Good things come to those who wait - or so the saying goes.
But now it appears good things come to those who barely have had time to get themselves comfortable.
In particular, this refers to Kia buyers and especially those who have been keen to get their hands on the Korean maker’s all-new medium-sized SUV, the Niro.
Keen observers might have seen the odd first-generation Niro here and there.
But after just more than a year on the Aussie market that car has been retired after Kia apparently jumped the gun and unveiled a second-generation Niro in record quick time.
This is indecently quick considering the average model life of a car is six or seven years, but in the case of the Niro, the explanation is fairly simple.
While it’s fairly new to Australia, that first Niro had been on the Korean market for almost seven years. So it was due for a freshen up.
Also, the original Niro eventually became one of the company’s first electrified models - hence the rush to get it out the door in an important market such as Australia.
Now, with Kia’s extensive fleet of electric models, the Niro had begun to look a bit long in the tooth so the company decided to add this very conspicuous new Niro to its range.
Conspicuous? Well, yes.
Rather bland in its first-generation, the Niro is anything but with this second effort.
It brings what will potentially be a divisive piece of styling, which Kia calls “bold” but others described as “ugly”.
What we can say is that the eye-catching two-tone paint job, which includes a darker “saddle” around the rear hatch and up the C-Pillar, won’t go unnoticed.
If you were being very generous you could say the paintwork slightly mimics the fabulous Audi R8 supercar, which had a similar two-tone appearance. Others feeling less kind might compare it to a Citroen Cactus.
The grey-on-white presentation of the test machine made the paintwork seem more attention-seeking than other combinations - it looks less eye-catching in darker colours (black on blue looks very classy)
But it wasn’t just a bit of fancy paintwork that draws you to the new Niro.
After the original Niro had a bit of a cameo appearance after its first Australian launch, it really is an all-new piece of work.
Of greatest note is the fact it can be had in four differing trims with two distinct driveline options.
The range starts with the Niro Hybrid S which, like the name suggests, adds electrical power to the basic petrol four-cylinder. That car costs $44,380 - but if you can manage an extra $5000 you’d get plenty more style and kit in the Hybrid GT Line.
Next up is a fully-electric version (called the Niro Electric) for $65,300 - with the flagship GT-Line EV (tested arriving at a hefty $72,100.
There is plenty to like with the car but you can spend less money and get at least as much vehicle with several of its rivals.
Think Polestar’s single-motor Polestar 2 ($68,400), the top-selling Tesla Model Y ($72,300) or even the Kia’s Hyundai Korean stablemate Kona Highlinder Extended Range ($64,000).
The Niro’s single motor electric powerplant is good for 460km of range, and the 150kW translates to fairly impressive performance on par with rival models.
Kia is positioning this “bold new crossover” to go head to head with its corporate cousin, the Hyundai Kona which should be a battle worth watching.
Traditionally the Kona has aimed at a more youthful market, but the Niro seems to be moving decidedly upmarket with this second generation with sober, stylish lines inside and out.
Buyers in this segment tend to be a bit more adventurous when it comes to styling and appearance - with Tesla’s popular but plain-looking Model Y among the Niro’s main rivals.
While the EV’s range is a pass mark, more conservative buyers might still opt for the cheaper, more frugal (4L/100KM) Plug-in Hybrid version.
Interior styling, while not quite as avant garde as the outside, is modern, fresh and of the highest quality.
All models get two infotainment screens, although the 10.25-inch versions in the GT-Line are easily the most impressive.
Even the entry-level model includes goodies such as halogen headlights with something called “heart rate monitor” daytime running lights. Niro S adds trinkets such as LED headlights and 10.25-inch digital display.
Fortunately, given its price, the GT-Line EV is generously equipped with lashings of artificial leather, ambient interior lighting, a curved dual-screen instrument panel and 18-inch wheels. In that trim it is smart enough to turn heads.
The boot offers 425 litres of cargo space (a bit below average) but that folds out to 1419 litres when the back seats are down
Safety inclusions run to reversing camera, rear park sensors, driver attention alert, intelligent speed limit assist plus safe-to-exit warning on the rear doors, reverse parking collision avoidance and front park sensors.
Safe, smart, green and eye-catching - it kind of makes you wonder where this car has been all our lives.
KIA NIRO GT-LINE EV
HOW BIG:
A mid-size family SUV with impressive interior space and slightly less so when it comes to cargo.
HOW FAST?
Kia didn’t specify a sprint time for this car, but a good estimate is it would reach the speed limit just south of 7 seconds.
HOW THIRSTY:
The Niro’s 16.2KWh/100km means a range of 460km - roughly average.
HOW MUCH:
The Niro’s pricing has sailed perilously close to some big-time competition in its second generation. It’s entry-level model is barely less than the Uber-popular RAV4 Cruiser and is undercut by several direct competitors at the top end.
