Available in two flavours, Hybrid Electric or a full Electric, the new look Kia Niro has been designed for those who want a high tech, small SUV. It features a bold design inspired by the car maker’s Opposites Unite design language.
From the signature “Tiger Face” up front, to the heartbeat daytime running lights, this is clearly an SUV whose aesthetics will garner plenty of attention. The design isn’t just about form either. The side profile has kept aerodynamic efficiency at the forefront too.
Inside, the Niro has been fitted out with eco-friendly materials that create a minimalist feel and utilising digital displays to reduce button clutter. The headlining is made from recycled PET materials, and the seats from Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus tree fibres.
BTX free paint is used on the door panels. Kia say that the digital displays are designed so that users are able to personalise, access and operate the vehicles connectivity, usability and functionality features with ease and confidence.
The EV GT-Line variant for example, features a front passenger premium relaxation seat which can recline at the touch of a button while parked or charging, similar to that of the IONIQ 5’s zero gravity mode.
The Niro has an impressive 425-litres of storage, thanks to its clever repositioning of the batteries. The new model is available in Hybrid Electric (HEV) and fully electric (EV), and there are two variants – an S and a GT-Line in either choice.
The HEV has a 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine making 77.2kW and 144Nm of torque. Coupled with a 32kW electric motor, it produces a combined 104kW and 265Nm of torque, and achieves 4.0-litres/100km. It comes with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The EV has a single 64.8kWh electric motor producing 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque, with a range of 460km. The EV is paired with a single speed reduction gear transmission.
Charing the Niro EV from 10 to 80 per cent takes 43 minutes with a suitable DC rapid charger, but it also comes with a CCS2 charging port. Further charging comes in the form of regenerative braking. The EV has a braked towing capacity of 750kg. The HEV 1,300kg.
The Niro has undergone extensive tuning for Australian road conditions to create a car that has optimal handling and suspension. As is to be expected, safety and technology is a strong suit of the Kia too.
In addition to the plethora of active and passive safety systems, the body features a multi-load front impact structure to ensure the safety of occupants in a front-end collision. All Niro’s also feature interior V2L.
It’s a function that enables up to 3.6kW of power to be discharged from the vehicles battery to charge various devices. In the GT-Line there is also an exterior function that can even run domestic appliances or charge other EV’s.
In true “new-tech” fashion, the Kia Connect smartphone app will also allow owners to connect to their vehicle remotely. You can plan journeys, and access onboard features such as live traffic and weather forecasts.
Valet mode also allows owners to monitor their vehicle remotely. The HEV – S trim serves as the entry point to the Niro family and is priced at $44,380. The EV GT-Line sits atop the tree and comes in at $72,100 – all plus on-roads.
Colour wise, the Niro is available in eight shades, including Cityscape Green, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Mineral Blue, Interstellar Grey, Runway Red, Steel Grey and Clear White. In addition, there is a choice of contrasting C-Pillar colours for the GT-Line variants.
To find out more, visit your local Kia dealer. If you’re keen to own one, and need finance, visit CreditOne.
