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May 23, 2022 – Kia’s popular Niro crossover has been entirely redesigned from the ground up to meet the complex and diverse needs of today’s environmentally conscious car users. Three state-of-the-art electrified powertrains, sustainable interior materials and exceptional safety performance combine to ensure the all-new version surpasses customer expectations. The redesigned Niro is an intrinsic model in Kia’s growing eco-friendly line-up, which will include 14 BEV models by 2027.
The C-CUV segment is one of the most competitive, with a dizzying array of comparable models on offer. The all-new Niro illustrates Kia’s fresh approach to the traditional CUV and provides key differentiators to make it stand out in a crowded segment. A perfect blend of form and function ensures that the new Niro provides a safe, family-friendly vehicle with favourable economic and environmental credentials that will encourage many people to take a meaningful first step into electrification.
Kia Niro EV
The all-new Niro smooths the transition to sustainable mobility via a choice of low- and zero-emission powertrains: hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV). The HEV and PHEV models feature Kia’s super-efficient Smartstream 1.6-litre GDI gasoline engine. The battery electric Niro EV provides environmental and practical benefits with a 460km* (WLTP) electric-only range.
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 already popular Niro benefits from Kia’s latest tech advancements and can meet the mobility needs of all drivers, attracting new people to the brand. The current Niro family is Kia’s third best-seller, and the new version will further extend Niro’s position as a volume model within the Kia portfolio and help accelerate Kia’s global sales of eco-friendly vehicles to two million units in 2030.”
At 4,420mm long, 1,825mm wide, and up to 1,570 high, the clean-sheet redesign of new Niro is formulated on Kia’s third-generation ‘K’ platform. The 2,720mm wheelbase and enhanced design proportions inside the cabin reward occupants with outstanding interior space and storage capacity.
Kia Niro EV
Premium-effect recycled materials adorn the cabin, to augment the interior space and underline Niro’s sustainable credentials. The dash and driver controls feature minimal clutter and smooth lines to ensure a distraction-free yet intuitive user experience. A head-up display (HUD) system enhances safety and convenience on the move, while a suite of new safety systems brings the latest advancements in protection to this family-friendly crossover.
Kia Niro HEV
Each and every enhancement on all-new Niro has been curated for maximum customer benefit. “Niro currently occupies an important position in the Kia line-up, providing an accessible electrified model at volume. It is a crucial model for Kia, and therefore it was a natural progression that, following our re-brand, Niro also received a re-brand of its own. The all-new Niro will offer existing customers the Kia heritage they value while also broadening the brand’s appeal to new environmentally conscious buyers,” concluded Jason Jeong.
Kia Niro PHEV
Comfortable and responsive drive
Developed from the ground up, the new Niro has been built around the accommodating third-generation K platform to cater for each of the three powertrains. This latest architecture applies a multi-load pass structure for optimal front crash performance, facilitates basic suspension and steering improvements and enhances design proportions and interior space.
The K architecture allows for various battery mounting options depending on the powertrain; rear-seat underfloor mounting for HEV and PHEV and central underfloor mounting for the BEV version. Each configuration ensures an ideal weight distribution to optimise ride quality, particularly in the BEV model where the underfloor arrangement leads to a lower centre of gravity and enables superior performance.
The all-new Niro has received suspension and steering improvements to deliver an enjoyable and responsive drive. At the front, the new Niro benefits from a MacPherson strut-type suspension, while the rear gets a four-link type set-up. Both front and rear geometry together with an optimised steering gear ratio, have been tuned for improved responsiveness, stability and ride comfort. A new tilt-type strut bearing reduces the friction in the strut and enables a smoother start of damper motion. It also reduces the friction in the steering system that, together with an individual steering software tuning, provides a very natural steering feel with excellent feedback.
Additional insulation and padding have been inserted around the vehicle’s structure to help combat unwanted engine and road noise – especially important when running the near-silent BEV version. Other engineering advancements include a slight increase in torsional rigidity, delivering improvements in ride, handling, and steering behaviour. A significant increase of 22% in the proportion of high-tensile strength hot-stamping steel serves to improve efficiency and safety. Additionally, while the body in white weight was reduced by 6% or 20.3kg, the torsional stiffness was increased by 1% through Structure and Material Optimization.
Kia Niro HEV
Expressive and confident road presence
New Niro’s redesign was guided by Kia’s Opposites United design ethos, specifically focussing on the ‘Joy for Reason’ design pillar that fuses the emotional with the rational to create vehicles that inspire movement. With a purposeful and head-turning exterior, new Niro brings much needed aesthetic appeal to the CUV segment.
At the front, all-new Niro showcases the latest evolution of Kia’s signature Tiger Face, which has been enlarged to now extend all the way to the front fenders. The expansive windshield features a unique double-cowl design where the top and bottom cowl covers mirror each other for a sense of design union. Angular ‘Heartbeat’ daytime running lights (DRLs) add to the contemporary look, while a bold skid plate and cladding enhance the vehicle’s rugged character.
The EV version is distinguished from the PHEV and HEV models by a two-tone closed grille and unique Steel Gray side cladding. The Niro EV has also received a dedicated lower grille and bumper treatment in addition to model-specific aerodynamic 17-inch alloys. The charging port for the EV model is conveniently positioned in the centre of the front grille for easy access at all charge points.
