is now available in Irish showrooms at a price of €35,995.
This price includes a €2,500 VRT reduction with a further €5,000 reduction available as the Niro PHEV also qualifies for the SEAI grant for environmentally friendly vehicles.
Available in just one trim level, the Niro PHEV is generously equipped for both comfort and connectivity, including leather upholstery with heated front seats and steering wheel, dual air-con, reversing camera, Sat Nav with Tom Tom services, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.
The Niro PHEV also comes with a five-star NCAP rating, thanks to standard safety equipment that includes smart cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and driver attention warning.
The Niro’s new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains. The Niro plug-in hybrid pairs an economical 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection ) engine with a 8.9kWh high-capacity lithium-polymer battery pack.
The latest addition to Kia’s hybrid crossover range substantially reduces emissions over the more conventional Niro hybrid – CO2 emissions fall to 29g/km (combined, New European Driving Cycle ) – and the car offers a zero-emissions, pure-electric driving range of 58 kilometres.
James Brooks, managing director of Kia Motors Ireland, says as sales of PHEVs continue to grow in Ireland, there is also a growing demand for crossover vehicles.
"Niro happily meets the demand of those consumers who want both the style and practicality of a crossover and the low emissions of an advanced PHEV," he says.
“The Niro plug-in hybrid is one of the latest low-emissions cars from Kia which will help the company achieve its global target for 2020 – to improve average fleet fuel efficiency by 25 per cent over 2014 levels.”
The styling of the Niro incorporates the practicality and aesthetic allure of a compact crossover, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and subtly sculptured surfaces. With its aerodynamic, crossover-inspired silhouette, subtly sculptured surfaces and sharp, modern lines, the Niro is nevertheless instantly recognisable as a Kia. The car bears the latest evolution of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as the brand’s characteristically wide C-pillar and a series of other signature design cues. Optional new full-LED headlamps, with LED turn signals, are also available.
The Kia Niro plug-in hybrid is available with a choice of four colours, and rides on 16-inch alloy wheels.
The development of the Niro, with a new platform and bespoke powertrain, will contribute to Kia’s ambition to becoming a leader in the low emissions car market by 2020. In the next five years, Kia will expand its current green car line-up from the four current models to 11 – including the Niro plug-in hybrid and Optima plug-in hybrid model line-up – and is targeting a 25 per cent global improvement to average fleet fuel efficiency over 2014 levels.
