New 2020 Kia e-Niro range expands with 180-mile entry-level model
Three versions of the all-electric Kia e-Niro SUV are now available to order, including a new sub £30k version with a 180-mile range
The all-electric Kia e-Niro SUV line-up has been boosted in the UK with the arrival of a new-look three car line-up, incorporating a cheaper version featuring a smaller 39kWh battery and less powerful electric motor for the first time.
Up to now, the e-Niro has only been offered in one specification and with a 64kWh battery, but the new three car line-up follows the trim structure of the hybrid Niro, with ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘4+’ grade cars to choose from.
The new e-Niro 2 features a new electric drivetrain using a 39kWh battery and a 134bhp electric motor, good for a claimed range of 180 miles on a single charge according to WLTP rules. 0-62mph takes 9.5 seconds and top speed is 96mph. Hooked up to a 100kW charger, a 0-80 per cent recharged takes 54 minutes, while at 50kW, Kia claims a 57 minute recharge to the same level.
It brings the starting price of the model down to £29,595 after the government plug-in car grant. Standard equipment on the e-Niro 2 builds includes an eight-inch central touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a seven-inch digital instrument panel, a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors and automatic climate control. 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, plus black cloth and leather are also included.
The e-Niro 3 is not available with the smaller battery pack, and instead uses a 64kWh set-up feeding a more powerful electric motor rated at 201bhp. 0-62mph is slashed to 7.5 seconds, while top speed increases to 104mph and range jumps up to 282 miles on one charge.
Prices start from £33,850 after government incentives. Like the e-Niro 2, the e-Niro 3 model expands a little on the equipment found on the equivalent hybrid. As such, full black leather upholstery is found as is an eight-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, while both front seats gain heaters. Technology is boosted with the fitment of a wireless charging pad for smartphones, a larger 10.25-inch central touchscreen display with navigation and live traffic monitoring, and the car can link up with UVO Connect - a smartphone app allowing owners to monitor the car remotely and provide remote access to a number of vehicle features.
At the top of the line-up is the e-Niro 4+, priced from £36,145 and fitted with the 64KWh, 201bhp powertrain. A sliding power sunroof features, while the 4+ model also gains LED headlights, memory functionality for the driver’s seat and mirrors, heated rear seats plus heated and ventilated front seats. The interior also gains ambient lighting and aluminium pedals, alongside an uprated sound system from specialist JBL. 11kW three phase charging is standard.
All new versions of the e-Niro are available to order now, with first deliveries targeted for the final quarter of 2020.
Do you think the cheaper version of the Kia e-Niro will be just as popular? Let us know in the comments section below...
