Kia revealed more details of its all-new Niro, part of Kia’s growing eco-friendly model line-up.

We reviewed the current generation HERE, we said the new commented that the interior in particular, would benefit from a rethink. We also noted that the model was nearing the end of its life.

The next-generation Niro has been designed from the ground up, and is based on the third-generation platform. Niro is bigger, with what KIA claims is a class-leading interior with superior storage capacity. Other words such as Premium, eco-friendly and avant-garde have been used to describe the look and feel.

As with the current model, all-new Niro has electrified powertrains, including hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV) options. PHEV and BEV models will be revealed at a later date, closer to market launch.

The improved Smartstream petrol engine helps power the HEV model. The powerplant ensures highly competitive fuel efficiency, with the all-new Niro HEV capable of achieving 20.8km/L (based on Korean standard).

“The all-new Kia Niro heralds the next step in our journey to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider,” said Artur Martins, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Brand and Customer Experience Division at Kia Corporation. “From the outset, our ambition was to create a car that makes it easier for people to practice a sustainable lifestyle. With its eco-friendly materials, advanced technology and range of highly efficient electrified powertrains, the all-new Niro truly delivers on its goal.”

Sales of the all-new Kia Niro HEV will commence in Korea this month, with sales in selected global markets due to follow later this year.

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ABOVE: All New Kia Niro

Intelligent and stylish exterior design that’s brimming with personality

The exterior of the all-new Niro is reminiscent of the 2019 Haba Niro concept car. It builds on the directional change KIA design has taken over the last few years with striking elements such as slim DTRL lighting arrays. Headlights take on the appearance of discrete driving lights moved further down on the face. At first glance, there is nothing resembling normal headlights.

Most notable is the black panel behind the rear door that is outlined but a full height tail light assembly.

Around the front, Niro’s nose shows us the gradual development of the Schreyer grille, the “Tiger Nose. It has slimmed down, making the face seem slippery, yet aggressive.

By repositioning the Niro’s 12V battery out of the wheelhouse, and instead integrating it alongside the high-voltage battery at the bottom of the rear seats, boot load capacity for the Niro HEV model reaches an impressive 451 litres (VDA), up 15 litres over its predecessor.

The Power

The all-new Niro will be launched with three state-of-the-art highly efficient FWD electrified powertrains: hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric (BEV).

An efficient Smartstream 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine produces 77kW and 144 Nm. When combined with the 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, the HEV model produces a combined maximum power output of 141PS (104kW).

The 1.6-litre GDI engine is mated to the second-generation 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (6DCT) that has been carefully engineered and optimised to increase efficiency and reduce weight.

More clever technology is the ability of the “Green Zone Drive Mode” to automatically activate the electric-only drive operation. Although this is not unusual in hybrid drivetrains to be able to use electric-only power, it is the implementation that is different.

For example, when driving in green zones such as residential areas, or nearby schools and hospitals, the Niro HEV model automatically uses electric power based on navigation and driving history data. The driver can also set dedicated green zones into the navigation system to reduce pollution in areas such as near their home or place of work.

As usual, tThere is regenerative braking, to extend the range. Brking or coasting will store energy that would otherwise be lost.

A new suspension and steering system have been optimised to ensure a comfortable and harmonious driving experience. At the front, the all-new Niro benefits from a MacPherson strut type suspension, while the rear gets a four-link type set-up. The front and rear geometry have both been tuned for improved responsiveness, stability and ride comfort, while an optimised steering gear ratio and a new tilt-type strut bearing reduces friction to improve steering feel. Additional insulation and padding have been inserted around the vehicle’s structure to help combat unwanted engine and road noise.

Stay tuned for further Niro News.

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