Kia Niro First Edition review: High quality contender let down by some extravagant alloy wheels

The Kia Niro is an important car for its maker, but the new hybrid crossover doesn't quite add up

Kia Niro: How far will it take you?

Kia has ticked not one box but two with its new Niro. Not only is it a hybrid but it’s also a crossover, so by hitting two market sectors at once it should have a viable seller on its hands. How does reality match theory?

The Niro benefits by being based on a new platform that is designed solely for hybrid and electric powertrains. The lithium-ion battery pack sits behind the rear seats and powers a 43bhp electric motor. That is joined by a 1.6-litre petrol engine giving a claimed 139bhp and 195lb ft of torque. Happily, the Korean manufacturer has avoided mating this to the usual CVT transmission, and instead of an elastic band has added a six-speed dual-clutch auto box.

Our test vehicle, the First Edition, is at the top of the tree and runs on 18in alloys and sporty tyres. The sporty image is reinforced when you get in as, despite it being billed as a crossover, you sit really quite low, much more like a normal car than an SUV.

However, once you’re in, the cabin is comfortable and there’s decent space for those in the front or back. Despite the battery pack, the boot space is generous too. Up front the driver has a sensible, quite stylish dash with everything clear and easy to use. Quality feels quite high and all the signals are good.

And if you’re just drifting about the place the Niro is remarkably quiet and refined. It likes to work in Eco mode of course, so gearshifts are early and throttle response muted. You can switch into Sport if you want but after trying it a few times you probably won’t want. All you do is diminish the available range for no noticeable gains.

The issue with the First Edition is that those wheels and tyres not only diminish range they also diminish ride quality, steering and much else. It feels like this car was really designed to be run in one of the two lower trims, which come with 16in rims and narrower tyres. Run with those on and you’ll get 55mpg, as opposed to the 48mpg on the bigger tyres and alloys. You’ll also get a better, more responsive driving experience, although no option is remotely exciting.

For nearly £27k this version is hard to recommend. If you went for a lower-spec 2 model then it would make more sense. Particularly as now you’re paying less than £23k. With under 100g/km and low insurance grouping, it then starts to stack up.

Kia Niro First Edition

Price £26,995

Engine 4cyls inline, 1580cc, Atkinson cycle petrol; plus 43bhp electric motor

Power 139bhp at 5700rpm (total system output)

Torque 195lb ft at 1000-2400rpm (total system output, first gear only)

Gearbox 6-spd twin-clutch automatic

Kerb weight 1587kg

Top speed 101mph

0-62mph 11.1sec

Economy 64.2mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band 101g/km, 17%

Rivals: Toyota Prius; Nissan Qashqai