Jeep Avenger vs Kia Niro EV vs Volkswagen ID.3: low-cost compact EVs duke it out

Authorities coverage has the potential to play an enormous function in 2024’s new-car market. The Zero Emission Car (ZEV) mandate has come into impact, which signifies that producers want to make sure that at the very least 22 per cent of the automobiles they promote shall be fully-electric. And we’re already seeing proof that manufacturers are scrabbling to say a foothold in opposition to rivals. 

In consequence, the present market is extremely dynamic. Particular affords and value cuts will pop up in all places within the coming months – and primarily based on the proof of this group take a look at, they’re flooding in already.

Right here we now have three of our favorite compact EVs, all of which have simply develop into a complete lot extra tempting in 2024 due to their producers’ aggressive pricing insurance policies. Main the cost is the Jeep Avenger. The corporate’s first EV has already seen off the Mazda MX-30, however that twin take a look at recommended that it has greater than sufficient in its armoury to tackle some mainstream – and extra rounded – rivals.

For comparable cash there are two stable household automotive choices. Right here the Jeep goes up in opposition to the Kia Niro EV – a automotive nicely established as a sensible household EV – and the Volkswagen ID.3, which, after a shaky begin, has been improved with some mid-life updates. 

Is there substance to go along with the Jeep’s fashion? Or do the opposite two nonetheless make extra sense to reside with?

Jeep Avenger

After we first examined the Jeep Avenger, the top-spec Summit mannequin right here began from £39,600. New 2024 costs have already trimmed £900 from that determine, however as we’ll see, the largest monetary incentives come when a PCP finance deal is thrown into the combination.

Tech highlights 

Jeep has pulled off a formidable design trick with the Avenger. In these photos, it seems to be as rugged and chunky because the model’s greatest and boldest creations, but within the steel it’s very compact. At 4,084mm, it’s a mere 10mm
longer than a Volkswagen Polo. 

Much less metalwork means the potential for a decrease mass, and which means every kilowatt hour of power could make a much bigger contribution to the general vary. So whereas the 51kWh of usable capability from the battery is the bottom of this trio, the Avenger compensates with a 1,520kg kerb weight that undercuts its closest rival right here, the Niro EV, by a whopping 219kg. 

That weight benefit can’t absolutely offset the Avenger’s energy deficit, although. At 154bhp, it’s 47bhp down on each the Kia and the VW, which implies the 0-62mph sprint takes 9 seconds flat – nonetheless an inexpensive time, however roughly a second slower than the competitors. Nevertheless, the motor’s 260Nm peak torque is aggressive.

Security: Euro NCAP hasn’t but examined the Avenger, however security tools is pretty beneficiant. All fashions get traffic-sign recognition, driver-attention help and lane-keeping help, whereas hill-descent management means it has extra off-road functionality than most small electrical SUVs. High-spec fashions additionally characteristic blind-spot monitoring and a 180-degree parking digital camera, and our take a look at automotive had a 3rd Isofix little one seat mount on the entrance passenger seat.

On the street

The Jeep’s compact dimensions make it enjoyable to drive round city, but it surely retains a degree of maturity which means it’s simply as succesful on longer journeys.

Round city:  In distinction with many fashionable automobiles – significantly heavy EVs with massive wheels and thin tyres – the Jeep’s journey is impressively compliant at low speeds. Greater bumps can sometimes rock the cabin, however beneficiant tyre sidewalls imply that there’s much less of the city fidget that you simply’ll discover in so many rivals. The steering is pretty mild and, as soon as over a slight useless spot across the centre, turns into fairly fast. This makes the Avenger straightforward to place and park.

A & B-roads: The Avenger comes with three drive modes, every offering a unique energy restrict. We wrestle to see the purpose of Eco, which cuts the output to 80bhp and does little for effectivity, as a result of extra throttle is required to make up for the dearth of energy. Regular mode lifts this to 110bhp, however you’ll be able to entry the total 156bhp by both deciding on Sport mode or urgent the throttle pedal past a step in its journey, in the identical means that kickdown works in a automotive with a conventional computerized gearbox. 

