SUV or more compact? With the Niro introduced in 2016, Kia did not want to be clearly determined. Its new edition, which has now been unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show (until December 5), is more distinguished than before by its 4×4 attributes. Inside, the Korean is becoming more digital, as before there will be hybrid and purely electric drives.
The front of the new Niro has been radically redesigned. The large radiator grille moved to the lower area of the front apron, and a second, slit-like cooling opening runs underneath the bonnet. The headlight units have been moved down a noticeable distance and are therefore no longer staged in the classic way as the eyes of the vehicle. LED headlights and LED daytime running lights are integrated in the light units. The design of the lights at the rear is unusual. In addition to narrow strips of light in the D-pillars, which extend like a boomerang all the way into the roof, there are additional light units in the lower area of the rear apron which, among other things, integrate the reversing light. Another special feature of the new Niro is a two-tone paintwork. The side sheet metal parts between the rear doors and the tailgate stand out from the basic tone with a black finish. Inside, the number of buttons and physical switches has been reduced. There is a large touchscreen for this, which forms an optical unit with the digital instrument cluster. According to Kia, sustainable materials such as recycled wallpaper for the headliner or bio-PU for the seats were used for the interior. Thanks to new mechanics in the seats, Kia promises more space and comfort for passengers. Next year, the new Niro will be available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric drive as before. Kia has not yet given any technical details. However, as before, the purely electrically powered variants will not be based on the new E-GMP platform with 800-volt architecture. (spx)
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