When viewing the side profile of all-new Niro, the eye is guided by simple character lines to focus on the bold Aero C-Pillar towards the rear. This has been carefully crafted to aid airflow underneath the cavity for improved aerodynamic performance and allows new Niro to achieve an impressive draft coefficient (Cd) of 0.29.
Moving along the side profile and past the C-Pillar, boomerang-shaped LED taillights intensify the vehicle’s sporty stance and sense of purpose. These sit alongside an uncomplicated licence plate pocket that houses the plate and Kia logo, while the heartbeat-shaped rear reflectors, rugged skid plate and strong diffuser echo design elements from the all-new Niro’s front-end.
Customers can choose from nine modern exterior colours; Cityscape Green, Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Mineral Blue, Interstellar Gray, Orange Delight, Runway Red and Steel Gray. Further personalisation options include the choice of different C-Pillar colours that contrast or complement the body colour and up to three different finishes for the cladding, depending on the trim level and powertrain chosen.
Kia Niro PHEV
Brimming with technology
Kia’s advanced suite of DriveWise intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) ensures that all-new Niro delivers Kia’s most technologically advanced protective systems to give the ultimate peace of mind for occupants of the family-friendly crossover.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) will deliver an audible and visual warning to the driver (or apply the brakes) if the system detects a possible collision with other road users or pedestrians. When navigating junctions, using Niro’s turn signal will activate the Junction Turning function, and in Niro EV, a Junction Crossing function also assists the driver. The system will warn if there is a possibility of collision with another vehicle either from oncoming or side traffic. If the system has issued a warning, but the driver takes no action, it will automatically apply the brakes to avert an impact.
Niro’s front view camera and inbuilt navigation system work in conjunction to display the current speed limit. The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) system will display the current speed and issue a visual warning if the vehicle exceeds the speed limit. Also keeping Niro occupants safe on the roads are other ADAS features, including Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control-Curve (NSCC-C), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear View Monitor (RVM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA).
Niro’s ADAS offers a helping hand with parking and exiting the vehicle too. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) is a feature that helps to park or unpark the vehicle in tight parking situations by moving in straight lines back and forth using ultrasonic sensors to avoid collisions. When conducting driver-controlled parking, the Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA-R) and Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning (PDW-F/R) systems help manoeuvre into the tightest of spots. Once parked, Safe Exit Assist (SEA) provides a warning if a vehicle is approaching from the rear-side when getting out of the vehicle, with the electronic child lock preventing rear-seat passengers from opening the rear door.
Kia Niro HEV / Kia Niro EV
Sustainability made simple
With all-new Niro, Kia has simplified the customer decision-making process, providing three distinct powertrain options designed to meet the demands of every customer’s lifestyle. At the core of this strategy lies a trio of eco-friendly powertrains.
The PHEV and HEV models benefit from Kia’s Smartstream 1.6 GDI gasoline engine paired with Kia’s second-generation six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (6DCT). The innovations on the second-generation GDI engine include low-friction ball bearings, gears optimised for transmission efficiency, and the removal of the reverse gear that saves 2.3kg alone. Reverse motion is instead drawn solely from the electric motor, helping to eliminate tailpipe emissions during reverse manoeuvres.
The four-cylinder unit produces a combined maximum power output of 141PS when paired with the HEV’s 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. A 62kW e-motor in the PHEV version results in combined maximum power of 183PS and provides an electric-only range covering up to 65km (WLTP combined, with 16-inch wheels) of zero-emission journeys, adequate for most daily commutes.
The Niro PHEV debuts Hyundai Motor Group’s very first 5.5kWh high-volt Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for Plug-in Hybrid models, enhancing electric-only performance in colder conditions. The self-regulated ceramic elements provide cabin heating to complement the vehicle’s heating core and ensure a continuous flow of warm air.
An intelligent Green Zone Drive Mode on Niro HEV and PHEV automates the use of electric power by taking location guidance from the navigation system, driving pattern learning or manual driver input. Built-up areas or roads nearby schools and hospitals can be designated as Green Zones where the vehicle automatically switches to electric-only driving to reduce the exhaust emissions in these environments. The customer can also take control of Green Zones by setting ‘custom’ areas in which they wish to reduce their vehicle’s emissions, such as around their neighbourhood.
The BEV version of all-new Niro combines its 460km* (WLTP) range with energetic and lively performance, producing 150kW of available power between 6,000-9,000rpm and instant torque rated at 255 Nm (26.0 kgf.m). With a top speed of 167km/h and 0-100km/h taking just 7.8 seconds, the Niro EV will enable drivers to make effortless and smooth progress in all conditions. Furthermore, Niro EV’s low drag coefficient of 0.29 ensures minimum aerodynamic resistance and maximum energy efficiency.
Topping up the Niro EV’s 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery from 10-80% takes just 43 minutes with a suitable DC rapid charger under optimum conditions. When temperatures are low, the system in Niro EV uses navigation-based battery conditioning to pre-heat the battery when a fast-charging point is selected as the destination, which helps shorten charge times and secure battery performance. The all-new Niro comes with a standard CCS charging port for added convenience.
For HEV and PHEV versions, maximum braked towing capacity remains at a capable 1,300kg. The next generation Niro EV gains a respectable towing capacity of 750kg, opening the possibilities for zero-emission adventures.
