Page 81 - Motor Trend (January 2020)

COTY

Kia Niro EV

PRO Not a funny-looking EV • Compliant ride • Roomy interior
CON Expensive at higher trims • Joyless to drive • Conservative styling
ith a 239-mile range on The spacious interior easily driving dynamics were plagued of the most expensive EVs we
a full charge, the 2019 fits average-sized adults, and by excessive understeer, had this year—much pricier than
WKia Niro EV eases range the cargo area is accommo- uncommunicative steering, the Tesla Model 3. Some judges
anxiety and gives you a genuine dating, particularly with the rear and mushy brakes. Priddle couldn’t justify that, especially
all-electric daily driver that you seats folded. Despite its cool complained about jerky with its interior feeling cheaper
probably won’t need to plug in graphics to track efficiency, the acceleration and inability to than its price tag.
every night. Niro EV’s infotainment system perform one-pedal driving The Niro EV’s biggest problem?
Like its hybrid and plug-in remains user-friendly thanks to because the regenerative brakes It came a few years too late. With
hybrid siblings, the Niro EV its straightforward layout. won’t bring the car to a stop. the 240-mile Tesla Model 3 priced
sticks to traditional gauges, Some judges commented Our EX Premium example similarly to a base Niro EV and
buttons, and a touchscreen. on the Niro EV’s feeling of came loaded up. A driver the Chevrolet Bolt EV gaining
Transparency helps sell EVs to solidity thanks to its high- assistance suite that works well? 20 miles more range, the Kia’s
a public that doesn’t want to speed stability, comfortable Check. Heated and ventilated primary advantage is that it still
have to learn some goofy new ride, and lack of buzzes and front seats? Got those, too. At qualifies for the $7,500 federal
interface. rattles. Unfortunately, its $47,405, the Niro EV was one tax credit. Stefan Ogbac

SPECS 2019 Kia Niro ECO Electric (EX)
Base Price/As Tested $39,545/$47,405
Power (SAE net) 201 hp @ 3,800 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 291 lb-ft @ 0 rpm
Accel, 0-60 mph 6.2 sec
Quarter Mile 14.8 sec @ 95.7 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 123 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.80 g (avg)
MT Figure Eight 27.1 sec @ 0.66 g (avg)
EPA City/Hwy/Comb 123/102/112 mpg-e

Vehicle Layout Front-motor, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback Engine/Transmission AC synchronous permanent-magnet electric motor/1-
speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 3,906 lb (55/45%) Wheelbase 106.3 in Length x Width x Height 172.2 x 71.1 x 61.4 in Energy Consumption,
City/Hwy 27/33 kW-hr/100 miles CO2 Emissions, Comb 0.00 lb/mile (at vehicle)

Mazda3

PRO Upscale interior • Quiet cabin • Handsome styling
CON Choppy ride • Tight passenger space • High price for segment

or the 2019 model year, Mazda The 8.8-inch screen is easy
took a different road for its to control with the rotary knob—
Fcompact sedan and hatch- though changing a radio station
back. The 2019 Mazda3 obtained requires diving through menus—
premium-ish styling inside and while the Mazda Connect info- Its styling was well received by just don’t feel the same oomph
outside, raising itself from the rest tainment system’s graphics have the judges, but the driving experi- like in the previous generation.
of the econobox segment. But been updated with fonts and ence was not. The defanged We welcome the premium
the change from an independent visuals that look more upscale. powertrain and the changes in styling, but we’re disappointed
rear suspension to a torsion beam And although its exterior is the suspension caused the car that the new model doesn’t
weakened the sharp handling the handsome, the small windows to feel weaker than the previous drive with the fun of the previous
previous 3 was known for. and the blind spots they create model, taking away part of the generation. The Mazda3 has
The fittings of the Mazda3’s were an issue for some of us. fun the 3 was known for. been a favorite among MT
interior look like they’re taken from Unlike the Corolla and Civic, which The 2.5-liter engine delivers 186 staffers, but the new generation
European sedans, with simple and offer plenty of rear legroom and hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. That’s doesn’t have enough to win our
well-executed lines. headroom, the 3’s space is tight. on par with the segment, but you hearts again. Miguel Cortina

SPECS 2020 Mazda3 Hatch 2020 Mazda3 AWD Sedan
Base Price/As Tested $24,520/$28,420 $24,920/$30,460
Power (SAE net) 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque (SAE net) 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Accel, 0-60 mph 6.9 sec 8.1 sec
Quarter Mile 15.2 sec @ 93.0 mph 16.2 sec @ 87.7 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 118 ft 122 ft
Lateral Acceleration 0.85 g (avg) 0.79 g (avg)
MT Figure Eight 27.0 sec @ 0.63 g (avg) 28.1 sec @ 0.58 g (avg)
EPA City/Hwy/Comb 25/35/29 mpg 25/33/28 mpg Hatch
Vehicle Layout Hatchback Front-engine, FWD, 5-pass, 4-door hatchback Sedan Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan Engine/Transmission Hatchback
2.5L DOHC 16-valve I-4/6-speed manual Sedan 2.5L DOHC 16-valve I-4/6-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) Hatchback 3,010 lb (62/38%) Sedan
3,290 lb (60/40%) Wheelbase 107.3 in Length x Width x Height Hatchback 175.6 x 70.7 x 56.7 in Sedan 183.5 x 70.7 x 56.9 in Energy Consumption, City/Hwy
Hatchback 135/96 kW-hr/100 miles Sedan 135/102 kW-hr/100 miles CO2 Emissions, Comb Hatchback 0.68 lb/mile Sedan 0.69 lb/mile