What is the best Kia to salary sacrifice?
The first all-electric Kia was released in 2014 in Korea and is known as the Kia Soul. The much-loved Kia Niro was later released in 2016, with the electric version coming later in 2022. In April 2024, 8,044 new plates registered in the UK belonged to Kia, reflecting a 5.99% market share as per SMMT figures. This marks a 1.37% increase from April 2023. While not all of these were electric Kia vehicles, it underscores the significant popularity of the brand in the UK.
This is further reflected in the 2023 data, where Kia had its best year of sales performance in Europe with 572,297 (a 5.4% increase compared to the previous year). EV-specific sales rose by 22.7% - the all-new Kia Niro EV sold 40,074 units, while the multi-award-winning Kia EV6 followed with 36,195 units. The Kia EV9 sold, despite its late start of sales, 2,843 units and the e-Soul 1,887 units.
At The Electric Car Scheme, we have a range of electric Kia’s available to salary sacrifice. We believe everyone wants to make choices to achieve a net zero future, but they are limited by information, access, price and complexity. At The Electric Car Scheme, we support people in making the switch to electric cars - creating “win-win” scenarios for the planet, our customers and our business. Salary sacrifice makes this possible, allowing employees to save 30-60% on any electric car by reducing their salary in return as a benefit. Every company in the UK can offer The Electric Car Scheme as an employee benefit - it is cost-neutral to run and the set-up process is simple!
These images are sourced from: 1. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oOnn7S5-FPw 2. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/kia/soul/357918/new-2022-kia-soul-ev-facelift-incoming-us-model-gets-update 3. https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/manufacturer-news/2020/06/26/kia-expands-e-niro-model-range 4. https://www.pcmag.com/news/kia-offers-early-peak-at-2024-ev9-the-first-mass-market-3-row-electric
Let’s have a closer look at the Kia’s available to lease from The Electric Car Scheme.
1. Kia e-Niro
2. Kia Soul
3. Kia EV6
4. Kia EV9
Kia Niro EV
This image has been sourced from https://www.kia.com/uk/new-cars/niro/
Starting with the Kia Niro which was initially announced in 2016 and launched in the UK in 2019. The electric Kia e-Niro came later, in 2022, and was the first fully electric crossover produced by Kia - it is now known as the Kia Niro EV. The Niro EV combines “driving enjoyment, eye-catching design, crossover utility and a zero-emission powertrain” to create “one of the most capable electric vehicles on sale worldwide.”
Alternatives, in terms of size and price, to the Kia Niro EV include the Mazda MX-30, Peugeot e-2008 and the Volkswagen ID.3.
The Niro EV uses the third-generation K platform, positioning the battery centrally beneath the floor. This configuration enhances weight distribution between the axles and lowers the centre of gravity. Additionally, compared to the PHEV variant, the electric Niro has more insulating material, effectively reducing wind noise and rolling, which is more noticeable because of the lack of an engine.
Niro EV Performance
The Niro’s electric motor produces 204 horsepower and 255 Nm of torque and has a single battery size of 64.8kWh which allows a range of 285 miles. There are three models available: 2, 3 and 4. Looking at the table below, you can see there is no variation in battery side, 0-62mph or range. Instead, the main difference between the models are trims and performance features… but more on that later.
In terms of consumption, the Niro EV is very efficient and has an average consumption of 15.9 kWh/100 km - similar to the Volkswagen ID.3. This is because of its low weight and drag.
| Model | Battery Size | 0-62 mph | Range | Cost per Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 64kWh | 7.8 seconds | 285 miles | £359 |
| 3 | 64kWh | 7.8 seconds | 285 miles | £373 |
| 4 | 64 kWh | 7.8 seconds | 285 miles | £396 |
This table shows the battery size, 0-62mph, range and cost per month if you were to salary sacrifice the Kia Niro EV from The Electric Car Scheme if you’re a 40% taxpayer, based on the lease agreements of 10,000 miles per annum and a three-year lease. You can see a breakdown of how this is calculated below.
What’s the difference between the Kia Niro EV 2 and 3?
The most noticeable difference between the Niro 2 and 3 is that the 2 has a cloth upholstery finish, whereas the 3 has cloth and vegan leather upholstery. The 3 also comes with more standard features than the 2, like a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen display, wireless smartphone charging pad, and a JBL premium sound system. The Niro 3 also has more safety features than the 2.
What’s the difference between the Kia Niro EV 3 and 4?
