Kia details electric and PHEV powertrains for new Niro
Kia has revealed details of the electric and plug-in hybrid versions of its second-generation Niro, ahead of orders opening later this month.
Debuted late last year at the Seoul Mobility Show, the new model has been entirely redesigned from the ground up and features increased space, along with advanced connectivity and convenience features and a ‘step-change’ in sustainable cabin materials.
Supporting the brand’s plans to only sell electric and fuel cell vehicles by 2035 in Europe and 2040 in key global markets and to become a ‘Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, the Niro will once again be available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains – the latter bringing a WLTP range of up to 463km (288 miles) based on initial data.
Hybrid details have already been revealed but Kia has now revealed specs for the PHEV and battery electric (BEV) versions of the new Niro – which is expected to “encourage many people to take a meaningful first step into electrification”, thanks to its family friendly approach.
Jason Jeong, president of Kia Europe, said: “Kia has redesigned Niro to provide people with a clearer path to clean mobility. The range of eco-friendly powertrains will encourage even the most hesitant customers to make the switch to more sustainable forms of movement.”
The BEV – now badged as Niro EV – delivers the same 204hp of power as before, along with 255Nm of torque and a top speed of 167km/h (104mph). It takes care of the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds. The 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery can be charged from 10-80% in 43 minutes with a DC rapid charger and drivers can also deploy vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, already seen on the EV6, to use any unused battery charge for external electrical appliances, such as laptops.
The PHEV model features the same 1.6-litre Smartstream GDI petrol engine as the hybrid but with a larger 84hp motor, compared to 44hp for the hybrid, giving a total 183hp of power. Thanks to its bigger 11.1kWh battery, the electric-only range on the new PHEV rises to 65km (40 miles), supported by Hyundai Motor Group’s first 5.5kWh high-volt Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater, which extends electric driving range in colder conditions.
Both the HEV and PHEV versions provide a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,300kg, along with 750k for the Niro EV.
The Niro HEV and PHEV also debut an intelligent Green Zone Drive Mode, which recognises designated built-up areas and roads near schools and hospitals, and automatically switches to electric-only driving to cut exhaust emissions – drivers can also set their own Green Zones.
Built on Kia’s third-generation ‘K’ platform, the new Niro is longer, wider and higher than before, bringing claimed class-leading interior space and storage capacity. The Niro EV has 475 litres of boot space and an additional 20 litres in the ‘frunk’, rising to 1,392 with the rear seats folded. HEV and PHEV models come with 451 and 348 litres, respectively, increasing to 1,445 and 1,342 litres with the seats down. An automatic power tailgate is available.
Design showcases the latest evolution of Kia’s signature Tiger Face and the BEV version is set apart from PHEV and HEV models by a two-tone closed grille and bespoke steel grey side cladding. The Niro EV has also received a dedicated lower grille and bumper treatment in addition to model-specific 17-inch alloys.
The cabin on all models features premium-effect recycled materials and includes an off-centre dash, with two 10.25-inch display screens to show vehicle and navigation information and a multi-mode touch display that enables control of infotainment and heating.
A 10-inch head-up display is available while the Voice Car Control system features Natural Voice Recognition technology and allows occupants to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings. A new Multi-Command feature means passengers can also control multiple functions with a single command.
Drivers can also use the Kia Connect tech to view and control vehicle charge status in addition to planning a route using online navigation, syncing calendars and accessing on-board features such as charge station proximity, live weather and real-time traffic alerts.
The new-gen Niro also debuts a suite of new safety systems. Kia’s latest generation of DriveWise intelligence Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, along with Junction Turning and Junction Crossing functions
Other convenience features include autonomous parking with Remote Smart Parking Assist functionality.
Prices and specifications will be announced prior to sales starting. Deliveries begin from this summer.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for nearly 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
