THE Kia Niro isn't the sort of car you that stops you in your tracks for a second glance.

Certainly, it's smart enough with Kia's trademark headlight design and those fashionable vertical tail lights, but it's unlikely send the heart racing.

Yet to overlook it or disrespect it would be a major mistake. Because it's one of the easiest and least demanding family cars around offering loads of space, a hushed cabin that's more comfortable than many much dearer cars, and it's got less thirst than a well-trained camel.

We are now on the second generation of Niro, which was one of the pioneers of electrification.

The current version with more space and really appealing fascia and cabin, is available as a plug-in or mild hybrid as well as fully electric.

It was the self-charging hybrid that we review here - a useful ‘half-way house' while confidence build before going full cream electric.

Powered by a 1.6-litre litre petrol engine coupled to a six-speed automatic gearbox, acceleration is gentle rather than rapid with 62mph coming up in 11 seconds. Getaway from standstill, however, is nippy enough as it moves off in electric before the ICE unit joins in.

Ride is on the soft side, smoothing out road perfections and cushioning passengers against most jolts. There's some body roll but nothing to upset the general comfort, which we found to be better than most rivals.

The front seats, themselves, with electric adjustment, play a part by being well shaped and soft yet supportive.

Special mention must be made of the latest cabin design which is both practical and stylish with high grade, soft-touch plastic mouldings and sweeping curves that give the interior a definite sense of occasion.

A head-up display in the Aspire trim model we drove adds to the impression of luxury as well being a useful safety feature. The large touchscreen is positioned near the centre of the dash which helps make it more visible.

Temperature levels and air con are adjusted by conventional knobs while the heated seats and steering wheel are controlled by switches on the central divide. There's also a wireless phone-charging pad nearby.

No shortage of cabin stowage space with large door bins, a central box between the front seats and a decent sized passenger cubby.

The boot holds 451 litres of luggage which is about par for the course. The floor has two levels to choose from depending on your load.

The rear seats fold and split 60-40 and the tailgate is powered on the flagship Aspire model.

Head and legroom in the rear is generous and three adults can easily be accommodated there.

Few rivals offer such frugal economy during everyday conditions as the Niro hybrid.

We didn't quite match the official consumption of 58.9mpg but were more than content with a general figure of 53mpg over some fast, windy routes and motorway running.