Kia Australia has launched its electric future with three electrified powertrains – Hybrid (HEV), Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and full-electric (EV) – versions of the Niro crossover.

Each of the three powertrains will be available in two trims – S and Sport, with pricing for the Hybrid starting at $39,990 for the S with Sport at $43,890. The PHEV is priced from $46,590 for the S and $50,490 for Sport, while the range-topping EV model starts at $62,590 for the S and $65,990 for Sport.

The Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid models both feature a 1.6-litre GDI engine (77.2kW and 147Nm) coupled to a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. Combined system output for both Hybrid and PHEV is 104kW and 265Nm.

The Hybrid model has a 6.5Ah and 1.56kWh battery, while the Plug-In Hybrid has a pair of Lithium-Ion polymer batteries – one under the rear seat and an additional battery under the boot panel. They have a combined capacity of 24.7Ah and 8.9kWh.
Both models drive the front wheels through a 6-speed DCT gearbox. Kia says the HEV will return fuel efficiency of 3.8L/100km in normal operations while the PHEV returns a combined efficiency of 1.3L/100km. The PHEV has a pure electric range of 58kms (NEDC).

The fully electric Niro runs a 150kW / 395Nm electric motor. Power comes via a 180Ah and 64kWh battery. Kia claims a range of 455km for the EV Niro model.

Kia says the PHEV‘s charge time from empty to 100 per cent on a 3.3kW AC charger is approximately two hours and 15 minutes. For the EV, an ICCB Trickle Charger will take 29 hours to fully charge the battery from empty, while using a 7.2kW AC charger will do the job in nine hours and 35 minutes. DC Fast charging (0-80 per cent) will take one hour and 15 minutes using a 50kW unit and 54 minutes with a 100kW unit. Regenerative braking is used by all models.

On the inside, the Niro has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Bluetooth multi-connection functionality, AM/FM tuner with Digital radio and six-speaker sound system, and 4.2-inch driver’s instrument cluster. A Hybrid System Gauge indicates Charge, Eco or Power reflecting the current driving conditions.

The Niro EV features a 7-inch TFT LCD which features the Power/Charge gauge, speedometer, warning and indicator lights, battery State-of-Charge gauge and distance-to-empty and Charge Cable Connection Indicator.

The entry level S models will feature an 8-inch audio-visual unit with touch screen, multi-Bluetooth connection, wireless and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, USB connectivity with MP3 playback and the range of Eco Drive displays.

For the Sport models, there is a 10.25-inch touch screen with split screen function. The navigation unit will display charging station locations and information (PHEV & EV) and features multi-Bluetooth connection, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Specific to the EV S model are 17-inch alloy wheels, a dial type shifter, 7-inch supervision driver’s instrument cluster, expanded drive mode select with Eco/Eco+/Normal/Sport, steering wheel paddle shifters, electrochromatic rear-view mirror and single zone air conditioning.

Across the range there are seven airbags, including driver’s knee bag and safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Follow Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Alert on Sport variants, while Parking Distance Warning Reverse, Rear View Camera, Smart Cruise Control, Driver Attention Alert and Emergency Stop Signal.
The Hybrid model will be available in eight colours _ Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Runway Red, Snow White Pearl, Silky Silver, Sunset Orange, Platinum Graphite and Deep Cerulean Blue with the latter three being exclusive to HEV and PHEV variants. EV owners can choose an exclusive Yacht Blue colour.

The Niro wears Michelin tyres: Michelin Energy Saver + for Hybrid S and all PHEV variants, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 for Hybrid Sport models, and Michelin Primacy 3 for the Niro EV.

Kia’s 7-Year unlimited kilometre warranty, 7-Year capped price servicing and 7-Year roadside assist will apply across the Niro range. The high voltage battery and electric motor are covered by a 7-Year 150,000km warranty.

Prices range from $39,990 for the Hybrid S model to $65,990 for the REV Sport.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (June 2021) 

14 June 2021