Kia Niro EV wins prestigious award

The electric Kia Niro SUV has been voted 2019 car of the year by Popular Mechanics, a respected US magazine.

“We picked the Niro EV for car of the year because it’s an electric car that would be appealing even if it weren’t electric. But it is electric, and it delivers the usual EV benefits without much in the way of EV sacrifices,” says Popular Mechanics automotive editor Ezra Dyer.

“It’s smooth, quick and quiet, with plenty of range and an affordable price. The Niro EV feels like a preview of the near future when cars like this are the norm. But right now, it’s the exception.”

In New Zealand, two versions of the Niro EV are offered. The EX 455 model has a 64kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and delivers 455 kilometres, and the EX 289 model has a 39.2kWh lithium-ion polymer battery and provides a range up to 289 kilometres from a single charge.

“We knew we had a winner on our hands even before the first Niro EV vehicles arrived in the country and buyers were already queuing up,” says Kia Motors New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald.

“It’s very heartening when a publication with the storied reputation of Popular Mechanics selects your vehicle over all competitors as car of the year. That’s when you realise just how special the Niro EV really is.”

Popular Mechanics commended the Niro EV for its SUV design, style, performance and practicality. The Niro EV’s functionality as an everyday, comfortable, long-range runabout vehicle was highlighted.

The EX 455 model is priced from $73,990, while the EX 289 model is selling for $67,990.

A petrol/electric hybrid powertrain of the Niro is more widely available in New Zealand than the pure EV, while still being fuel efficient.