. 1.6 GDI Hybrid 139bhp 1 DCT 5dr

Best car I have owned for some time

My previous car was a Toyota Auris Hybrid Estate 2013. Never really got used to the CVT gearbox, which all Toyotas have as it is so noisy in Sport mode and the drive selector never gelled with me.
Decided to go for a test drive in a Niro hybrid 2017, that was advertised locally. This was the last registration to get zero road tax as well.
Was sold on it from the test drive. Easy to drive, love the DCT gearbox as it feels like a normal auto box. The easier access being elderly over the Auris, plus other cars, is a big plus factor.
Average approx 55-60 around town, close on 70 on runs. You need to drive with a light foot, to get good mpg, driving like sports car, is a no no, or in Sports mode.
Problems have been few. Rear window heated element packed up, but was replaced under warranty, as was the heater/aircon fan that failed in March this year, which I thought might prove to difficult to claim under warranty, after 6 years and using a non Kia service station near me to service it. But they full filled Kia's warranty rules as to using Kia parts and being VAT registered.
Not sure I recognise the noisy reversing warning that another reviewer mentioned.
A really annoying thing which the Niro and the Auris has, is that you cannot listen to the radio, unless the ignition is on and the car in park ot neutral. This is because it runs off the 12 Volt battery, which being small(to save weight i suspect). I have had it not start because of running the battery down with the tailgate open for a long time, requiring a jump start.
Ride is quite hard, which I would like to be softer. Like the sound of the Citreon E C4 in that respect.but never sure on French reliability.
Would I buy another, yes. Would not bother with a PHEV or the E, as you would never recoup the increased cost IMHO.

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