point of sale...point of sale... KIA NIRO 3 HYBRID: IS THIS THE BEST PRIVATE HIRE VEHICLE?
HEADING
Kia introduced the Niro back in 2016, and since then it has been available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and EV power- trains. The hybrid is by far the cheapest to buy, provokes zero range anxiety, and still returns an impressive 50-70 mpg!
EXTERIOR: • The Niro 3 hybrid features 17" alloys, LED daytime running lights, black and chrome trim, privacy glass, and is quite sporty looking for a small SUV.
INTERIOR: • When you open the driver’s door, you’re greeted by a gorgeous leather interior, including the steering wheel.
• The instrument cluster is clear, but also has plenty of information. You can change the centre of the instrument cluster from info such as mpg and distance until next petrol stop, to smart cruise control settings, to an additional digital speedometer. It’s possibly the best cluster I’ve seen on a car.
• The 10" infotainment system is clear, concise and reacts instantly. Sat nav, DAB bluetooth, apple car play and android audio are included.
• The front leather seats and steering wheel are both heated, and the driver’s seat is electronically operated.
• There is also a reverse camera, and parking sensors front and rear.
POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE: • The Kia Niro 3 hybrid is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor. Combined they produce 139 bhp, allowing the Niro to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 11.1 seconds. Whilst this might not sound thrilling, it launches from a set of traffic lights with surprising gusto when in sport mode.
• The gearbox is pretty dim-witted when it comes to overtaking, but Kia added a steptropic mode (alongside paddle type shifters), so you can change the gears manually. And in sport mode, it’s a surprisingly fun car to drive!
RIDE AND HANDLING: • It’s a smooth ride in the Niro 3, and it’s quiet too. The handling is surprisingly good, and it’s quite an involving drive when out on country roads.
• The engine is a bit loud when you first turn the key, however it soon quietens down.
INTERIOR SPACE/EXTERIOR SIZE: • The Niro has hit a sweet spot in my opinion; quite compact on the outside, yet big enough for five adults comfortably on the inside.
• The boot is a good size, but drivers who regularly take on airport work might struggle with four large cases.
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PURCHASE PRICE AND RUNNING COSTS: • The Niro 3 hybrid costs around £28,000 new, and starts from around £17,000 on the used market.
• The Niro 2 hybrid can be snapped up from £14,000 used, but doesn’t have heated leather seats (which I think is important in a PHV, as spills can be wiped away easier on leather seats).
• Mpg wise, the Niro 3 hybrid can achieve anywhere between 50 and 70 mpg, depending on driving style and time of year. Even those gorgeous alloy wheels are 17", which means they’re relatively cheap to replace.
CONCLUSION: I honestly believe the Kia Niro 3 hybrid is the best option for PH drivers, as it is a perfect size, is reasonably priced, is cheap to run, has a 100,000 mile warranty (transferable if bought used), and has the all important leather interior. It’s also a nice place to be for eight hours a day, and can be driven spiritedly in between jobs.
Written by Chris Kearns: Wirral private hire driver and founder of the YouTube channel, The Chequered Flag. Kia Niro 3: sold by Car ‘N’ Cab Care, advert on pages 18-19
JUNE 2022
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