Kia Niro: car review | Martin Love

The new Kia Niro won't throw you to the lions, it's far too busy saving the planet and making sure you feel comfortable

Price: 22,795
Top speed: 101mph
0-62mph: 11.1 seconds
MPG: 74.3
CO2: 88g/km

Clearly no one in their right mind is going to name a new car after Nero, Rome's most eye-poppingly deranged emperor. But, according to Kia's bumf, this car's name also means "strong and powerful" - a laudable aspiration for every vehicle, though "strong and stable" would be even more timely. The name also puts you in mind of Robert De Niro. I spent the week saying: "I drive a Kia De Niro," which annoyed my children, but brought the car a touch of glamour.