Sport additionally sharpens the throttle response; we discovered the desire between the 2 modes got here right down to particular person style. Both means, efficiency is greater than satisfactory for a small household automotive.

Discover a twistier street, and the Avenger’s measurement makes it numerous enjoyable to drive. We’d like a little bit extra really feel within the steering – though the weighting improves significantly in Sport mode – however there’s loads of grip and restricted roll although the corners.

Motorway: For a automotive so small, the Avenger is stable at larger speeds. Wind rustle on the B-pillars is one in all few issues that takes the sting off refinement.

Possession

Simplicity is a recurring theme all through the Avenger’s cabin. All the vital capabilities that could be wanted on the transfer – such because the temperature controls, window heating and drive mode switches – are accessible through massive buttons, with the previous all organized neatly in a row of toggles slightly below the vents. 

Even selecting course is straightforward, with massive particular person buttons for Park, Reverse, Impartial and Drive clearly positioned on the decrease part of the centre console. All of it works in the direction of the form of utilitarian look you’d anticipate from a model that’s identified for its rugged off-roaders; the metallic yellow bar that spans the dashboard on Summit fashions takes inspiration from the design of the Wrangler. The standard of the plastics is a little bit onerous in locations, however the important thing touchpoints are nice. One in all our few complaints is over-the-shoulder visibility, which is proscribed by the small rear window.

Our take a look at befell in chilly circumstances and concerned plenty of motorway miles, so our effectivity figures are very a lot worst-case state of affairs numbers. Like this, the Jeep achieved 3.3 miles per kilowatt hour – down on the 4.2mi/kWh we achieved testing it in opposition to the Mazda MX-30. That latter determine signifies that, regardless of its modest battery, the Jeep’s vary will increase to 214 miles.  

The Avenger’s working prices are additional improved due to the Jeep Protect bundle. It’s included as commonplace, permitting drivers to profit from 4 years’ free servicing, plus guarantee and restoration packages that run for a similar interval.

Storage: The central bin makes use of a magnetised folding lid, just like a protecting cowl for a pill PC, though it’s solely fitted to top-spec fashions: decrease trims simply have an open cubby. When you’ve folded it again with out it sticking to itself, the area beneath it’s deep and has a recess during which to carry a smartphone securely. The glovebox is tiny, although.

Practicality

At solely 4 metres lengthy, the Avenger is nearer in measurement to many superminis, but it surely’s extra sensible than you may suppose.

Rear House: With a automotive so brief, practicality has to present someplace, and it’s rear kneeroom that suffers. It isn’t so tight that it’s unusable, and in opposition to a tape measure it’s a detailed match to bigger SUVs such because the Vary Rover Evoque, however its rivals right here definitely supply more room. 

Headroom is greater than satisfactory; the Jeep splits the Kia and VW, though there’s solely millimetres separating them.

Boot: At 355 litres, the boot is small in comparison with the spacious 475-litre Kia. Nevertheless, the Avenger’s load lip is nearly degree with the ground and decrease than in its rivals, whereas the unpainted plastic will take knocks higher than the painted components of the Niro and ID.3. The rear seat backs don’t fairly fold utterly flat, although.

What to purchase?

Which model we’d select

• Powertrains: Only one electrical drive system is accessible within the Avenger, though petrol and hybrid choices are additionally supplied. Dwelling as much as Jeep’s picture as an off-road model, a four-wheel-drive possibility will be a part of the vary later this 12 months.
• Trim: There are three specs to select from. Longitude begins at £34,800, which is £3,900 lower than the Summit mannequin examined right here. Nevertheless, as lined on Web page 45, the £36,500 Altitude is the most cost effective on month-to-month funds. The LED headlights and wi-fi telephone charging which are commonplace on the Summit are solely choices for that trim, although.
• Our alternative: Mid-spec Altitude is unbelievable worth on a PCP deal, so it’s the one to have.

