Even scarier, in this undignified finger-pointing discussion, is that far from each and every SUV/Crossover is a world-destroying gas guzzler. In simple fact, some of them are in the vanguard of environmental motoring, as their substantial-driving stance permits the low-priced and helpful productive fitment of massive batteries and/or hydrogen tanks and warmth exchangers.
Just take Kia’s Niro, for case in point, which due to the fact 2016 has supplied a assortment of drivetrain options including petrol, hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure electric (EV). Accurate, it wasn’t pretty amazing to generate or to appear at, but as much as reliability backed by a lengthy warranty, economical and reasonably spacious household motoring was concerned, it was the tops. British isles sales improved yr on 12 months and even in the top of lockdown, gross sales doubled.
Underneath the pores and skin
So, this is the new next era model, which is on sale this month with initially deliveries in the autumn, while reckon on a 6-month waiting around record – the 285-mile range EV which arrives upcoming month will be even tardier to marketplace. Never intellect whether or not a car is any very good these times, much more essential appears to be regardless of whether you can essentially get keep of it.
So, variations incorporate the dropping of the petrol engine and an bold SUV-style makeover and a progress spurt. At 4,420mm extended and 1,825mm broad, it’s 65mm longer, 10mm taller and 20mm broader than the outgoing design, with a 20mm lengthier wheelbase. That maximize in dimension specially the width, isn’t going to be universally welcomed by individuals dwelling on slender roadways.
Weights differ according to the drivetrain, but the hybrid is 70kg lighter. At 1,474kg in standard ‘2’ spec it is no light-weight, while, and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in the same trim is even heavier at 1,594kg.