At the Consumers Electronic Show in Las Vegas in January 2018, Kia gave an outlook on its electromobility strategy and showed the Niro EV concept vehicle. The battery-electric version of the Niro crossover model is already one of the most popular SUV models in the BAFA statistics. In the meantime, 204 of the e-Niro Spirit 2020 model year 3.475 alone have received the environmental bonus (as of July 1, 2021)
The e-Niro is now entering the 2021 model year with slight upgrades. The electric crossover will continue to be offered with two drive variants. The basic model (100 kW / 136 PS) has a battery capacity of 39,2 kWh and a combined range of up to 289 kilometers. The more powerful version with a 150 kW motor (204 hp), 64 kWh battery and a range of up to 455 kilometers is still the preferred model for medium-haul routes.
Using the fast charging connection (CCS plug), the battery can be charged at a station with 80 kW direct current in just 54 minutes to 80 percent under optimal conditions. Charging with alternating current is carried out more quickly with the optional 3-phase on-board charger (10,5kW).
Upgrades in the new model year
The E-Crossover can be used more flexibly for the 2021 model year: the long-haul version with a 64 kW battery is now designed as standard for a 100 kg drawbar load and can optionally be equipped with a trailer coupling, for example to make it easier to transport bicycles. However, towing a trailer is not permitted.
The seating comfort for the front passenger is also increased. The front passenger seat is now electrically adjustable, including lumbar support. UVO-Connect can now also be used more extensively. The UVO app can be installed free of charge on compatible Android and Apple smartphones. This allows data to be transferred to and from the vehicle and, for example, planned routes to be sent to the e-Niro's navigation system, the current location of the vehicle to be determined, vehicle reports and diagnostic messages to be called up, and battery charging to be monitored, interrupted and continued. This function is useful for the use of cheap night electricity tariffs. The “last mile” navigation function guides the driver to the destination address via smartphone: If the ignition is switched off 200 to 2.000 meters away from the destination, a push notification is sent to the UVO app, which ensures that the navigation is then via Google Maps continues.
New prices July 2021
The basic model with 100 kW / 136 PS electric motor has a battery capacity of 39,2 kWh and costs 38.290 euros, the Spirit top version 41.290 euros. Much more interesting in terms of price-performance ratio is the more powerful version with a 150 kW motor (204 hp) and a 64 kWh battery for up to
to a range of 455 kilometers. Range and travel comfort are clearly in the foreground here. With a price of 42.790 in the basic version and 45.790 in the Spirit version, this model is also in demand as a used car.
Additional equipment
Those who value high-quality technical features are well served with the Spirit equipment. The top version Spirit also offers LED headlights and a high-quality premium sound system
, inductive smartphone charging station, 220-volt socket in the rear, aluminum sports pedals, the ambient lighting as well as privacy glazing (dark tinted windows from the B-pillar) and parking sensors at the front. Further optional extras are two equipment packages with covers in man-made leather. The metallic exterior paintwork has a surcharge of 620 euros. Anyone who puts a little more emphasis on value stability can get an additional preservation for the engine compartment and vehicle underbody for a modest 135 euros surcharge.
Conclusion
The Kia e-Niro model year 2021 has received subtle upgrades. The price-performance ratio for one of the few purely electric medium-range SUVs with the large battery pack is right. With the environmental bonus, after deducting the promotional bonuses totaling 9.670 euros, it is well positioned in the competition among the crossover models.
Addendum
Images copyright Kia
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