The all-new front-wheel-drive Kia Niro has arrived in dealerships offering buyers the option of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) powertrain or a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) powertrain.
Kia chief operating officer Damien Meredith says the all-new Niro has arrived as the brand celebrates selling more than 750,000 new cars into the Australian market.
“The evolution of the brand is being recognised by Australian car buyers, interest is strong and demand is high, even with the supply limitations being faced by the industry. We are very pleased with the design, features, technology and eco credentials of the Niro range,” Meredith says.
The Niro HEV and BEV are available with a choice of two specification options: the base S trim and the newly appointed flagship GT-Line trim.
A 1.6-litre GDI engine featuring improved cooling, friction and combustion technologies helps power the HEV Niro models, which are capable of achieving 4L/100km combined fuel consumption.
The four-cylinder unit produces 77.2kW of power and 144 Nm of torque. When combined with the 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, the HEV model produces a combined maximum power output of 104kW and 265 Nm of torque.
The engine is mated to the second-generation 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (6DCT) that has been optimised to increase efficiency and reduce weight.
The 64.8kWh electric option is paired with a Single Speed Transmission (reduction gear), provides 150kW power and 255Nm of torque, and a single charge driving range of 460 kilometres, with a top speed of 167km/h and 0-100km/h taking 7.8 seconds.
Topping up the EV’s 64.8kWh lithium-ion polymer battery from 10-80% takes 43 minutes with a suitable DC rapid charger. The 2022 Niro comes with a standard CCS2 charging port.
The manufacturer says AC and DC charging times have improved over the outgoing model.
Kia’s regenerative braking system enables drivers to choose from a series of regeneration levels to easily slow the car and recuperate kinetic energy to maximise driving range. The system can calculate the amount of regeneration required using radar and road gradient information.
The next-generation Niro EV gains in braked towing capacity which is now 750kg (previously 300kg). The HEV maximum braked towing capacity remains at a capable 1,300kg.
Kia says the all-new Niro has undergone an extensive local ride and handling program to ensure it is suitable for Australia. This is also Kia Australia’s first full ride and handling program since the start of the pandemic with the opportunity to tune the MDPS (steering) map.
Safety has been a top priority during the development of the Niro. As a result, the vehicle’s high-strength lightweight body features a multi-load front impact structure to ensure passengers benefit from outstanding levels of safety in the event of a front-end collision.
The active and passive safety credentials of the Kia Niro range have also been boosted over the outgoing model adding Centre Side Airbag, Multi Collision Braking (MCB), Electronic Chromic Mirror (ECM), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) as standard across all trim levels.
Other standard safety features include Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear View Monitor (RVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), and Rear Parking Sensors.
The GT-Line trims gain Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Reverse (PCA-R), Safe Exit Assist, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Power Child Lock and the Emergency Service ‘eCall’ through the Kia Connect functions.
Both HEV and BEV GT-Line variants offer an extensive list of upgraded convenience and comfort features such as Heated and Ventilated Seats (Front), Heated Steering Wheel, 10.25″ Digital Driver Cluster, Head-Up Display (HUD), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA-Entry), Smart Power Tailgate, Wireless Qi Device Charger , Telematics (Kia Connect) and Smart Key with Push Button Start.
The EV GT-Line 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).
Interior V2L is standard across the all-new Niro EV range, a function offering significant charging flexibility. An Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) enables up to 3.6kW of power to be discharged from the vehicle’s battery. Inside the cabin, a charging port located under the rear seats allows passengers to charge devices from the vehicle’s battery without the need for additional adapters.
The GT-Line models come with both the interior and exterior V2L function. The adapter plug enables the car to charge anything from external domestic appliances to other EVs (with a trickle charger).
The Niro is also the first Kia model available in Australia to offer Kia Connect which 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.
An advanced Voice Car Control system featuring Natural Voice Recognition technology allows occupants to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings with ease.
2022 Kia Niro pricing:
Hybrid S from $44,380
Hybrid GT-Line from $50,030
BEV S from $65,300
BEV GT-Line from $72,100
