Kia Niro EV

FIRST UK DRIVE New Korean EV strikes a strong first blow as rivals ready challengers

- Alex Ingram

AT first glance, the on-paper stats of AE come as a surprise. That's because the latest version of the brand's popular electric family crossover has a range of 285 miles - just three more than its predecessor. It's not the only figure that might look like a copy-and-paste job from the old model, either. The battery capacity is still a little under 65kWh and the front-mounted electric motor still produces 201bhp.

Such is the rate of progress in the electric car world, some might expect the Niro EV to go further and faster than its the car it replaces. But while the stats have hardly changed, there's a lot that is new.

Most obvious is the sharper styling. The old car's ageing looks have been ditched in favour of something altogether more contemporary. There are hints of the Sportage SUV in the Niro's angular face, while the flanks draw your eye to the rear with a dramatic C-pillar which, depending on the exterior colour you go for, can be finished in a contrasting shade.

Platform

The second-generation all-electric Niro sits on the new Hyundai-Kia K3 platform, and the body makes use of a greater proportion of high-strength steel in its construction, The result is that it's one per cent stiffer, yet 20kg lighter - an impressive feat considering it's grown in size.