KIA E-NIRO (NIRO EV) 2021 REVIEW | KONA ELECTRIC RIVAL TESTED IN DEPTH

EV Channels Review

The Kia e-Niro (Niro EV) Sport, tested here as a 2022 model, is positioned as a competent but ultimately dated electric vehicle, especially considering its premium price point of $79,900 AUD. While it boasts a competitive WLTP range of 455km, which the reviewer found to be accurate in real-world testing (averaging 14.2 kWh/100km), its main drawbacks are its high cost and an interior that feels a generation behind Kia's latest offerings. The reviewer highlights the car's surprisingly good chassis dynamics and punchy acceleration, making it enjoyable to drive, particularly in urban environments. Packaging is another strong suit, with excellent rear-seat space and a practical boot, making it a viable option for rideshare drivers. However, the lack of modern tech integration, dated interior materials, and a firm suspension tune (a European setup not adapted for Australia) detract from the premium feel. The reviewer concludes that while the e-Niro is a functional and practical EV with good handling, it struggles to justify its price against newer, more advanced rivals like the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2, likening it to a 'MiniDisc' in the evolution of EVs.