Page 1 of 1

New to Niro 4 Hybrid

Posted: Wed Nov 14, 2018 10:44 am
by Dennis10
I have now had my Niro 4 for month or so and I have to say, what a joy it is to drive!

Having traded in a more powerful Diesel automatic I was a little concerned but this has proved unfounded as I get use to driving it in a different way. The salesman told me this would be a real learning curve in order to get the best out of the Hybrid system and this is definitely the case. I have always looked for good economy and the secret here is to avoid rapid acceleration, use the cruise control, and let the vehicle slow down gently which prompts the 'regen'. system to work better .

I have to say it is very satisfying to see the MPG creep up significantly in urban traffic and am regularly seeing figures in the high 60's to low 70's and have seen figures in the 70's on longer runs using cruise control and keeping the speed down to about 65 mph.

As for the car itself, well, excellent quality and drive ability, great all round vision, refined on the move and brilliant gearbox. I did get chance to try a Toyota HRV hybrid before going for the Niro, but it seemed to me the rear of the car was too small and it seemed somewhat noisier with the CVT gearbox although the ride seemed about the same.

Obviously the 7 year warranty makes a huge difference and apart from a small occasional rattle from the rear door area which I haven't cured yet I am well pleased. (I see someone else also mentioned a rattle from the rear anyone found a cure yet?)

Great car well recommended.

Re: New to Niro 4 Hybrid

Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2018 6:34 pm
by jerrytaff
The only rattles I get are from the rear seatbelts (buckles against hard plastic). I tend to keep them buckled up even when not carrying passengers. Otherwise my car is silent apart from tyre/road noise (with the occasional intrusion of the ICE).

Re: New to Niro 4 Hybrid

Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 9:10 am
by Teem50
Dennis10 wrote: Wed Nov 14, 2018 10:44 am.. I did get chance to try a Toyota HRV hybrid before going for the Niro, but it seemed to me the rear of the car was too small and it seemed somewhat noisier with the CVT gearbox although the ride seemed about the same.
For information, as this seems to be oft repeated, the Toyota "Hybrid Synergy Drive" is not a CVT. Rather, it's a planetary gear system that cleverly combines the output of the ICE and electric motor. That is, it doesn't really have a gearbox at all in any sort of conventional sense.

T

Re: New to Niro 4 Hybrid

Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 10:43 am
by AlanHo
jerrytaff wrote: Thu Nov 15, 2018 6:34 pm The only rattles I get are from the rear seatbelts (buckles against hard plastic). I tend to keep them buckled up even when not carrying passengers. Otherwise my car is silent apart from tyre/road noise (with the occasional intrusion of the ICE).
My Niro 2 has slots in the wheel arch plastic trim alongside the rear seats to plug the seat belt buckle spigot into.

Re: New to Niro 4 Hybrid

Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 11:05 am
by Teem50
Dennis10 wrote: Wed Nov 14, 2018 10:44 am.. I did get chance to try a Toyota HRV hybrid before going for the Niro, but it seemed to me the rear of the car was too small and it seemed somewhat noisier with the CVT gearbox although the ride seemed about the same.
For information, as this seems to be oft repeated, the Toyota "Hybrid Synergy Drive" is not a CVT. Rather, it's a planetary gear system that cleverly combines the output of the ICE and electric motor. That is, it doesn't really have a gearbox at all in any sort of conventional sense.

T

Re: New to Niro 4 Hybrid

Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 3:10 pm
by AlanHo
Toyota refer to their planetary transmission as an eCVT drive .

Re: New to Niro 4 Hybrid

Posted: Fri Nov 16, 2018 5:29 pm
by Dennis10
(Toyota refer to their planetary transmission as an eCVT drive .)

Duly noted, a very clever system which I am sure is very efficient compared to a standard type of auto gearbox as it should keep the engine revving at the best speed for the throttle setting. However the 6 speed DCT transmission on the Niro does seem very smooth, quick to change and perhaps somewhat quieter?

Re: New to Niro 4 Hybrid

Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2018 11:01 am
by Dennis10
So I had further look for the occasional tailgate rattle and i think I have come up with a solution!

Appears there are 2 small 'bump' type rubbers on the tailgate designed to hold the door still one either side. I have found that they are in-fact adjustable and mine were screwed right in (ie the small rubber cushions seem to be on a thread) a quarter turn or so, out has made sure they now contact the bump stop and no more rattle!! (I will also put this notice in the correct area of the forum for information.)