Finally, Kia confirms all-new Niro’s local debut for late June

Along with the all-new look, Australian Niro owners will experience Kia Connect.

The current Niro was introduced as it neared the end of its lifespan, and as Kia’s toe-dip in the pool of Hybrid and EV driving.

“All-new Niro is a substantial step forward over the outgoing generation and an accurate representation of how far the Kia brand has evolved in just a few years” said Kia Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Damien Meredith.

“The past year has been an exciting time for Kia in Australia, particularly when it comes to electric vehicles, with electrified variants being added to our Large SUV Sorento range and the recent introduction of EV6 which is proving to be more popular than we could have ever imagined. I am looking forward to what Kia will be bringing to the table over the next 12 months, starting with Niro.”

All New Nrio come as a FWD with 2 electrified powertrains, a hybrid electric (HEV) and full electric (EV). Each comes as a base model S or GT-Line which was previously known as the Sport.

A Smartstream 77.2kW/144Nm 1.6-litre GDI engine and 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor give the hybrid (HEV) an impressive 4.0 litres/100 kms combined fuel consumption.

When added together the HEV output is 104kW/265Nm, putting the power down via a new 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (6DCT).

The EV model has 64.8kWh worth of battery on board. 150kW/255Nm chennls through a single Speed Transmission (reduction gear) to drive the front wheels with around 460 kilometres of range.

This Week: 2021 Abarth 595 COMPETIZIONE Review Fast, and Cute

Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel 

ABOVE: 2023 Kia Niro

The clever regenerative braking system enables drivers to choose from a series system has a few different levels of regeneration levels to slow the car while capturing the otherwise wasted energy. That’s not unusual, but the extra smarts comes when the system calculates the amount of regeneration required using radar and road gradient information. It gives Niro the ability to get the most out of coasting and braking in order to store the power in the batteries below.

The all-new Niro’s dimensions have grown over its predecessor, with a length measuring 4,420mm, a width of 1,825mm, a height of 1,545mm HEV/1,570mm EV, and a wheelbase of 2,720mm (increased length 65mm HEV/45mm EV, width 20mm and wheelbase 20mm).

The increased dimensions means those inside have a feeling of space and well-being.

The safety has increased too. There is extra active and passive safety equipment over the existing model. The extra gear includes a Centre Side Airbag, Multi Collision Braking, ECM (Electronic Chromic Mirror), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) as standard across all trim levels.

GT-Line adds Ventilated Seats (Front), Heated Steering Wheel, 10.25″ Digital Driver Cluster, Head-Up Display (HUD), RSPA (Remote Smart Parking Assist) (Entry), Power Opening Tailgate, Wireless Charger (Phone), Telematics (Kia Connect) and Smart Key (FOB) & Push Button Start.

As a final nod to the exclusivity of the top model, the EV GT-Line, gets Power Tilt and Sliding Sunroof, Premium Relaxation Seat, 8 Speaker Harmon/Kardon Premium Sound System and V2L (Vehicle 2 Load.

All-new Kia Niro sees the launch of Kia’s telematics system, Kia Connect.

As we’ve seen in other brands, connected services bring benefits unheard of only a few years ago. They include: LIVE services, real time data such as weather and traffic information, charging station information and more.

Voice Control uses Natural Voice Recognition to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings.

There is an app for phones so drivers can sync calendars, plan journeys with online navigation and access onboard features including live traffic alerts and real-time weather forecasts. The system goes further by allowing drivers navigate to their destination on foot once they’ve parked using Google Maps and augmented reality (AR) technology.

Valet Mode enables customers to monitor their vehicle remotely when it is being driven by another user, with other uses coming to mind, such as monitoring P platers. Let’s see how that works out, but it should make many parents feel safe. We’re not sure how the kids are going to feel though.

Kia Connect is standard on GT-Line models and includes:

 

    • Various remote controls of the vehicle via smartphone
    • Remote engine start
    • Remote climate control
    • Remote door lock/unlock
    • Remote seat heating/ventilation control
    • Check vehicle status
    • Valet Parking mode
    • Kia Connect Live Services
    • Emergency call (Safety and Security)
    • Vehicle Tracking (Safety and Security)
    • Stolen Vehicle Ignition Control (Safety and Security)
    • Send Destination 2 Car (from Smartphone)
    • Local Search
    • Voice Control (eg.Temperature/Weather info/Handsfree call)
  • Integrate personal calendar and show calendar events
  • EV Charging Station locations

More KIA Reviews HERE:

Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.

Discover more from Gay Car Boys

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

← Previous

Next →

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from Gay Car Boys

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading