Additional LX spec Niro plug-ins to join fleet.

SEVEN Kia models are laying claim to ability to extract Government Clean Car subsidy assistance at purchase.

The count has expanded with addition of two LX grade versions of the Niro in its plug-in hybrid form. The entry edition, badged simply LX, avails from $55,990 plus on-road costs, which reduces to $50,240 plus on-road costs with the rebate.

The LX Plus, fitted with slightly more specification, prices at $57,990 plus on-roads and reduces to $52,240 (plus ORCs) with application of the rebate.

“These new PHEV models offer the best of both worlds, delivering an all-electric range of up to 55km and carbon emissions of only 29gCO2/km when using the petrol engine,” says brand boss Todd McDonald.

As Hyundai NZ makes hay with announcement of pricing for its Ioniq 5 electric car – with news a base version, albeit in rear-drive and with small power unit than four other variants coming, will also qualify for an EV rebate – Kia is also reminding that its EV 6 version, on the same platform and with common hardware, is also en route.

EV 6 is the first of 11 new Kia electric vehicle models to launch by 2026. While, the sibling make has yet to announce prices, specs and, like Hyundai, has not nailed down a firm local release day, announcement of a slight price drop for the Niro EX EV could be seen as a sign that it making room for the new model.

Meantime, Kia says it has five plug-in hybrids – four Niros and a Sorrento – eligible for Government assistance and two Niro EVs.