Kia expands e-Niro line-up with new sub-£30k variant
Kia e-Niro 2
New entry-level e-Niro 2 will feature smaller battery and less powerful motor; joined by new high-spec range-topper
Kia has expanded the UK line-up of the e-Niro electric SUV with two new models, including a sub-£30,000 entry-level variant with a smaller battery offering a range of up to 180 miles and a sub-£30,000 price tag.
The Korean firm’s popular EV has previously been offered in a single spec in the UK, featuring a 64kWh battery and 201bhp electric motor. The expanded three-model line-up will feature variants branded 2, 3 and 4+. The new top-spec 4+ model will feature a new three-page 11kW AC charger, allowing for faster home charging.
The new entry-level e-Niro 2 will be fitted with a 39kWh battery, which is used to power a 134bhp, 291lb ft electric motor. Kia claims a 0-60mph time of 9.5 secs, a top speed of 96mph and an official range of 180 miles – which Kia says rises to 251 miles on the lower-speed WLTP City cycle.
The 7.2kW AC charger can recharge the e-Niro 2’s 39kWh battery from empty in 6hrs 10mins, with a 0-80% charge taking 57 minutes on a 100kW DC fast charger.
The e-Niro 2 is offered with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch digital display cluster and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Driver assistance systems including automatic lights, adaptive cruise control and forward collision avoidance are also included. The e-Niro 2 costs £29,595, after the UK government’s plug-in car grant.
The 3 and 4+ grade e-Niro will both use the 64kWh battery pack and 201bhp, 291lb ft electric motor, which offers an official range of 282 miles.
The e-Niro 3 version, which effectively matches the spec of existing e-Niro, features a 10.25inch touchscreen and also adds heated front seats and a wireless phone charger among other kit. It continues with the 7.2kW AC charger, which can complete a full battery charge in 9hrs 35mins. It costs £33,850 after the plug-in car grant, which marks a £1000 increase on the 2019 model.
The e-Niro 4+ is described by Kia as the “flagship” version of the EV, and features the upgraded 11kW three-phase AC charger. This cuts a full battery charge to exactly seven hours. As well as the upgraded charger, the 4+ also adds kit including an electric sunroof, bi-function LED headlights, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and an eight-speaker JBL audio system. It is priced from £36,145 following the government grant.
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