2021 Seoul Mobility Show: Kia presents the new Niro

The Niro is Kia's true world car: Always alternatively powered, positioned exactly between compact and CUV, efficient with good space utilization, maybe just a bit plain. Over. Now it gets a big stage and suddenly dares to stand out visually: Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia, introduced it as follows:

"The new Kia Niro makes it easy to practice a sustainable lifestyle. With environmentally friendly materials, advanced technologies, and electric drives, while simultaneously meeting the practical needs of customers."

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the Niro was developed under the company's "Opposites United" design philosophy, flanked by the slogan "Joy for Reason." According to Kia, it draws inspiration from nature in its design and the choice of colors, materials, and surfaces to find the perfect balance between an eco-conscious approach and a forward-looking outlook. The strong influence of the 2019 Habaniro concept is evident in the exterior design of the Niro with its bold crossover look and two-tone body. The wide pillar at the rear is intended to improve airflow and merges into the boomerang-shaped taillights.

Visual cues from EV6 and Co.

Kia's characteristic "tiger face" has been redesigned for the new Niro and now extends from the hood to the fenders below. The front design incorporates the striking LED daytime running lights from other models. Similarly, the vertical rear light design has been adopted. The rear design of the Niro aims to combine simple surface treatments with dynamic sections. Naturally, the Niro also made advancements in aerodynamics and with sustainable materials. Kia maintained the package, meaning spaciousness and SUV-look are set.

For the plug-in version, Kia is introducing a "Greenzone Drive Mode": When driving in environmentally sensitive areas such as residential neighborhoods or near schools and hospitals, the vehicle automatically uses the electric drive based on navigation hints and driving data. It also recognizes the driver's favorite places, including home and office, which are registered as environmental zones in the navigation system.

The headliner is made from recycled materials, the seats from bio-PU with Tencel derived from eucalyptus leaves, and BTX*-free paint on a water basis, which is free from benzene, toluene, and xylene isomers, is used for the door panels.

The dashboard is inspired by the EV6 and its counterparts, appearing significantly more elegant and dynamic, aiming to create a "calming yet irregular aesthetic." The center console still includes classic controls. The seats are also inspired by the EV6: they are designed to offer more space, comfort, and style thanks to a lightweight high-tech seat mechanism. Kia has integrated a practical coat hanger into the backrest of the headrests here as well. The new Niro will also be available again with HEV, PHEV, and EV drives starting in 2022 – Kia has not yet provided specific details on the engine options and ranges.

What does this mean?

In sum of its features, the Niro is one of the most sensible and best cars in the world – it just used to be somewhat staid. Kia has addressed this in the second generation – with a colorful C-pillar and elegant design details. Thus, the new Niro is also likely to remain a mainstay in global markets.