Kia Niro EV Standard Range

Overview

The 2022 Kia Niro Standard Range was a cracking entry into the world of electric family motoring, offering a sensible blend of practicality and zero-emission driving before its first-generation run ended. This compact SUV, specifically the Standard Range trim, aimed to make EV ownership more accessible. It packed a decent punch for city driving and came with Kia's solid build quality. As a discontinued model, you can now snag one on the pre-owned European market for around €17,885, making it a tempting used buy for those dipping their toes into electric life.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, the first-generation Kia Niro Standard Range was essentially in its victory lap, marking the final year of production before an all-new model rolled in. Don't expect massive changes; it was more of a "steady as she goes" situation. The most noticeable tweak for some 2022 models was the adoption of Kia's sleek new corporate logo, giving it a slightly fresher face. Otherwise, it proudly carried over the tried-and-tested formula that made it a popular choice, offering a familiar package for its last hurrah in this guise.

Design & Exterior

The 2022 Niro Standard Range sported a friendly, unassuming compact SUV design that didn't shout "look at me, I'm electric!" too loudly. It featured Kia's signature "tiger-nose" grille, cleverly closed off and housing the CCS Type 2 charge port. While not a head-turner like some rivals, its clean lines and practical shape appealed to many. Key dimensions are a city-friendly 4375 mm in length, 1805 mm width (excluding mirrors), and 1560 mm height. The Standard Range trim typically came with more modest alloy wheels compared to its pricier siblings.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2022 Niro Standard Range offered a fuss-free and functional cabin. Materials were generally robust, if not overly plush, and the layout was user-friendly with proper buttons for key controls – a big win! Passenger space was surprisingly decent for a car of its footprint. Tech-wise, you’d typically find an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Boot space was a very practical 451 litres, expanding to a cavernous 1405 litres with the rear seats folded. Unfortunately, there was no frunk for your charging cables.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don't let "Standard Range" fool you; this Niro was still pretty nippy! With its 100 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) sending 395 Nm of instant torque to the front wheels, it could scoot from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 9.8 seconds, topping out at 155 km/h. It felt eager and responsive, especially around town. The ride was generally comfortable, soaking up bumps well, though not exactly a sports car in the twisties. Adjustable regenerative braking allowed for efficient driving, and you could often manage one-pedal operation, which is ace for urban crawls.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Niro Standard Range packed a 39.2 kWh usable battery, delivering Green Cars Compare's calculated 'real-world' range estimate of 246 km – plenty for daily duties and some longer jaunts. Its efficiency was rated at a solid 6.28 km/kWh. AC charging via its CCS Type 2 port was handled by a 7.2 kW on-board unit, meaning a full top-up from empty would take around 5.5 hours. For quicker boosts, DC fast charging maxed out at 44 kW, zapping the battery from 10-80% in roughly 45-50 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Kia didn't skimp on safety with the Niro Standard Range. This generation of Niro proudly wore a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, which is top marks! As standard in many European markets, you could expect a decent suite of driver aids, typically including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) to help prevent shunts, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) to stop you wandering, and Driver Attention Warning. More advanced features like adaptive cruise control were often found on higher trims or as part of optional packs, but the basics were well covered.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

One of Kia’s biggest party tricks was its stonking warranty, and the 2022 Niro Standard Range benefited fully. Buyers enjoyed a 7-year/150,000 km manufacturer warranty covering the whole car, which is fantastic peace of mind, especially on the used market. The crucial high-voltage battery was also covered for 7 years/150,000 km, usually with a guarantee against excessive degradation (often to 70% of original capacity). Being electric, maintenance is generally simpler and cheaper than its petrol-powered counterparts, with fewer moving parts to worry about. Reliability is typically strong too.