The second generation, Kia Niro, was revealed at the 2021 motor show in Seoul. It is one of the well-accepted cross overs running in Europe, now with a bold design throughout. The e-Niro will reach our shores by 2023.
This new Niro has been finally revealed after running the previous generation for six years. The inspiration from the HabaNiro concept is clearly visible, and it is expected to have multiple powertrains.
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Ho Sung Song, CEO & President, Kia, said the following:
“Kia continues to take steps towards a more sustainable future, inviting everyone to join the movement into the new mobility era. The all-new Kia Niro makes it simple to practice a sustainable lifestyle with its eco-friendly materials, advanced technology and electric powertrains while it also fulfils the practical needs of customers.”
Now let’s look at what this new Niro offers:
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Powertrain
According to Kia’s latest confirmation, the powertrain options will be similar to the ones offered in the current Niro. It will be offered as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid & purely electric but it will be apart from the brand current EV badged electric cars using the E-GMP platform.
Kia has not revealed the engine, but Niro can take the same 1.6L petrol engine can be taken ahead with lower power output. It is expected to be FWD with a 64kWh optional battery range of 454 kilometres. The lower range version could be initially introduced with a smaller battery.
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The new Niro also gets a “greenzone” driving mode, enabling the user to switch between hybrid & electric modes. There is also word about using navigation based data to switch between IC & EV modes where the system analyses correctly. It is also topped up with efficiency boosts to enhance performance.
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Exterior Design
The design is derived from the 2019 HabaNiro concept with a distinct 2-colour scheme and rugged SUV looks. It comes with Kia’s signature “tiger-face” front grille and a bold C-pillar. The aerodynamics have been worked upon with new boomerang-shaped taillights similar to Hyundai Bayon.
The aerodynamics have been focused on making Niro more efficient and living up to the new sustainable mobility era.
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Interior
Going along with the sustainability era, the interior has been finished with various recycled materials. The seats have eucalyptus fibres integrated with recycled wallpaper on the headlining and water-based eco-friendly paint on the door panels.
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The asymmetrical console running in the middle front is one of the highlights similar to the latest models. There is also an electronic shift dial with ambient lights & sleek, lightweight seats. The interior has been totally reworked and seems inspired by the Kia EV6.
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India Launch
Niro is expected to arrive in India in the second half of 2023 in a pure EV version. The sister firm Hyundai has already announced the launch of 6 upcoming EVs by 2024. These upcoming EVs are expected to be based on the E-GMP platform and may start with the EV version of Venue and include the IONIQ 5 & Kia EV 6.
