After posing for the cameras at the 2017 LA Auto
Show, the 2018 Niro PHEV, is expected in retailer showrooms by the end of this
year. The Niro PHEV boasts an EPA-estimated 26 mile (42 km) all-electric range,
while its total driving rage is estimated at 560 miles (901 km).
Like with the Niro hybrid, the PHEV version also
seats five people, offering strong functionality and generous cargo capacity.
Buying into the range will mean choosing between three trim levels - LX, EX and
EX Premium. As for driver assistance and convenience systems, you get the
following: Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change
Assist and front and rear parking sensors. Meanwhile, Smart Cruise Control,
Autonomous Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Keep Assist
are all standard.
Powering the Niro PHEV is an all-aluminum 1.6-liter
GDi petrol unit, working alongside an 8.9 kWh (59 kw) lithium-polymer battery
pack and a 60 HP electric motor. The total power output is 139 HP and 265 Nm,
which should help the Niro PHEV hit 60 mph in around 10.5 seconds.
According to Kia, this very efficient crossover
boasts an MPGe rating of 105, while also having EPA-estimated MPG ratings of 48
mpg (4.9l/100km) city, 44 mpg (5.3l/100km) highway and 46 mpg (5.1l/100km)
combined - similar to what you get in the Niro Hybrid.
As for charge times, owners can juice up their Niro
PHEV completely in about 2.5 hours using a 240V (Level 2) charger, and in under
9 hours with a 120V (Level 1) charger.
