The second generation of the Niro debuts a platform, updates its exterior and interior design and has the latest technologies in terms of safety and driving aids. As in the previous generation, all engines are based on electrification.
Currently the Niro range is the third best seller in Europe. Since its launch so far, Kia has delivered 350,000 units of the Niro (54% HEV, 15% PHEV and 31% EV) and estimates for 2023 focus on reaching 90,000 units.
The new edition modernizes its exterior image, now with an air of family that the Sportage has recently shown and that has continuity in the new Niro. Both the electric hybrid (HEV) and the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are supported by the 1.6 GDI petrol engine, while the pure electric Kia e-Niro has a 150 kW (204 hp) engine and a battery of 64.8 kW, capable of providing a range of up to 460 km (WLTP combined cycle).
2022 Kia Niro
updated design
The new Niro is based on the third generation of the “K” platform, developed to mount different propulsion systems, with increased torsional rigidity and a 6% weight reduction, that is, 20.3 kg compared to the frame of previous generation.
It has a length of 4.42 m (+65 mm), a width of 1.82 m (+25 mm), a height of 1.57 m and a wheelbase of 2.72m, 20 mm longer than the previous model generation. Although these dimensions hardly grow, the new arrangement of elements allows to improve the proportions of the passenger compartment and the storage capacity.
The completely updated exterior line resembles the front end of the latest generation Sportage “Tiger Face”, and bodywork improvements have allowed the CX drag coefficient to be lowered to 0.29. The 100% electric version differs from the versions with the PHEV and HEV gasoline engines by its closed grille and by a gray side protection. It also has a specific treatment for the lower part of the grille and the bumper, as well as 17-inch alloy wheels exclusive to this version, which now includes the charging socket in the center of the front grille.
2022 Kia Niro
Nine exterior colors are available: Green, White, Pearl White, Black, Mineral Blue, Gunmetal Grey, Orange, Red and Steel Grey. Other customization options include the choice of different colors for the C-pillar and three different finishes for the protections depending on the level of equipment and the propulsion system, thus expanding the offer to 32 different combinations.
modern interior
With the new generation, a completely renewed cockpit is launched, much more modern and digital, with two 10.25-inch frameless screens to control the driving and infotainment systems, which uses the multi-mode controls known in the brand’s latest products. like the EV6 or the Sportage. In addition, it can incorporate a Head-up Display with projection of speed, navigation instructions and security systems. Some space for occupants and luggage is also gained compared to the previous Niro.
2022 Kia Niro
The hybrid version announces 451 liters of trunk, which with the rear seats folded down reaches 1,445 liters; In the case of the PHEV plug-in hybrid, it is reduced to 348 liters and 1,342 with seats folded down, while the pure electric offers 475 liters, expandable up to 1,392. In addition, it has an additional 20 liters in the front, enough to store the charging cables.
As for security systems, the new edition offers an emergency braking assistance system with audible and visual warning, and brake intervention, if the system detects a possible collision. It also has a speed limit assistant -based on traffic signs and the browser- to adjust speed, lane keeping assistant, fatigue detection system, automatic light assistant, blind spot detection, parking camera or Rear Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist.
Also new is the Remote Key Park system for remote parking in tight spots and Safe Exit Assist, which warns if a vehicle is approaching from the rear and prevents rear passengers from opening the door.
In the case of the EV, additional functions are offered, such as control of the start and end of charging or the climate settings from the Kia Connect application. As in the EV6, the battery can be used to power external electrical devices with a maximum power of 3kW.
all electrified
As in the previous edition of the Niro, all versions are electrified. The PHEV plug-in hybrid (11.1 kWh battery) and HEV hybrid (1.32 kWh battery) versions have a 1.6 GDI gasoline engine associated with a 6DCT six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which saves 2.3 kg and improves consumption by 0.62%. To activate the reverse gear, the electric motor is exclusively used.