Kia Niro EV

We’re testing the Niro EV in its top-spec 4 trim right here, a mannequin that accounts for greater than half of all of the automotive’s gross sales within the UK. Together with the non-obligatory £595 Metal Gray paint of our take a look at automotive, the whole record value involves £42,920.

Tech highlights 

Kia developed the Niro with the power to accommodate full hybrid, plug-in and electrical powertrains in thoughts. This offers it fairly a outstanding bonnet to accommodate the four-cylinder petrol engine the place wanted, however that area isn’t used so nicely by the EV. It contributes to a 4.4-metre size, which provides the Niro EV the biggest footprint of the three automobiles on this contest. 

The Kia makes use of a single motor to drive the entrance wheels. At 201bhp, it’s 47bhp up on the Jeep’s, however its 255Nm peak is definitely 5Nm much less – this in a automotive that weighs considerably extra. The additional mass is accounted for by a lithium-ion battery that has an additional 13.8kWh of capability in comparison with the Avenger. Based mostly on WLTP information, that’s sufficient for a 285-mile vary between prices. 

Not like the Avenger, nonetheless, the Niro on this contest lacks a warmth pump. Utilizing a pump to heat a automotive’s cabin is way more environment friendly than utilizing a conventional heater, and it signifies that it’s doable to remain heat in winter with out compromising vary. For Niro EV drivers, it’s a £900 possibility and solely out there on the top-spec 4 mannequin, which makes it an costly characteristic so as to add.

Security: The Niro was awarded 5 stars when it was assessed by Euro NCAP in 2022. Each mannequin aside from the bottom trim comes with blind-spot warning and the model’s Freeway Driving Help, which mixes adaptive cruise management with a system that may steer itself inside a motorway lane for brief intervals.

On the street

For probably the most half, the Niro EV is pretty unremarkable to drive, but it surely does profit from the smoothest journey of this trio.

Round city:  The final e-Niro felt fairly vigorous at low speeds due to the response of its motor; a heavy proper foot would spin the entrance tyres simply. Kia has restricted the torque within the Niro EV, however has achieved so to the purpose that it now feels a little bit sluggish away from a standstill. It’s solely when you’re above 15mph or in order that the Niro delivers the form of peppy throttle response we’ve come to anticipate from electrical automobiles.

A & B-roads: As with the throttle, the Niro’s chassis feels a little bit boring and torpid. There’s first rate grip, which finally succumbs to tyre-squealing understeer that’s accompanied by affordable ranges of physique roll. The steering is exact sufficient, although. 

The flipside of that is that the Kia’s journey is kind of forgiving. It feels probably the most relaxed automotive right here, and may absorb undulations within the street that the others cross on to occupants extra forcefully.

One other space the place the Niro leads the way in which is in its braking settings. Steering-wheel-mounted paddles can help you regulate the speed of motor regeneration on the fly, and there are 5 settings to select from, which vary from full freewheeling to one-pedal driving. We want each EV had a system that was as easy to make use of.

Motorway: At larger speeds the Kia proves to be the noisiest of the three, though it’s similar to the Jeep; tyre roar is the principle factor that passes into the cabin. It’s on no account disagreeable, although, and the dearth of an inner combustion engine makes it significantly extra peaceable than an equal petrol or diesel automotive.

Possession

Inside, Kia has achieved an ideal job of mixing a reasonably modern, minimalist design with a structure that ticks all the bins in the case of performance. The buttons on the funky two-spoke steering wheel are separated into audio and cruise management capabilities on opposing sides, and it sits forward of a sweeping sprint that neatly integrates a pair of 12.3-inch shows right into a single panel. 

Under the central touchscreen is a secondary show that may transfer between local weather or audio controls on the contact of a button. Whereas we’d choose a barely bigger swap to vary between the 2, the panel does characteristic bodily dials at each side; these perform as both temperature or quantity/tuning controls, relying on which perform is chosen. The general high quality of the sprint comes near that of the ID.3’s, but it surely’s let down by onerous, cheap-feeling plastics on the door panels.  

