The new Kia Niro has been fully unveiled. The new generation of the SUV will feature electrified versions in all its variants, both hybrid (plug-in or not) and fully electric. The new Kia Niro, in addition, bet on a wide range of equipment in terms of connectivity and safety.
The arrival of a new Kia Niro to the range of the Korean firm also serves to delve into the design lines anticipated by the 2019 HabaNiro concept car. In the body of the new SUV straight shapes prevail and, above all, highlight a huge C-pillar where the vertical boomerang-shaped taillights are also integrated. According to the brand, the new design is intended to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Kia Niro technical specifications
| Kia Niro 2022 | |
|---|---|
| Body type | Five-seater SUV |
| Measurements and weight | 4,420mm long. 1,850 mm wide and 1,545 mm high. Wheelbase of 2,720 mm. Weight to be confirmed. |
| Trunk | 545 liters |
| Maximum power | 141 hp in its hybrid version |
| WLTP consumption | to be confirmed |
| DGT environmental label | ECO and Zero emissions |
| Driving aids (ADAS) | Emergency braking. Lane maintenance. Intelligent Speed ​​​​Assist (ISA) with adaptive cruise control. Front and rear cameras. Cross traffic alert. Blind spot sensor. |
| Others | Automatic and driverless parking. Opening and starting with a mobile phone. Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility. Synchronization of the calendar with our own app. Remote vehicle monitoring. |
| Electric hybrid | Yes. Four-cylinder 1.6 GDI petrol engine (105 hp) accompanied by a 32 kW (43.5 hp) permanent magnet electric motor. Six-speed dual-clutch 6DCT automatic transmission. |
| Plug-in hybrid | Yes. Engine to be confirmed |
| Electric | Yes. Engine to be confirmed |
| Price and launch | Price to be confirmed |
Focus on design and connectivity
Its innovative exterior image will not be the only attraction the new Kia Niro has to offer. The SUV will put all its cards in an interior of the most technological and several services based on connectivity and add security.
The interior drinks from the same source of the Kia EV6, the dashboard is off-center and has a curved line that embraces the occupants. The horizontal and diagonal lines combine to give shelter to a large 10.25-inch screen divided in two to group the dashboard information behind the steering wheel and everything related to infotainment in the central area. In addition, it will have a Head-Up Display so that the driver can consult the basic information without taking his eyes off the road.
The cabin is striking for being avant-garde and is accompanied by an endowment to match. Voice control of infotainment and climate controls, plus full compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It adds the NFC system for opening and starting the car without a key with the so-called Digital Key 2 Touch system, video recording with front and rear cameras, and playback of images on the central screen or cell phone.
In addition, with the Kia Connect app, the driver can synchronize his or her calendar and appointments to always have them present in the vehicle, as well as be alerted to the latest news and changes in traffic. Using Google Maps and augmented reality, the application will show how to get to the destination from the place where the car is parked. Finally, with Valet mode you can monitor the activity of the car when it is being driven by a third party.
But its interior also takes advantage of other benefits, the new dimensions of the SUV make you gain space in the passenger compartment and trunk. Its 4.42 meters long, 1.82 meters wide, and 1.54 meters high making it grow up to 6.5 centimeters long. It compensates with a width two centimeters wider and two centimeters longer wheelbase. The height is increased by one centimeter and the trunk volume gains 15 liters to offer a total of 451 liters.
Kia Niro, safety and powertrains
In addition to this extensive battery of systems and services related to connectivity, the new Kia SUV will also include all ADAS systems expected from this year 2022 and some driving aids based on the autonomous vehicle.
Therefore, the new Kia Niro include the aforementioned front and rear cameras, intelligent speed assistant, emergency braking, lane-keeping system, warnings for inattention in driving, cross-traffic assistant, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot control, or systems as useful as warnings before leaving the vehicle if a car approaches from the rear, high beam assistance and autonomous parking assistance, a system that allows the car to park itself or get out of space before the driver gets into the car.
All these can be found in hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric engines. Both the plug-in hybrid and electric versions remain a mystery as to their range of power. What we do know is that, in the case of the plug-in hybrid, the SUV will have a “Green Zone” system, which will prioritize the use of electricity in case we drive through a low-emission area. The vehicle recognizes these zones through the navigator and automatically switches to electric power. Also, when driving near schools and hospitals or, based on the driver’s travel history, in what the vehicle itself will identify as green areas, such as home or work.
The electric hybrid will be powered by a four-cylinder 1.6 GDI gasoline engine (105 hp and 144 Nm). The gasoline block will be supported by a permanent magnet electric motor and 32 kW (43.5 hp), providing a total of 141 hp. This engine will be accompanied by a six-speed 6DCT automatic transmission with a dual-clutch.
Pricing and Availability of the Kia Niro
As for the launch of the new Kia Niro and its starting price, there is still nothing confirmed. Although it will go on sale this month in South Korea, for its arrival in the global market we will have to wait for the rest of the year. The same goes for its price, for which there is still no confirmed figure.
It should be remembered that, along with the Kia EV6, the Kia Niro is one of the biggest electric bets of the brand. In 2021 the SUV has been the second best-selling model.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.