Should I buy one?
Maybe, because this facelifted Niro adds a small amount of lustre to what has always been a well-rounded offering: this is a potentially hugely economical powertrain in a well-sorted car, laden with kit and backed by a seven-year warranty.
But if your decision is financially driven, as is likely, you do need to consult a calculator, because you’ll have to cover a lot of miles or enjoy a lot of lower VED or company car bills to truly extract value from choosing the PHEV over the hybrid.
Alternatively, if your motives are altogether greener or company car tax focused then you might also want to consider the excellent all-electric Kia e-Niro instead, available with a 280-ish mile real world range and epically low running costs for a further £5k.
Even if you do conclude it is for you, then you must consider the opposition, not least the Skoda Superb PHEV, which starts from £31,970.
How car makers must rue the loss of the plug-in hybrid grant, which swung the cost-benefit equation rather more in their - and consumers’ - favour.
Kia Niro 1.6 GDi PHEV 6-speed DCT specification
Where Middlesex, UK Price £31,945 On sale now Engine 4 cyls, 1580cc, petrol, plus electric motor Power 139bhp at 5700rpm Torque 195lb ft Gearbox DCT automatic Kerb weight 1149kg Top speed 107mph 0-62mph 10.4sec Fuel economy 201.8mpg CO2 29g/km Rivals Hyundai Ioniq PHEV, Skoda Superb PHEV
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Autocar needs to understand
Disappointing
Ideal sized car for me but it's only available with either in either mild in PHEV hybrid versions, expensive and slow for a £32k Korean car, with no chance of clawing the money back if you're a private buyer.
Needs a pure 1.6t for £5k less, Skoda can do it!