The top-spec 4 models add ventilated front seats and heated rear seats, a 10-inch head-up display, a sunroof and vegan leather upholstery throughout.
What’s the Kia Niro EV like to drive?
The Niro EV was built to emphasise comfort over sportiness, which is perfect considering it is an electric SUV targeting families.
This image is sourced from: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/manufacturer-news/2020/06/26/kia-expands-e-niro-model-range
In town, the Niro is in its element due to its balanced suspension which manages body roll and any bumps in the road. The door mirrors are a good size with limited blind spots, you also have a turning circle of 10.7 metres which makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spots. The steering is light and because of the quick acceleration that comes with EVs, it is perfect for weaving through traffic.
On the motorway, the Niro EV performs well, partially due to the insulation mentioned earlier which means there is little wind noise. It has a good amount of driver assistance systems to make long-distance driving easy. Lane keep assist, lane follow assist, forward collision assist and smart cruise control are all fitted as standard in all models. Higher specification models will also get blind spot monitoring and warnings of other cars around you.
On country lanes, the Niro feels balanced and takes road bumps within its stride. The steering and acceleration are responsive at higher speeds, which means you can move out of corners with ease.
Space inside the Niro EV
Throughout all models of the Niro, ample space is available. The front section offers a decent amount of storage, featuring standard door bins, cupholders, and space for your phone. Both driver and front passenger enjoy comfortable seating, with powered lumbar support provided for the driver in Models 3 and 4, and for the front passenger in Model 4.
Going through to the back seats, adequate head and legroom due to the flat floor. Storage in the door bins is plentiful, complemented by two cupholders in the armrest between passengers. Conveniently, USB ports are also integrated into the sides of the front seats.
The boot space in the Niro is very good, with 475 litres on offer. This is an improvement on the Hybrid which holds 451 litres and the PHEV which holds 358 litres. The shape of the boot is also really good because you’re able to fit plenty of stuff inside - there are also tie-down points and a 12-volt socket.
Interior details
This image is sourced from: https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-news/first-official-pictures/kia/e-niro/
The Niro has a sleek cabin which is minimalistic and simple. Many manufacturers are looking to reduce their emissions and waste, which means you can only change the paint colour and exterior trim detailing. The dashboard has a bright blue trim around the vents which is a nod to the trim highlights found on the outside of the car, which is a nice addition to have.
Depending on the model you choose, the cabin is trimmed in fabric or vegan leather, and available in black or dark grey. There is also a mood lighting system that illuminates the centre console and shift dial with lighting in six different colours which adds a nice touch to the feel of the cabin.
Infotainment and accessories
There are two large screens inside the Niro EV. The overall layout of the infotainment system is simple, making it easy to navigate and read. It does look the same as any other Kia and you can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in all models.
On the driver’s display, you can navigate through different data points and screen designs to best suit you. These do change depending on the drive mode you select.
Salary Sacrifice the Kia Niro EV
You can salary sacrifice the Kia Niro from The Electric Car Scheme and save between 30-60% on the cost of the lease. You can see the savings made every month on National Insurance and Income Tax in the table below. The pricing in the table has been taken from our quote tool, which you can customise based on your salary and the lease terms to suit you!
Kia Soul
These images are sourced from: 1. https://www.carbuyer.co.uk/kia/soul/304086/2022-kia-soul-facelift-expected-shortly-as-us-models-receive-update-gallery 2. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/kia/soul-ev 3. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/kia/soul/357918/new-2022-kia-soul-ev-facelift-incoming-us-model-gets-update
When the first electric Kia Soul was on sale, it was one of a few EVs on the market and it shares a good proportion of its electric drive system with the first-generation Kia e-Niro. The Soul has a high bonnet and a raked roofline, making it very interesting to look at.
You can choose between two models: Urban and Explore. As you can see in the table below, the Explore model has a bigger battery and, therefore, a longer range of 280 miles. The Explore has a higher trim level, whereas the Urban model misses some of the top-end equipment (which is to be expected for the lower price point).
| Model | Battery Size | 0-62mph | Range | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Urban | 39kWh | 9.9 seconds | 171 miles | £367 |
| Explore | 64kWh | 7.9 seconds | 280 miles | £418 |
The Soul’s performance
It is smooth and easy to drive, but also very quick off the mark when it needs to be. The Soul has regenerative braking, like all-electric cars, which is very useful around town. Driver visibility is excellent due to the narrow pillars inside the car and the standard rear parking sensors and reversing camera comes in very handy when parking. There is a lot of adjustment in the driver’s seat and steering wheel, making it easy to find a driving position suited to you.
