Kia Niro Hybrid

SECOND REPORT: Hybrid crossover is perfect for photographer Pete

- Pete Gibson

IT must be hard for car manufacturers when they come to replace a successful model. Admittedly, Kia's first-generation Niro wasn't exactly the biggest-selling vehicle in the world, yet it had its dedicated followers, drawn in by the wide choice of powertrains - hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric - offered across the range.

But as the miles pile on in our Niro Hybrid, I keep catching sight of the Korean car on my drive or in car parks and filling stations, and noting what an effective job Kia did of evolving such a solid formula. It's a larger car than before, with a longer wheelbase that helps to deliver improved cabin space, and yet I think a lot of how it seems to have grown up is down to the styling details more than the overall increase in scale.

The car's profile is basically the same as the old model's, and the Niro's sharp edges mean it still feels compact when you're parking it. But the totally different front end and those narrow tail-lights, angled over the rear corners, give it a more planted look and, I would argue, a bit more premium appeal.