Kia’s new take on the hybrid

Kia has designed a brand new compact crossover from the ground up as a hybrid. Shane O’Donoghue tests the new Niro

The instant-torque nature of electric motors helps the new Kia Niro get off the line smartly

If, like me, you’re into numbers, you’d be forgiven for comparing the new Kia Niro’s dimensions with the existing Sportage’s and wondering why the Korean company has introduced a second compact SUV to its line-up. The Sportage is 125mm longer, 50mm wider and 100mm taller, yet the Niro has a 30mm longer wheelbase.

But as soon as you see the Niro in the metal you realise that, in spite of its lengthier wheelbase, ...