As an possession prospect, the Kia seems to be like probably the most promising possibility right here. In our newest Driver Energy satisfaction survey, Kia completed sixth greatest out of 32 manufacturers, a lot larger than VW, which took twenty seventh. Throw in the truth that the Niro EV additionally advantages from the Korean model’s industry-leading seven-year guarantee, and few alternate options will present a lot peace of thoughts.

Storage: A big open area within the centre console can be utilized for a wide range of functions. It’s made extra versatile due to cup-holders that may come out on the contact of a button, however keep hidden once they’re not wanted. A part of that central space affords a hidden area beneath the central armrest, and there’s additional closed storage inside the massive glovebox. 

One in all only a few criticisms is aimed on the tiny rear door bins, however the Kia nonetheless beats the Jeep, which doesn’t have any. USB-C ports for rear occupants on the perimeters of the entrance seats are a neat contact, and up entrance there’s a big smartphone shelf.

Practicality 

Externally the Niro is the biggest automotive of this trio, but it surely’s solely within the boot the place it could capitalise on that additional measurement.

Rear House: Rear legroom is a good step forward of what the Jeep can supply, however there’s subsequent to nothing in it in the case of headroom. The ground is flat within the again, however foot area underneath the entrance seats is tight.

Boot: The primary good thing about the Niro’s measurement comes proper on the again. At 475 litres, it has comfortably the biggest boot right here. The SUV-like roof line signifies that the rear hatch provides nice entry to the area, which grows to 1,392 litres when the
again seats are folded – they drop low sufficient to depart solely a slight angle, too. 

The Niro can also be the one automotive right here to have additional storage underneath the bonnet; the modest 20-litre area is right for retaining charging cables separate.

What to purchase?

Which model we’d select

• Powertrains: The Niro EV comes with a single powertrain. By way of motor energy (201bhp) and battery capability (64.8kWh), it splits the opposite two right here.
• Trim: Niro patrons get a complete of 4 trim ranges to select from. The most affordable 2 mannequin begins from £37,325, whereas a newcomer to the Niro EV vary, the Horizon, prices £670 extra, however provides package similar to entrance parking sensors, heating on the steering wheel and entrance seats, plus fake leather-based upholstery. Above that sits the three at £39,575 and the range-topping 4 we now have right here, which lifts the worth to £42,325.
• Our alternative: Horizon specification represents the strongest worth for cash.

Volkswagen ID.3

In contrast with some rivals, the Volkswagen ID.3 has been a little bit costly, however VW has trimmed costs not too long ago. The automotive in our footage began from £42,870 lower than a 12 months in the past, however climbed to £51,215 with choices; the most recent Professional S Match weighs in at £40,050. Including the extras to match our take a look at automotive – plus adaptive dampers which come as a part of a revised Exterior Pack – involves £47,690. That’s nonetheless sturdy cash, however as we’ll see, issues develop into way more aggressive on a PCP finance deal.

Tech highlights  

The ID.3 is exclusive on this firm as a result of it’s the one automotive right here that makes use of a platform that was designed solely for EVs from the outset. This will profit total packaging, and it dictates the ID.3’s brief bonnet. The MEB structure introduces one other distinctive high quality on this contest, as a result of whereas the opposite two drive the entrance wheels through a single motor, the ID.3 is rear-wheel drive, with a motor positioned over the again axle. 

At 77kWh, the ID.3 has comfortably the biggest battery right here, however that additionally comes with a penalty on the scales; an official kerbweight of 1,933kg is a big 413kg heavier than the Jeep, and 195kg greater than the Kia. Nonetheless, the ID.3 has a WLTP vary of 347 miles, which is 98 and 62 miles additional than the official scores for the Avenger and Niro respectively. At 170kW, it additionally has the potential for the quickest DC charging speeds of this trio by a big margin.

Security: A five-star score from 2020 highlights that security is an ID.3 sturdy level. The non-obligatory Driver Help Pack Plus (£2,095) boosts the usual adaptive cruise management with the power to steer itself inside lanes for brief intervals, and even transfer from one lane to a different.

