Kia has introduced a new mid-spec version of its e-Niro electric crossover, priced under £35,000 and therefore qualifying for the revised Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG).

As with Vauxhall and Citroën, the brand has taken swift action to circumvent the Government’s changes to the grant. The new Kia e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range features the same long-range 64kWh battery pack and high-power 204hp motor as higher-specification e-Niro models, while offering a £34,945 on-the-road price.

This puts it under the new £35k price ceiling to qualify for the PiCG and means it qualifies for the £2,500 that’s now being offered under the grant, down from the previous £3,000.

The new e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range also offers more range than any other sub-£35,000 electric vehicle, according to Kia. It’s capable of travelling up to 282 miles (WLTP rated) on a single charge.

Equipment on the new model includes 8.0-inch touchscreen display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels, reversing camera system and rear parking sensors, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and Smart Key & Button Start. It also features Kia’s EV heat pump system, which recycles heat to warm the cabin and maximise driving range, particularly in cold weather.

The new model also offers the same large cabin and spacious boot as other e-Niro models, with 451 litres of cargo capacity.

Drivers of all e-Niro models, including the new ‘2’ Long Range variant, can also sign up to KiaCharge, its new UK-wide integrated public charging service which provides access to more than 15,000 charge points from a single account.

The new e-Niro ‘2’ Long Range is available to order now, with customer deliveries due to start in July.