Kia Niro Plus is based on the first-generation electric version of the SUV
The Kia Niro now has a taxi variant, which kick-starts the firm’s move into the purpose-built vehicle (PBV) market.
Called the Kia Niro Plus, the taxi is based on the first-generation Kia Niro EV (formerly named the Kia e-Niro).
It's 10mm longer and 80mm taller than the standard Niro in a bid to increase interior space. Kia says much of the interior trim has been slimmed down, with thinner seats and door trims. Door reflectors and assist handles have also been added for improved safety and accessibility.
The driver gains an integrated, all-in-one display that, according to Kia, improves safety and convenience and removes the need for multiple devices and displays. On-screen information includes navigation, a digital tachograph, voice recognition and a taxi meter app.
Kia says it’s aiming to become a leader in the PBV market by 2030. The car maker’s first bespoke PBV is planned for introduction in 2025 and will be compatible with several different model shapes and sizes.
Ultimately, the Niro is an easy-going family-friendly crossover, one that’s at its best when simply serving up stress-free transport from point A to point B. It’s still not an exciting car, but the Niro EV is much more distinctive, better to drive and still packs a decent range.
However, it is pricey in flagship 4 guise, at £41,395, which is only £300 less than the firm’s faster, longer-range and more stylish entry-level EV6. Stick to the lower-order 2 and 3 versions (prices for the range start at £34,995) and the Kia makes much more sense.
“A fantastic EV that’s simple to use and nails the basics. Also no longer mind-numbingly boring to look at. Result”
The updates to the Niro EV look fairly radical both inside and out, and there’s no doubt that this is a much more interesting crossover because of the new look. Thankfully though, Kia hasn’t played with the fundamentals too much – the old e-Niro was an efficient and impressive electric car, so this new one just needed to build on that. It’s just as quick, slightly more comfortable and extremely easy to get on with.
As a result, the all-electric iteration remains the Niro to have, and there aren’t many rivals who can match its range/price combo.
The 2023 Kia Niro Is Appealing as a Hybrid or an EV
Available as a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a pure electric car, the 2023 Niro proves that you don't need a Prius knockoff to get an efficient family hauler.
2023 Kia Niro: Final Thoughts
Despite the situation around tax incentives for the EV and PHEV variants, the 2023 Kia Niro is a solidly good crossover-hatchback-hybrid-EV thingamajig. Not every vehicle needs to cater to the Gran Turismo pretend crowd; sometimes people just want a stylish, efficient vehicle that’s not too expensive to buy, looks cool and drives nicely enough. After years of the Prius dominating that market, it’s refreshing to have options that don’t look or drive like a Prius.
I’ll bet Kia ends up selling a bajillion of these.
I’ll be honest: I have my favorites when it comes to hybrid systems. To me, the most efficient hybrid is a Toyota-style ECVT setup, placed in an ugly hatchback body that I’ve probably conned myself into thinking is the pinnacle of driving efficiency. Sure, Toyota’s hybrids are mechanically...