On the street 

It’s not thrilling to drive by any stretch, however the ID.3 affords the sort of refinement and solidity that VW does so nicely.

Round city:  A ten.2-metre turning circle undercuts the already-impressive Avenger’s by 30cm, which makes the ID.3 good at low-speed manoeuvres. A deep windscreen mixed with a brief bonnet makes it pretty straightforward to evaluate the automotive’s extremities, and whereas the rear window is on the small facet, all-round visibility is ok. 

The usual-fit 20-inch wheels make the journey a little bit thumpy over uneven surfaces, however the suspension is adept at isolating the sound of these shocks from the cabin.

A & B-roads: It’s a disgrace that these wheels take a shine off the ID.3’s consolation, as a result of in any other case the journey is pretty composed and enjoyable. There’s a little bit extra compliance than within the Jeep, though issues aren’t fairly as comfortable as they’re within the Kia. 

Regardless of a rear-wheel-drive structure, the ID.3 isn’t a automotive that you simply’ll relish taking over a twisty street. Whereas it’s much less vulnerable to understeer than the opposite two, it’s too heavy to drive with enthusiasm, and the steering doesn’t supply a lot suggestions; the Jeep is extra enjoyable to drive. An official 0-62mph time of seven.9 seconds is simply 0.1 seconds shy of the Kia’s, however the VW’s punchier responses make it really feel quicker.

Motorway: As with the Kia, street noise is probably the most audible factor contained in the ID.3’s cabin, but it surely’s solely apparent on this occasion as a result of the remainder of the cabin is so hushed. It’s the quietest of the three at 70mph which, mixed with its lengthy vary, high-speed stability, and a journey which is at its most composed at velocity, makes it the perfect motorway automotive of this trio.

Possession

We definitely had our criticisms of the ID.3’s cabin when it was first launched, which ranged from questionable ergonomic selections to a perceived high quality which didn’t fairly reside as much as the usual we’ve come to anticipate from VW. Whereas the
mid-life updates went some option to addressing the latter – plenty of squidgy soft-touch supplies make it really feel like a nicer place to be – the principle controls nonetheless aren’t the best to make use of. 

The twin-function electrical window switches — there are solely two buttons, which management each the entrance and rear home windows — are irritating, and the local weather controls aren’t backlit; whereas VW has addressed this on European fashions, the improved set-up continues to be but to make it to the UK. The contact panel for the sunshine controls is a bit more fiddly than the fantastically practical spherical dial that was utilized by VWs of outdated.

Should you select to finance any of those automobiles privately, your cash could be safer in both of the opposite two automobiles, as a result of the ID.3 suffers from larger than common depreciation. The brand new, cheaper trim construction has improved issues by a number of share factors, but it surely’s nonetheless anticipated to carry on to solely 44 per cent of its unique worth after three years. Against this, the Jeep will keep simply over half of its decrease £38,700 beginning value, whereas the Kia is the perfect of the three, at 52 per cent.

Storage: The abundance of cubbies goes some option to explaining VW’s dedication to minimise the variety of bodily controls, as a result of a scarcity of buttons between the entrance seats ends in an unlimited storage space. 

The smartphone tray – which is angled ahead to carry your system securely in place whereas driving – is the centre of three deep cubby areas; forward of it are two massive cup-holders, whereas behind is an unlimited common storage bin. As with the Jeep, the glovebox is compromised by the placement of the fuses.

Practicality

The VW’s devoted EV underpinnings give it a giant benefit in the case of inside packaging. 

Rear House: From the surface, the ID.3 is 156mm shorter than the Niro EV, however you might by no means inform that from the again seats. By way of knee, head and shoulder room, the VW is probably the most spacious automotive of this trio. Whereas the automotive pictured here’s a four-seater, the most recent Match trim comes with a 3rd centre seat as commonplace.

Boot: At 385 litres, the ID.3 splits the opposite two automobiles for boot area. It’s ever so barely greater than a petroleum Golf affords, which implies it’s nonetheless greater than roomy sufficient for many households. 

