The Niro gets more advanced battery tech than the Prius, using a lithium ion polymer set-up that will enable it to travel for up to three miles on electric power alone at speeds of up to 70mph. And true enough, on a light throttle travelling downhill, the engine was off and the on-screen graphics showed the battery and electric motor doing the work.Even this early pre-production Niro showed plenty of promise as an appealing, eco-friendly family car. It looks better than many other hybrids on the market and comes with a hugely usable and spacious interior. Running costs should be attractive, but not as much as the expected price. The Niro could be the start of a whole new appeal for hybrid cars.
Key specs
Model: Kia Niro
Price: £18,000 (est)
Engine: 1.6-litre 4cyl petrol, plus electric motor
Power: 138bhp
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
0-62mph: 10.5 seconds (est)
Top speed: 110mph
Economy: 73.6mpg
CO2: 89g/km (est)
On sale: Summer
Read the full review here: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/kia/niro/9 ... 016-review