All-new Niro represents Kia’s progress in sustainable mobility solutions

MANILA: Kia has unveiled the all-new Niro, a cutting-edge, next-generation model that exemplifies the brand’s rapid transition into a global provider of sustainable mobility solutions. The next-generation Niro is a significant part of Kia’s expanding eco-friendly model lineup, as it has been developed from the ground up to suit the diverse and complex needs of today’s sustainability-conscious customers.

The Niro, which is built on the third-generation platform, has a bigger body that provides class-leading cabin space and storage capacity. Premium and sustainable materials were combined to produce a minimalist avant-garde vibe; a moving mobility space where passengers can unwind and enjoy each stage of every journey. To further upgrade the user-friendly operating experience, modern digital displays and interior controls have been strategically integrated.

Innovative electrified powertrains, including hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and battery electric (BEV) options, are at the heart of the Niro’s eco-friendly features. PHEV and BEV variants will be unveiled at a later date, closer to market launch.

The HEV variant is powered by a highly efficient Smartstream 1.6-liter GDI engine with advanced cooling, friction, and combustion technology. The powertrain provides excellent fuel efficiency, making the Niro HEV capable of achieving up to 20.8kpl.

In a statement, Kia Corporation Senior Vice President and Global Brand and Customer Experience Head Artur Martins said, “The all-new Kia Niro heralds the next step in our journey to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider. 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.”

The all-new Niro has a striking and dynamic design that is based on Kia’s famed “Opposites United” design philosophy, particularly the design pillar “Joy for Reason.” The treatment is inspired by nature, and the colors, materials, and finishes were chosen to achieve the perfect mix of an environmentally responsible approach to mobility and a forward-thinking passenger car vision.

The Niro’s exterior conveys a stylish and adventurous sense of purpose, drawing heavily on the 2019 HabaNIro concept car. A high-tech two-tone body is combined with sleek and aggressive crossover looks. The stunning boomerang-shaped rear taillights are complemented by a wide Aero C-Pillar at the rear that increases airflow to improve aerodynamics.

The newest version of Kia’s trademark Tiger Face can be found on the front of the all-new Niro. The vehicle’s rugged look is enhanced with a robust skid plate and cladding, while distinctive “heartbeat” daytime running lights (DRLs) add to the quirky yet modern aesthetic.

The vehicle’s side profile features clean character lines and a very unique design. The aforementioned Aero C-Pillar aids airflow underneath, hence improving overall efficiency levels. The all-new Niro has achieved a remarkable drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29, thanks to these improvements.

The rear reflector, rugged skid plate, and lower bumper were designed to match the vehicle’s front-end styling.

The second-generation Niro is available in eight exterior colors: Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Mineral Blue, Interstellar Grey, Orange Delight, Runway Red, Steel Grey, and Cityscape Green. The Niro offers more customization options, including six contrasting colors for the C-Pillars and up to three different cladding finishes, allowing customers to personalize their vehicle.

Crafted to appeal to the senses, the all-new Niro’s interior features top-grade materials and welcoming, tactile surfaces that form an avant-garde ambience throughout.

The off-center dashboard bends around the front occupants, with contrasting horizontal and diagonal lines creating a peaceful yet bold aesthetic. Ambient mood lighting, which comes in around 74 color combinations, helps stimulate the senses while also generating a warm and calm atmosphere. Three additional interior colors are available for customers to customize: Charcoal, Medium Grey, and Petrol.

The Niro HEV’s 1.6-liter GDI engine churns out a maximum power output of 105ps and 144Nm of torque. It is paired to the second-generation dual-clutch automatic transmission (6DCT) that has been precisely built and optimized to maximize efficiency while minimizing weight.

When combined with the 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, the HEV variant generates a total maximum power output of 141ps.

Safety has been a primary focus in the development of the all-new Niro. A multi-load front impact structure is included in the vehicle’s high-strength lightweight body to ensure that occupants are highly protected in case of a front-end collision.

Kia’s DriveWise intelligent advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which are meant to avoid potential risks and boost confidence and convenience  behind the wheel, are available on the second-generation Niro. Among these features are forward collision-avoidance assist (FCA), junction turning and junction crossing, intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA), safe exit assist (SEA), remote smart parking assist (RSPA), lane keeping assist (LKA), blind-spot collision-avoidance assist (BCA), driver attention warning (DAW), high beam assist (HBA), navigation-based smart cruise control (NSCC), lane following assist (LFA), highway driving assist (HAD), rear view monitor (RVM), rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCCA), reverse parking collision-avoidance assist (PCA-R), and front/rear parking distance warning (PDW-F/R).

The all-new Niro also comes with a slew of high-tech convenience and connectivity features that come handy both behind the wheel and on leaving the car.

Key driving information such as speed, ADAS data, and navigation commands are shown directly onto the front windshield by a 10-inch head-up display (HUD). The ultra-clear graphics are shown immediately in front of the driver, reducing eye movement while driving, and improving safety and convenience.

Users can also connect to their vehicle remotely using the Kia Connect smartphone app. Online navigation and access key onboard features including live traffic alerts, local fuel station information, and real-time weather forecasts lets drivers plan trips ahead. The app also comes with an End Destination Guidance feature that uses Google Maps and augmented reality (AR) technology to help customers travel to their final destination on foot once their Niro is parked. Meanwhile, the Valet Mode lets Niro owners remotely monitor their vehicle while it is being driven by another user, giving them further piece of mind.

The all-new Kia Niro HEV will be officially rolled out in Korea this month, with sales in select global markets following later this year.

Photo from Kia Corporation

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