KIA NIRO EV

Electric crossover proved extremely popular, so the pressure is on its replacement

- JAMES DISDALE

TESTED 19.5.22, OSLO, NORWAY ON SALE AUTUMN £300

I to suggest t would perhaps be a bit of an understatement that the automotive industry is struggling a little at the moment.

Still reeling from the pandemic, it's now dealing with supply chain chaos and a cost-of-living crisis. However, it appears that nobody bothered to tell Kia about these problems.

You see, while many have been toiling, the Korean brand has been soaring. Last year, it increased its sales in Europe by more than 20%, growing its market share from 3.5% to 4.3%. More importantly, at some points during 2021, nearly half of all its sales were electrified - and a chunk of those were the e-Niro.

The original electric Niro wasn't the most exciting car, but it offered decent practicality, loads of kit and a seven-year warranty. Crucially, it was capable of a range of nearly 300 miles, a figure that's usually only available from EVs twice as costly.

Even before the semiconductor shortage struck, the waiting list for this Kia crossover would have embarrassed even Morgan.

TESTER'S NOTE

Prices start at a reasonable £34,995, but this range-topping 4 version is £41,395, which is only less than the faster, rangier and more stylish EV6. JD

So there's a lot riding on this all-new Niro, which as before is also available as a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. As a result, you could have forgiven Kia for playing safe and sticking with the old car's fairly inoffensive approach, but that's not how the brand rolls these days.

Just take a look at the rakish EV6 and distinctive new Sportage for proof.