Drop the rear seats and the quantity grows to 1,267 litres. The boot lip is the very best right here, although, so it’s the trickiest for lifting heavy objects inside.

What to purchase?

Which model we’d select

• Powertrains: All present ID.3 fashions include a 201bhp electrical motor, however there are two battery sizes. The 58kWh mannequin has a shorter official vary of 268 miles however, like for like, it prices £3,490 lower than the 77kWh possibility.
• Trim: Volkswagen restructured its ID.3 line-up not too long ago, with patrons in a position to select from Important and Match trims. The Match is best geared up, but it surely additionally depreciates much less, so regardless of its larger value, it’s nonetheless the cheaper possibility in the case of negotiating a PCP finance deal.
• Our alternative: The Match is best geared up and higher worth for cash on finance.

Outcomes

Which automotive comes out on prime?

Winner: Jeep Avenger

Our first take a look at of the Avenger revealed an ideal automotive that was £5,000 away from difficult the category greatest. Select the proper finance deal and that’s been corrected. 

Efficiency, vary and area are a contact behind its rivals’ right here, but it surely’s greater than satisfactory in these areas, and because it’s probably the most inexpensive automotive right here, these are compromises we’re keen to forgive. Most of all, it feels particular, which few automobiles on this sector even come near attaining.

Runner-up: Kia Niro EV

It is a shut run-thing, however the Kia narrowly misses out on total victory. You’re getting loads of EV for the money, and it’s pretty comfy to drive, too. 

Nevertheless, its predominant downfall is that it seems like a compromise of the opposite automobiles’ strengths; it’s not as spacious or completed over lengthy distances because the VW, neither is it as enjoyable, low-cost or fascinating because the Jeep.

Third place: Volkswagen ID.3

In some ways, the ID.3 is the perfect automotive right here. Vary, charging speeds and efficiency are all nice, and the cabin could be very spacious contemplating the compact exterior measurement. 

Nevertheless, improved infotainment can’t come quickly sufficient, and different ergonomic points stay. If the present finance affords lasted longer, it might have pipped the Kia, however with out them the ID.3’s value is simply too far adrift from its rivals’.

Rivals and different choices

The Avenger wins our group take a look at, however what else is on the market?

The nice debate

What the Auto Categorical take a look at group would do…

Richard Ingram, deputy editor: “Jeep has been capable of sprinkle a little bit magic into the e-CMP components that not one of the different Stellantis merchandise have managed to realize beforehand. The top consequence isn’t solely a extremely fascinating small EV, but in addition the perfect automotive that the US model has produced in years.”

John Mcllroy, editor–at–massive: “I’m working the very Avenger you see in these footage as a long-term take a look at automotive in the meanwhile. Round city, I’m getting nearer to 4.1mi/kWh; it actually exhibits that this automotive’s superb setting is in city areas, but it surely’s nice to know that it’s grown-up sufficient to journey additional afield.”

Daybreak Grant, image editor: “One of many many thrilling new additions to this class that we’ll see within the coming 12 months or two would be the all-electric Ford Puma Gen-E. If it’s something just like the petrol mannequin, it’ll develop into the go-to alternative for eager drivers, and make Britain’s best-selling automotive of 2023 much more fascinating.”

Steve Fowler, editor-in-chief: “Kia didn’t fairly win this contest, however few producers can declare to supply a wider EV vary that’s as sturdy or numerous because the Korean model. I’m a fan of the EV9; the seven-seat SUV is at the very least as good to drive as any petrol or diesel SUV with the identical carrying capability.”

Dean Gibson, senior take a look at editor: “The finance prices that we’ve compiled on this take a look at have dropped dramatically in contrast with final time we examined every of those automobiles. With the brand new ZEV mandate, the offers will proceed to unfold; it’ll be worthwhile attempting to drive a tough cut price and see how far your cash will go.”

Which might you purchase? Tell us within the feedback part beneath…

Specs and costs