2022 Kia Niro
The conventional hybrid announces a maximum power of 141 hp associated with the 1.6 GDI four-cylinder with a 32 kW electric motor. The PHEV plug-in version has a 62 kW electric motor, announces a total of 183 HP of power and is capable of providing an exclusively electric range of up to 65 km.
New is the “Green Zones” drive mode on PHEV versions, which selects electric-powered operation mode in specific areas, based on navigation system location and driving patterns. In these areas it automatically switches to electric propulsion to eliminate exhaust gas emissions. The driver can also intervene in the Green Zones mode if he registers certain addresses in which he wishes to eliminate emissions, such as residential areas, offices or garages.
The Niro EV, 100% electric, mounts the permanent magnet motor of the previous generation of 150 kW (204 CV), but now only associated with the highest capacity battery (64.8 kW), with which it can supply up to 460 km (WLTP). Announces a consumption of 16.2 kWh/100 km, a top speed of 167 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.
Regarding the electrical energy recharging system, the EV is capable of going from 10 to 80% of the battery in 43 minutes with a 100 kW DC charger, under optimal conditions. When a DC charging point is selected as the destination, if the temperature is low the system uses battery conditioning to preheat the battery.
For users of plug-in hybrids and electrics, the Kia Charge system is offered, with access to 350,000 charging stations and usage plans based on charging needs, including the use of Ionity stations with advantageous prices.
Good behavior
The hybrid version, with a 1.6 GDI engine and a 32 kW electric motor, provides a maximum power of 141 CV, announcing a mixed consumption of 4.4 l/100 km, acceleration from 0 to 100 km in 10.4 seconds and a top speed 165 km/h. It is especially nice because, although the electrical contribution is not striking, it does achieve an increase in torque in the response of the engine and is capable of driving the vehicle in electric mode for about two km on level ground.
The heavier PHEV plug-in hybrid variant (1,610 kg in running order) maintains the previous 1.6 GDI combustion engine, but upgrades the electric unit with a 62 kW motor and 11.1 kWh battery, bringing the combined power now increases to 183 hp, a figure that already allows for a higher level of dynamism and remarkable performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 168 km/h. Although it announces an approved average consumption of 1.0 l/100 km, the reality on trips can be estimated at around 5 l/100 km. In this case, the contribution of electrical energy is much stronger and allows driving at a speed of up to 135 km/h without turning on the combustion engine, as long as there is accumulated energy in the battery. In fact, it promises a range of up to 65 km in electric mode on the highway and up to 84 km in the city. It has Eco and Sport driving modes, with three different retention levels managed through paddles on the steering wheel.
The 100% electric variant, the most pleasant to drive, does not change its mechanical components compared to the previous edition, although it is now only offered with the most powerful battery variant (64.8 kWh) and 150 kW motor (204 CV). It is a very efficient engine that promises a consumption of 16.2 kWh/100 km in the WLTP cycle, with which it is capable of homologating up to 460 km of autonomy in the combined cycle and up to 600 km in the city. It promises acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 167 km/h.
2022 Kia Niro with optional painted rear pillar.
Its operation is especially pleasant in any of the driving modes it offers: Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow, which modifies power management to prioritize consumption, performance and grip in difficult conditions. It also has paddles on the steering wheel and i-pedal function, which increases retention when lifting the accelerator pedal and helps to drive very easily in curved areas by avoiding the use of the brake pedal in most cases.
range and prices
The range is established in three mechanical versions, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric, in three trim levels, called Concept, Drive and Emotion. The range starts with the Niro 1.6 HEV Concept, which is priced at 30,200 euros, although it can take advantage of a financing plan with Cetelem, in which case the bill is reduced to 24,400 euros.
In the case of the 1.6 PHEV Concept, the price starts at 38,600 euros, although through the financing plan it can be purchased for 27,600 euros, while the pure electric EV, which starts at 42,250 euros, can stay at 30,200 euros with the benefits of financing and the Moves III Plan. In all cases, the battery warranty is 7 years or 150,000 km.
Facebook Comments
Disqus