One downfall of the assistance offered in the Soul is the speed limit warning, which has good intentions but can sometimes get the speed limit wrong, meaning it beeps at you even when you’re not speeding. You can disengage this, but you have to do so every time you start the car - which is far from ideal.
On the motorway, the Kia Soul is smooth, comfortable and quiet. The tyres are large which means some noise is generated as a result. This EV will happily sit at 70mph for long periods, but be careful because the range does drop quickly as a result, which is to be expected in any electric car
The Soul was not designed for small country lanes because of its height, which causes some body roll. The light steering is also a hindrance as you pick up speed on country lanes and instead is suited to a relaxed pace and wider roads.
Space inside the Kia Soul
This image is sourced from: https://www.markmartinkia.com/blog/performance-features-of-the-2024-kia-soul/
The Soul has plenty of space in the front seats with leg and headroom accommodating even the tallest of people, with lots of adjustment available. The seats are relatively high, so most people will be able to comfortably take their seats without having to crouch down.
There is a good amount of storage, in the door bins, under-arm and a cubby hole in the centre armrest, along with two cupholders in the centre and a phone tray. There is also a 12-volt socket and USB/C options in front, so you can charge all of your devices.
Moving into the back seats, there is space for two large adults to sit comfortably but isn’t wide enough for three. You could easily fit three adults in the back and there are two sets of ISOFIX mounts (the doors open wide to accommodate this). Most alternatives are similar to the Soul, but there is more space in the Nissan Leaf or Volkswagen ID.3. Rear passengers also get a pair of USB-C sockets between them.
The Soul has a disappointing amount of boot space of 315 litres, which is small for this type of car. There is extra storage space under the floor where you can store charging cables… luckily. The boot is square, making packing easier. The back seats also fold down in case you need to transport bulkier items, and there is a clip to keep the seatbelts in order which is useful.
Interior details of the Kia Soul
This image is sourced from: https://www.ggkia.com/blog/what-technology-is-available-in-the-2020-kia-sportage/
The interior is not as bold as the exterior, there are some silver highlights but apart from that the colour scheme is dark. The knobs and buttons have a high-quality feel and the rounded shapes make the cabin slightly more interesting. It is somewhat frustrating that the e-Niro gets ambient lighting to help lift the ambience, but this wasn’t extended to the Soul.
Infotainment and accessories
Much like the Kia e-Niro, there is a 10.3-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system that occupies the middle of the dashboard. Again, it is easy to navigate and use but can look slightly dated in comparison to other EV models.
The climate control models are separate from the touchscreen which is good news! So many EV models have got rid of the buttons to make the cabin feel minimalistic or ‘cleaner’, but having them makes life easier to adjust when driving.
The Kia Soul is available to salary sacrifice
The Kia Soul 39 kWh is available to salary sacrifice for as little as £367 per month through The Electric Car Scheme. You would save £230 in income tax savings and £11 in national insurance savings. There is a small price to pay for the average benefit-in-kind tax, which is £34 per month. Overall, you would be saving £241 every month!
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 has a wide face and a sloping roof to give it a futuristic but sports car-esque (almost) feel. There are two very impressive things about the Kia EV6, the first being its impressive maximum charging rate of 350kW, which can add 62 miles of range in just over four minutes, and it has a vehicle-to-load feature (V2L). This means it can power household items like kettles or microwaves - which might not seem handy… until you have a power cut.
You can choose between a 229hp rear-wheel drive EV6 and a 325hp four-wheel-drive version, both with a 77.4kWh battery. The 229hp model has a claimed range of 328 miles, while the more powerful EV6 has an official range of approximately 316 miles.
| Model | Battery Size | 0-62mph | Range | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 77.4kWh | 7.3 seconds | 328 miles | £434 |
| GT Line (166kW) | 77.4kWh | 7.3 seconds | 328 miles | £459 |
| GT Line (236kW) | 77.4kWh | 5.2 seconds | 314 miles | £494 |
| GT Line S (166kW) | 77.4kWh | 7.3 seconds | 313 miles | £506 |
| GT Line S (236kW) | 77.4kWh | 5.2 seconds | 300 miles | £542 |
| GT (424kW) | 77.4kWh | 3.5 seconds | 263 miles | £606 |
Performance in the EV6
These images are sourced from: 1. https://www.pcmag.com/news/kia-offers-early-peak-at-2024-ev9-the-first-mass-market-3-row-electric 2. https://www.kia.com/uk/about/news/truth-about-electric-cars/ 3. https://www.kenjervis.com/offers/ev6-motability-offer/
Around town, the EV6 is perfect due to its quick acceleration and regenerative braking. It has firm suspension, which means you can feel most of the bumps in the road, but this doesn’t mean it is uncomfortable. It has light steering and smooth controls, which come in very handy around tight roads and traffic, and overall the visibility is very good when looking forward. The EV6 does feature some thick pillars and a small rear window, which means you are subjected to blind spots. The rear parking sensors and reversing camera do come in very handy and are almost a saving grace in this situation.
