It's very slick, working much like the 10.25-inch infotainment system sitting above it. The dashboard has a very similar layout to its big brother, and it gets the same twin spoke steering wheel and the same dual purpose touch panel at the press of the button, the keys and physical dials alternate between controlling either the climate or infotainment functions. Step inside, and the family resemblance with Kia's flagship electric car, the EV6, is clear. The second generation Niro EV sits on the new Hyundai-Kia K3 platform, and the body-in-white makes use of a greater proportion of high strength steel in its construction, which means it’s one percent stiffer yet 20.3 kilos lighter - impressive considering the growth in size. Toyota Yaris Cross vs Kia Niro: 2021 group test review.Kia Niro vs Nissan Juke: 2022 twin test review.

MG4 vs Kia Niro EV: 2022 twin test review.

But while the stats have hardly changed, it’s everything around that electrical system that’s new. Even more so when this is such a key model in the brand’s lineup - 60 per cent of Niro buyers are expected to go fully electric, compared to 35 per cent and 5 per cent for HEV and PHEV versions. Such is the rate of progress in the battery-powered segment, some might expect each new generation to go further and faster than the last. The 0-62mph time has gone up - now 7.8 seconds to the old car’s 7.5 seconds. The front-driven electric motor still produces 201bhp. The battery is still a little under 65kWh in capacity (though Kia has switched manufacturers for the new model). It’s not the only figure that might look a little like a copy-and-paste job from the old model.

That’s because the latest version of the brand’s popular electric C-segment crossover - the outgoing e-Niro has been the second best selling electric car in the UK since the start of 2021 - only beats its predecessor’s WLTP-certified range by three miles.

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