The new Kia Niro has arrived in the company’s Australian dealerships with the crossover SUV available in entry-level S or flagship GT-Line trims and sporting either a Hybrid Electric (HEV) or fully electric (EV) powertrain.

The HEV features the 4-cylinder Smartstream 1.6-litre petrol engine paired to the second-generation 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (6DCT). Together with a 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and 1.56kWh battery, a combined maximum power output of 104kW and 265Nm of torque is produced. Kia claims combined fuel consumption of four litres per 100km.

The EV variant of the new Niro gets a 64.8kWh battery pack that is paired with a motor up the front delivering 150kW and 255Nm. Hyundai claims a single charge driving range of 460km.

Charging the EV’s battery from 10-80 per cent takes 43 minutes with a suitable DC rapid charger. The Niro comes with a standard CCS2 charging port.

Regenerative braking enables drivers to choose from a series of regeneration levels with the system able to calculate the amount required using radar and road gradient information.

Kia says the new Niro has undergone an extensive local ride and handling program to ensure it is suitable for Australia’s road conditions and driving styles.

On the inside, the Niro gets the full modern, tech treatment.

The entry HEV S comes with a 4.2-inch Multi-Function LCD cluster and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The EV S trim incorporates the 10.25-inch digital cluster with the 8-inch touch screen.

The GT-Line trim in both HEV and EV variants provides a panoramic high-definition digital display screen that integrates both the 10.25-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display in one package.

There’s a new electronic dial-type shift lever in the GT-Line variants, as is a wireless Qi charging pad. Across the range, the front seats incorporate USBC charging.

Both HEV and EV GT-Line variants offer heated and ventilated Seats up front, (Front), heated steering wheel, Head-Up display, Smart Power Tailgate, Telematics (Kia Connect) and Smart Key with Push Button Start.

The EV GT-Line, representing the flagship model of the range, also receives a Power Tilt and Sliding Sunroof, Front Passenger Premium Relaxation Seat, 8 Speaker Harmon/Kardon Premium Sound System and Exterior Vehicle to Load Adaptor (V2L). The adapter plug enables the car to charge anything from external domestic appliances to other EVs (with a trickle charger).

Recycled materials have been used in the Niro, with the headlining made from recycled PET materials, the seats from Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus tree fibres, and BTX free paint is used on the door panels.

As you would expect, the Niro gets plenty of safety and driver assistance technology. Active and passive safety features include Centre Side Airbag, Multi Collision Braking, Electronic Chromic Mirror, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) as standard across all trim levels.

Other standard safety features include Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear View Monitor, and Rear Parking Sensors.

The GT-Line trims gain Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Reverse, Safe Exit Assist, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Power Child Lock and the Emergency Service ‘eCall’ through the Kia Connect functions.

The new Niro is the first Kia model available in Australia to offer the company’s Connected Car Services system – Kia Connect. That system provides customer benefits in safety and security, control, connectivity, and LIVE services by using telematics to transfer real time data such as weather and traffic information, charging station information and more.

The Kia Connect smartphone app allows users to connect with their vehicle remotely. Drivers can sync calendars,plan journeys with online navigation and access onboard features including live traffic alerts and real-time weather forecasts. Valet Mode enables customers to monitor their vehicle remotely when it is being driven by another user.

The new Kia Niro Hybrid has an RRP price of $44,380 for the S model ad $50,030 for the GT-Line. The EV variant is priced at $65,300 for the S model and $72,100 for the GT-Line.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2022) 

18 July 2022