On the motorway, the EV6 is very quick off the mark, and it is quiet with little wind and tyre noise. The firm ride becomes more comfortable at higher speeds. Of course, long periods of driving at high speeds are not ideal for any EV but because the EV6 is compatible with charging speeds up to 350kW, you can recharge very quickly.
The EV6 is comfortable on country lanes, with the AWD model handling corners at high speeds very easily. The RWD model allows for a more leisurely approach to corners. The light steering that performs very well around town, is not as much of positive on country lanes, and more feedback from the EV6 would make the driving experience even better.
Space inside the EV6
There is plenty of space inside the EV6. Starting in the front, the driver and passenger have space to stretch out, the door bins are a good size and there is a central armrest. As above, there is storage underneath the central armrest as well as cupholders and charging ports to plug in your phone. Manual seat adjustment is standard on the entry-level Air model, with powered adjustment for further support. There is plenty of customisation in terms of seating position and wheel, no matter your proportions.
In the back, the floor is completely flat which means there’s room for everyone’s feet. Legroom is good, but you do sit quite close to the floor which means you may have to bend your legs slightly more than you’re used to. If you’re tall, the sloping roofline may be a slight issue in the sense that your head will be close to the ceiling. One great feature is that the back seats recline if anyone wants to sleep on a journey!
Interior details of the Kia EV6
This image is sourced from: https://www.evpulse.com/opinions/u-s-spec-2022-hyundai-ioniq-5-is-much-larger-than-youd-expect
A huge selling point of the EV6 is how it looks overall and the inside does not disappoint. It has a series of different materials and finishes to the cabin, making it almost feel like a luxury brand. You can find some harder plastics, but this is not uncommon in EVs.
Again, Kia doesn’t offer a huge amount of personalisation to the cabin, the biggest choice you can make is to the colour and whether you go for a premium or standard paint finish.
Infotainment
As you get in the driver’s seat, you’ll immediately notice the huge twin screens which both measure 12.3 inches. The one in front of the driver replaces conventional dials found in a car, but you have more control over what information appears and how. The second screen takes care of infotainment systems - instead of dials, there is a row of touch-sensitive buttons below the screen which controls the essentials like air conditioning.
Salary sacrifice the EV6
If your company offers The Electric Car Scheme as an employee benefit, you could lease the EV6 from £434 per month.
You would have to pay a small amount of benefit-in-kind tax - this is otherwise known as “the company car tax” and is calculated based on three factors. First, consider the level of CO2 emissions produced by a car, of which an electric vehicle will have none, as it doesn’t produce any emissions. Secondly, assess the P11D value of the car, which represents its on-road price. Third, take into account your personal tax bracket. You can learn more about BiK tax here.
Kia EV9
The Kia EV9 is huge, with the capacity to seat 7 people, you’d assume it has to be. It was unveiled in March 2023, following the EV6, and won Car of the Year at the New York International Auto Show in 2024.
All EV9 models have the save 99.8kWh battery, delivering a range of up to 349 miles. It has a RRP range of £65,000 to £77,000 which is more affordable than competitors like the Volvo EX90 or Tesla Model X. There are three trim levels, the entry-level Air, GT-Line and GT-Line S. You can see the differences between all three below.
| Model | Battery Size | 0-62mph | Range | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air | 99.8kWh | 9.4 seconds | 349 miles | £681 |
| GT-Line | 99.8kWh | 5.3 seconds | 313 miles | £775 |
| GT-Line S 7ST | 99.8kWh | 5.3 seconds | 313 miles | £799 |
| GT-Line S 6ST | 99.8kWh | 5.3 seconds | 313 miles | £806 |
EV9 Performance
This image is sourced from: https://insideevs.com/news/691215/2024-kia-ev9-achieves-up-to-304-miles-epa-estimated-range/
The EV9, as mentioned before, is big, which means it is not the easiest car to drive around tight roads in towns or cities. There is a 360-degree camera which is very handy to have, making it easier to manoeuvre. It does have a wide turning circle, which may mean tight junctions are tricky. The light steering does make this car easy to drive in town and it is generally very comfortable. A nice-to-have feature is the auto brake regenerative feature which uses sensors to judge your distance from the car in front, braking as you get closer to the car and bringing you to a steady stop.
