Kia Niro: The second generation is much more mature

The new model stands out visually from its predecessor and appears much more robust than before. The new, more angular look and a tidy interior with sustainable materials make the SUV appear significantly more modern than the original Niro. The typical Kia "tiger nose" – which was previously shown by the narrowing of the grille in the middle – is now only hinted at by a chrome strip.

Heartbeat-Curve

The unusual shape of the daytime running lights mimics the form of a stylized "heartbeat curve." And the contrasting swoop on the C-pillar is not just a striking design gimmick. The "Aero" C-pillar is designed so that the airflow is directed through a hollow space. This is intended to contribute to better aerodynamics of the crossover. Whether the driver is thrilled with the particularly wide C-pillar when checking the blind spot is questionable. The new Niro is meant to reflect Kia's design philosophy and stand out in the competitive market of compact crossovers with its emotional exterior design.

K-Platform as a Basis

The new model is based on the third generation of Kia's "K" platform and, at 4.42 meters, is 65 mm longer than its predecessor. It has also slightly increased in width (1,825 mm, plus 20 mm) and height (1,545 mm, plus 10 mm). These new proportions and the increased wheelbase (2,720 mm, plus 20 mm) place the crossover at the top of its class in terms of space in both the interior and the luggage compartment.

"Kia has redesigned the Niro to make it easier for people to transition to clean mobility. Its range of environmentally friendly drives will encourage even the most hesitant customers to switch to more sustainable forms of transportation," says Jason Jeong, President of Kia Europe. "The already popular Niro benefits in its second generation from the latest Kia technologies and can meet the mobility needs of a wide variety of drivers, attracting new customers to our brand. The current Niro family is the third-best-selling Kia model, and with the new version, the Niro will further expand its position as a volume model in the Kia lineup."

High-quality and sustainable materials

The Niro also gets the new continuous screen that is already known from the EV6. The two 26-cm-displays (10.25 inches) of the fully digital instrument cluster and the navigation system (dependent on equipment) are almost seamlessly connected. Both the infotainment system and the air conditioning can be quickly operated via the multi-mode control panel below the touchscreen, which can be switched by fingertip. The most important driving information is projected directly into the driver's field of vision on the optionally available 10-inch head-up display. Recycled materials in the interior underline the sustainable orientation of the crossover.

The front seats are designed to be very slim, thereby contributing to the larger space available for the rear passengers. Also known from the EV6 is the optional relaxation seat on the passenger side, which can be brought to a relaxed lying position at the touch of a button. Coat hangers and USB-C fast-charging ports are integrated into the backrests of the front seats. It is a pity that the plastic of the coat hangers on the backrest looks so cheap and does not match the high-quality ambiance of the interior.

Kia places special emphasis on having focused on sustainability. The headliner is made from recycled wallpaper, the paints are largely low in pollutants, and the seat covers are naturally vegan – bio-polyurethane from eucalyptus leaves was used here.

Assistance systems for driving and parking

The range of assistance systems has been thoroughly expanded. For example, the front collision warning not only detects vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians that are in front of the car. With the cross-traffic detection, the Niro also warns of vehicles approaching from the side. Depending on the version, the equipment also includes a highway assistant, a navigation-based adaptive cruise control system with a speed assistant, lane-keeping and lane-following assistant, blind-spot assistant with steering and braking intervention, a fatigue warning, and a high beam assistant.

The new parking assistant is supposed to ensure ultimate parking comfort. When the driver is at the wheel, the reverse collision avoidance assist, as well as the rearview camera and parking sensors front and rear, ensure safe maneuvering. When the vehicle is stationary, the exit assistant monitors whether the rear passengers overlook an approaching vehicle or bicycle when opening the rear doors. In such cases, the system automatically locks the doors and gives an audible and visual alarm. The car can independently drive into tight cross-parking spaces and garages via remote control.

Cloud-based Navigation

The models with navigation system come with Kia Connect online services. Through the Kia Live service, they offer, among other things, cloud-based online navigation as well as real-time traffic information and weather forecasts. Additionally, users can connect to their vehicle remotely via the Kia Connect app to retrieve or transmit data. In the Niro EV, Kia Connect can also be used to control the battery charging and monitor the charge status.

Performance changes minimally compared to predecessor

In both hybrid variants, the 1.6 GDI is combined with the second generation of Kia's six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Innovations in the drive system include low-friction ball bearings, optimized gear ratios, and the elimination of the reverse gear, saving 2.3 kilograms in weight. Reversing is done entirely electrically and thus emission-free. In the Niro Hybrid, the four-cylinder petrol engine and the 32 kW electric motor (permanent magnet synchronous motor) mobilize a total output of 103.6 kW (141 hp). The Niro Plug-in Hybrid has a 62 kW electric motor, with a system output of 134.6 kW (183 hp), and can drive up to 65 kilometers purely electrically, even up to 84 kilometers in city traffic (according to WLTP). This allows it to cover short distances and daily commutes largely emission-free.

For the Niro EV, Kia specifies a range of up to 463 kilometers, which is eight kilometers more than its predecessor. The output remains the same at 150 kW (204 hp). With a torque of 255 Nm, it accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of 167 kilometers per hour.

The new "Greenzone Drive Mode"

Both hybrid variants of the new Niro feature a "Greenzone Drive Mode". Based on location determination through the navigation system, the crossover drives locally emission-free in certain areas. This happens automatically near hospitals, kindergartens, and schools, but can also be activated at frequently visited places like home or the workplace.