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Crossover Kia Niro changed image in the new generation, but retained three installations

By Lukas Müller On Jul 24, 2022

Specifications for the second-generation SUV have yet to be revealed, but the brand has already said that, as before, the model will only be offered with electrified units.

The Kia Niro compact crossover debuted in 2016 as a “simple” hybrid (HEV). A year later, a rechargeable hybrid version of the PHEV was added to this “five-door”, and in 2018 the line was expanded with an electric vehicle (EV), which, incidentally, became the brand's first production car completely “green SUV” of this brand. Two years ago, hybrids were restyled, borrowing some stylistic solutions from the train. Europeans especially liked crossovers: according to CarSalesBase statistics, in the first three quarters of this year, 77,830 units (+ 36%) and 67,336 units (+ 21%) were sold in the Old World. For comparison, in the domestic market last year, Niro sold 21,239 units (-19%; further data from the company itself), in January-September 2021, 13,855 units were sold (-17%).

White crossover is a purely electric new Kia Niro, gray-green is a hybrid

it was officially announced that, like its predecessor, the “second” Niro will be available in three versions (HEV, PHEV and EV), but the company has not yet revealed the technology. The new crossover is more aggressive than the previous model, and the exterior is based on the Kia HabaNiro concept introduced in 2019. From the show car, the serial SUV received “broken” diode running lights (in Kia li they are called “heartbeats”). “), raised boomerang lamps and blank rear pillars painted in a contrasting color (for the predecessor of the window). The “chips” of the electric car: a plug instead of a radiator grille with its own pattern and a hatch for the charging connector located at the front.

The dimensions of the second generation Kia Niro have not yet been disclosed. The length of the previous cross is 4355 mm (purely electric version is 4375 mm), the pitch is 2700 mm. The figures for the HabaNiro concept are 4430mm and 2830mm respectively.

The cockpit has a two-spoke steering wheel, a virtual “trimming” and a multimedia system touchscreen hidden under glass, and the Niro also received a “climate” sensor control unit that has separate washers (like other fresh brand models). The seats are thinner, and hangers are integrated into the front seat headrests. Ecological materials were used in the interior decoration. For example, the sky is made from recycled wallpaper and the seats are upholstered in eucalyptus fiber.

Hybrids have a new Greenzone driving mode: SUVs automatically switch to electric drive in “green” zones, that is, in residential areas, near schools or hospitals. These zones are determined by Niro based on data from the navigator.

We remind you that the installation of previous hybrid crossovers provides for a 1.6 GDI “aspirated” (105 hp), the total power of these versions is 141 hp, and the “simple” Niro HEV is equipped with a 44 hp electric motor and an engine battery for 1.56 kWh, and the PHEV has a 61 hp engine and an 8.9 kWh battery. The base “train” of the first generation has a 136 hp electric motor and a 39.2 kWh battery (claimed range is 289 km on the WLTP cycle), the premium electric car is offered with a 204 hp engine and a 64 kWh battery (cruising range – 455 km). The drive of the “five-door” is only front.

Previous Kia Niro hybrids

Hybrid versions of the new Kia Niro will hit the market in the first quarter of 2022, with the electric car going on sale shortly thereafter.

Recently, the previous family has not been presented, the brand has not announced plans to bring us second-generation compact cars. Meanwhile, Kia is still selling? “greens” – the EV6 cross-hatch should catch up with us.