On the motorway, the suspension becomes smoother at higher speeds and the armchair-like seats are very comfortable, making it a positive experience overall. It is impressive how quickly the EV9 is off the mark, considering its weight.
However, on a country lane, the EV9 does have decent grip and power but can be unnerving if you come across a van or anything larger. The softer suspension can make the car wobble from side to side slightly, due to the height and weight of the car, but once on a straight road, this can feel somewhat fun.
Space in the EV9
This image is sourced from: https://electrek.co/2024/03/04/hyundai-ioniq-9-first-three-row-electric-suv/
The driving position offers a commanding view of the road, but taller drivers may wish for a closer steering wheel. Convenient features include swivelling cupholders, a spacious centre bin, and a roomy glove box. However, the door bins lack lining and can be noisy if you put loose water bottles inside and the under-armrest storage is shallow. Front seats are comfortable and equipped with USB-C chargers and a 12V socket. Seat adjustments vary by trim level, with entry-level models having manual steering column adjustment. Higher trims feature memory front seats, which is a useful feature to have!
In the back, if you opt for the six-seater configuration (which is only available on the top-spec GT-Line S for an extra £1,000 compared to the seven-seater) slightly reduces seating versatility but offers advantages. The middle seats allow easy access to the rear and feature swivel functionality. This allows for the convenient loading of baby seats and a unique four-person conference-style setup. However, space can be tight, and manoeuvring the seats requires effort. While not as luxurious as a Mercedes V-Class, it's still an impressive feature.
Whereas, opting for the seven-seater configuration adds an extra seat, with the rear bench split 60:40 and adjustable on rails for customisable legroom. It easily folds down at the touch of a button for third-row access. The central middle seat is less comfortable, being slightly harder, narrower, and raised compared to the outer seats. However, the flat floor ensures ample space for all passengers' feet. Outer passengers enjoy comfortable legroom, and the armrest can be adjusted for height, featuring cupholders.
The EV9 has 333 litres of space with all three rows of seats in place, which is bigger than the Volvo EX90. If you fold these seats down, you get 828 litres of space. The parcel shelf can be kept under the boot floor when you have all seven seats in place, but there isn’t anywhere in the back to store the charging cables. You would need to put them in the front luggage area under the bonnet if you don't want them in the boot. This is 90 litres in Air models and 50 litres in GT-Line versions.
Interior detail of the EV9
This image is sourced from: https://www.pcmag.com/news/kia-offers-early-peak-at-2024-ev9-the-first-mass-market-3-row-electric
The Kia EV9's interior quality presents a blend of positives and negatives. While the roof lining and upper dash offer a soft, plush feel, the cabin as a whole lacks a premium touch. Lower sections utilize cheaper plastics, contrasting with the upscale ambience of the BMW iX. Nevertheless, all models boast desirable standard features such as heated and ventilated front and outer middle-row seats, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Kia EV9 infotainment
The interior features expansive displays, consisting of 12.3-inch screens for both instrument displays and infotainment, with a separate 5.3-inch display for climate settings.
However, the design of the climate control screen is somewhat perplexing. It's positioned behind the steering wheel, making it inaccessible, yet physical buttons are also provided for temperature adjustments, resulting in a disjointed solution.
Despite this, the larger screens offer clear visuals and user-friendly interfaces, enhanced by a satisfying feedback system that ensures precise interaction without distracting from the road.
Salary Sacrifice the EV9
You can salary sacrifice the EV9 for as little as £681, by paying from your gross salary. You save £423 in income tax every month and £21 in national insurance savings - taking your monthly gross cost from £1,057 to £681. You can create your own custom Kia EV9 and find out how much you could save with our salary sacrifice scheme. Just enter your salary and lease information on our quote tool, and we'll give you a personalised monthly price.
The Electric Car Scheme is a great way for companies to boost employee satisfaction and retention, whilst also making a positive change to their ESG goals. It is a cost-neutral benefit and easy to set up with dedicated teams to support you along the way. You can learn more about salary sacrifice by visiting our hub of knowledge, with useful blogs based on frequently asked questions. You can also experiment with our quote tool to see what cars are available!
Last updated: 10/05/24
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 5,000 miles pa, 48 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 20% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
