After 6 years of loyal service, the Kia Niro is retiring. The new generation is coming, and we were able to board it to discover its on-board technologies.
From 2010 to 2019, it was the Kia Sportage which led sales in France at the Korean manufacturer. But with the arrival of Kia Niro, especially in its more mature restyled version, the SUV quickly gave way to its little brother: available with several different engines, it was able to attract a large part of the clientele. So much so that the e-Niro was No. 1 in Kia sales last year.
A new platform and more space
A page is therefore turned for the manufacturer, which is launching the new generation of the Niro. Based on the new K3 platform, the SUV gains in volume. This is particularly the case on the length with a total of 4.42 m, or just over 6 cm. Playing elbows in the urban crossover segment previously with the Honda HR-V or Peugeot e-2008, it is now embedded in the heart of the C-SUV segment where references such as the Nissan Qashqai or the Peugeot 3008 are enthroned.
The wheelbase climbs just 2 cm. Not enough to revolutionize the space on board in normal times, but the different layouts make it possible to increase the rear habitability by 4 cm all the same. It is also on this bench that the novelties are numerous, with in particular the presence of reclining files.
Like the rest of the cabin, the upholstery is made from recycled materials. This is the case, for example, of the headliner, made from old wallpaper (56%) or the fabric luggage cover (75%). The seats make the choice of artificial leather and Tencel (from eucalyptus) and the door panels are dressed in a VOC-free paint. The visual quality is there, a little less to the touch.
The hold takes advantage of this new generation to gain in volume. The HEV hybrid version climbs 15 l, for a total volume of 451 l. The PHEV version benefits from an additional 24 l for a total of 343 l. The trunk of the 100% electric version gains as much, but it also receives a 20 l compartment under the hood, bringing the total volume to 495 l.
Embedded technologies: a pocket Kia EV6
This new generation of Kia Niro turns the page in terms of style. And this is particularly the case on the outside, with cosmetic pirouettes that mark the break with the previous generation. But not everything is stylistic here, as is the case with the configurable rear panels: they hide an air channel to promote aerodynamics. As such, Kia announces a drag coefficient Cx of 0.29.
Regulars of the model will also discover a completely redesigned cabin, which incorporates the latest codes of the brand – and more precisely of the Kia EV6, Kia’s technological flagship. Behind a two-spoke steering wheel is a large digital panel that houses the instrumentation and the central infotainment system, 10.25 inches each on the top-of-the-range version.
The presentation and graphics are perfectly similar to other models from the manufacturer, including Kia Sportage. On the other hand, certain functionalities disappear, like the projection of blind spots by camera when the turn signals are activated. Too bad, but the Niro makes up for it with a head-up display.
Also, note the presence of the Touch-Bar navigation and air conditioning control under the central screen. Again, the break with the previous version is total: the cabin is free of many physical buttons. The gearbox control also prefers a more refined configuration with a Shift By Wire wheel.
In the on-board technology department, the Kia Niro will have the usual connections with a compartment consisting of a 12V socket, USB and USB-C ports and an induction charger. Two other USB-C ports with a power of 27W are present in the backrests to allow rear passengers to plug in their devices. Note also the presence of a voice command, a Harman Kardon sound system, Live navigation and an OTA remote update function.
More power for hybrid versions
The new-generation Kia Niro will only offer electrified engines with versions soberly called HEV, PHEV and EV. This is clear to understand what is hidden under the hood of each. The first, which presents itself before our eyes, still relies on a thermal / electric tandem consisting of the 1.6 l petrol block and an electric machine in the box, for a total of 141 hp. Responding to the DCT6 code, it is also presented in a reworked and lighter form: the removal of the reverse gear saves weight (for a total of -2.3 kg) and leaves the engine electric to ensure the maneuvers, without emissions.
The plug-in hybrid version also gains in power and touches the 183 hp of cumulative power. The thermal block does not move, but the electric unit climbs to 84 hp. The battery is also larger with a useful capacity of 11.1 kWh, which allows it to aim for 65 km of autonomy in the combined cycle. HEV like PHEV, these Niro hybrids will have the Green Drive Zone, which will automatically switch to EV operating mode when approaching hospitals, schools, ZFEs, or places previously chosen by the driver.
New features for the Kia Niro EV
At the very top of the range is the Kia Niro EV, which now comes with a single technical and mechanical configuration. The 39 kWh version therefore takes its deserved retirement and only lets the 64 kWh version continue its career. And it is indeed continuity since, despite the new base, the configuration is similar to the previous version. There is therefore a 204 hp engine (although less torquey) and a battery of 64.8 kWh exactly. On the other hand, the aerodynamic and weight improvements contribute finely to efficiency: the Niro EV promises 463 km of autonomy, or 8 km better.
With a fast recharge from 10 to 80% in 43 minutes, the DC power should not scale and stagnate at 77 kW. But those who enjoy charging more at home or in urban settings will be pleased to learn that the 11kW AC charger now comes as standard.
But these are not the only novelties with this electric SUV. Always wanting to be more in the trajectory of the EV6, it improves its towing capacity to 750 kg, gains the automatic regenerative braking system and the i-Pedal paddles, as well as the V2L reverse charging function with a maximum power of 3kW.
Only unknown for the time being: the price list of the three levels of finish for each engine. A little patience therefore: these will be communicated at the end of the week, when the order book opens. The hybrid versions will arrive in dealerships before the summer, and it will be necessary to wait until the start of the school year to see the Niro EV arrive.
2