The second generation of the Kia Niro SUV is more futuristic in terms of design and with an interior with a large digital touch screen and a lot of recycled material. It will come in three variants: conventional HEV hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and one hundred percent electric. It goes on sale this summer.
The new generation of the Kia Niro aims high. Sitting on Kia’s third-generation “K” platform, the popular crossover grows on all fronts: it measures 4.42 meters long (7 cm longer than the current model), 1.82 meters wide, and 1.57 meters high. high. The wheelbase is 2.72 meters. It comes with three electrified powertrains to choose from hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV).
It receives improvements to the front and rears four-link McPherson struts, the steering has been adjusted and torsional stiffness has been slightly increased to improve response, stability, and ride comfort.
Aesthetically, it shows the latest evolution of Kia’s characteristic Tiger Face on its front end, enlarged to cover everything from the hood to the wings. Outstanding lower front and side protections that provide robustness to the vehicle. Seen from behind, the boomerang-shaped LED taillights intensify the model’s sporty image. The electric version has been given its personality with a closed two-tone grille and exclusive side protection in steel gray. Equipped with specific 17-inch alloy wheels (16 or 18 inches on HEV and PHEV versions) and the power outlet is located in the center of the front for easy access from all charging points.
Choose from nine exterior colors: Cityscape Green, Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Pearl Black, Mineral Blue, Interstellar Grey, Delight Orange, Runway Red, and Steel Grey. Other personalization options include the choice of different colors for the C-pillar that contrast or complement the body color and up to three different finishes for the protections, depending on the level of equipment chosen.
KIA NIRO HYBRID AND PLUG-IN HYBRID
The new Kia Niro hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are equipped with the brand’s Smartstream 1.6 GDI gasoline engine, along with the second generation of the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (6DCT). New features on this GDI powertrain include low-friction ball bearings, gears optimized for transmission efficiency, and the elimination of reverse gear, which alone saves 2.3kg. Instead, the car backs up on the electric motor alone, thereby eliminating exhaust emissions during reverse maneuvers.
In the HEV hybrid version, the combination of the four-cylinder with the 32 kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor produces a maximum combined power of 141 hp. In the PHEV plug-in hybrid variant, the maximum power reaches 183 CV (it has a 62 kW electric motor), and the announced electric autonomy reaches 65 km (WLTP combined, with 16-inch wheels), perfect for our daily commutes with no emissions.
For these plug-in hybrid versions, the Niro debuts the Hyundai Group‘s high-voltage, 5.5 kWh Positive Temperature Coefficient PTC heater, which extends electric range in cold conditions. Its self-regulating ceramic elements provide cabin heating to supplement the vehicle’s central heating system and ensure a continuous flow of warm air. On HEV and PHEV versions, the maximum braked towing capacity is 1,300 kg.
The new Kia Niro HEV and PHEV feature the intelligent green area drive mode that automatically activates the electric mode either with data from the navigation system or manually. Built-up areas or roads near schools and hospitals are designated as “Green Zones” and upon reaching them, the Niro automatically switches to purely electric propulsion to eliminate out-gassing in these areas. The driver can also set other areas where they want to reduce their vehicle’s emissions; for example, around his residence.
KIA NIRO ELECTRIC: E-NIRO, WITH UP TO 463 KM OF AUTONOMY
The new Kia Niro also comes with a one hundred percent electric version (BEV), called e-Niro, which announces a range of 463 km (WLTP). It has a lithium-ion polymer battery with 64.8 kWh (located under the floor and in the center). The power of its electric motor is 150 kW, available between 6,000 and 14,600 rpm, and the maximum torque reaches 255 Nm. The top speed of the Kia e-Niro is 167 km/h and its acceleration is from 0-100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds. The brand registers an aerodynamic coefficient of 0.29 Cx and its towing capacity is 750 kg.
When it comes to recharging, the new Kia e-Niro, with a fast DC charger, goes from 10 to 80 percent charge in just 43 minutes. In low temperatures, to warm up the battery, the system performs preconditioning based on navigation data, if a charging point has been selected as the destination. This helps reduce charging time and optimize battery performance. The new Niro is equipped with a CCS charging port as standard.
VERY COMPLETE INSECURITY
The second-generation Niro is equipped with a comprehensive suite of Kia’s DriveWise advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These include the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assistant (FCA), which warns and stops the vehicle in the event of possible incidents with other road users or pedestrians. Other features are offered such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Distracted Driving Warning (DAW), Headlight Assist Cruise Control (HBA), Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC-C), Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear View Monitor (RVM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
Interior
First-class interior environment, with improved proportions, compared to the current model, featuring an asymmetrical dashboard that curves around the driving position to ensure that the different controls are within reach. Two 10.25-inch screens are included that display vehicle and navigation information, while a touchscreen controls infotainment and heating. It has a 10-inch Head-Up Display where information such as speed, data from ADAS systems, and navigation is projected on the windshield. For co-pilot comfort, the 2022 Niro incorporates a new “relaxation” type seat for the passenger. When the vehicle is stationary, if the Niro’s front passenger presses a button, the seat rises and reclines to maximize comfort.
The Voice Car Control system allows occupants to operate various vehicle systems, such as temperature and audio settings. The power tailgate can be opened automatically by detecting the user’s smart key.
Also, through Kia Connect, the driver of the electric variant e-Niro can view and control the level of charge, as well as plan a route using online navigation, synchronize calendars, and access car functions such as the proximity of charging stations and real-time weather forecast and traffic alerts. The new Niro is also offered with the possibility of including Remote Intelligent Parking Assist (RSPA) and Vehicle Charging (V2L).
The environmental issue has also been very present in the configuration of the cabin of the new Kia Niro. The ceiling lining is made from recycled wallpaper; door panels are finished with VOC-free paint; the seat coverings are polyurethane vegan leather and contain Tencel material from eucalyptus trees; the boot cover is made from 75% recycled fibers.
KIA NIRO 2022, WITH A TRUNK OF UP TO 1,445 LITERS
If we talk about its cargo space, the new generation of the Kia Niro has 475 liters in the main trunk and an additional 20 liters in the front compartment. The electric version e-Niro for its part reaches a total volume of 495 liters. HEV hybrid and PHEV plug-in hybrid versions are offered with 451 and 348 liters, respectively, which can be maximized by folding down the rear seats completely. In this configuration, cargo space increases to 1,445 liters in the HEV, 1,342 liters in the PHEV, and 1,392 liters in the electric BEV.
