The second generation of the Niro is the third new model that Kia puts on the road in a few months. The crossover born hybrid, but then also became full-electric, inherits a lot from the electric Ev6 and the new Sportage, in particular the technologies. A kit that allows the new Niro not to have awe even towards premium models. An area that, however, admittedly avoids frequenting in order to remain faithful to a fair relationship between price and content.
Kia Niro, more trendy, bigger and more hi-tech
The stylistic turning point of the Kia initiated by the electric flagship Ev6 and the Sportage evolves further with the new Niro, also taking advantage of the third evolution of the K architecture. and functionality with new proportions. The appearance is personal and also differs from those of the relatives thanks to the personal interpretation of the most recent family-style of the brand, the squared lines and the imposing rear pillar of the roof, made even more evident by the contrasting color, which has the function to optimize aerodynamics and, finally, to the appearance of the tail in which boomerang-shaped headlights stand out. With a length of up to 4.42 meters and a width of 1.82 meters, the new Niro has a slightly more robust build than its predecessor. The growth is reflected in the width of the passenger compartment also with the complicity of slender seats, which also allow those who sit behind to have a good amount of space for their legs. Furthermore, it also rewards the luggage compartment capacity of the Hev full-hybrid version which ranges from 451 to 1,445 liters, because its compact battery is housed under the rear seat. On the other hand, the load compartment capacity of the plug-in hybrid PHEV version ranges from 348 to 1,342 liters because the larger battery extends below the support surface, thus reducing the height of the compartment. Instead, the electric Niro is the one that offers the greatest load possibilities, ranging from 495 to 1,392 liters, as its sturdy battery pack is under the floor.
The presentation of the cabin rests on functionality and hi-tech. The environment is pleasant, rationally set and offers many practical solutions such as the rear USB sockets inserted in the backrests of the front seats, the plate for wireless charging of the devices and many large storage compartments. The interior emphasizes the green nature of Niro with coatings obtained from recycled paper, natural fibers and bio-polyurethane, as well as surface treatments of the aromatic-free plastic coatings. The dashboard is dominated by the curved maxi-screen by Kia, formed by the 10.25 ”displays of the configurable instrumentation and the infotainment system, to which the head up display can be added. The infotainment is based on the latest generation of the Uvo system and is always connected, interacts via wireless with smartphones and is well manageable.
Kia Niro, new technologies increase efficiency
The three Niro’s powertrain upgrades are all set to extend the use of electric drive. The propulsion systems of the full-hybrid of unchanged power compared to the past and of the hybrid on tap always integrate a petrol engine of 1.6 liters of 105 horsepower but with reduced friction together with a new six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, devoid of the reverse gear ratio. In fact, this mode is entrusted to the electric motor. However, the electric unit of the Phev is now 84 horsepower raises the power of the system to 183 horsepower and thanks to the 11.1 battery instead of 8.9 kWh as well as a new radiator that continuously generates streams of hot air ensures mileage. electric cars that reach 65 kilometers. Twenty more than the previous one. The electric motor of the Niro Ev always delivers 204 horsepower, but is now powered by a 64.8 kWh battery, which certifies autonomy at 460 kilometers. The new Niro also offer three steps of energy recovery in motion that can be set with the paddles at the wheel and the green zone mode, which automatically activates zero-emission driving in urban areas and in those considered green, such as those close to schools and hospitals. .
Kia Niro, live photos: this is how it is on the street
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Kia Niro, how is the renewed full-hybrid going
We tried a pre-series Niro Hev under construction Evolution for sale at 34,500 euros that offers everything you can expect from a premium model (the others are the Business and the Style) on the roads of the Ligurian coast and inland. In terms of performance, the powertrain benefits from the new gearbox especially with the Eco mode, with which delivery is very linear and does not transmit when this Niro is full-electric or hybrid. Taking advantage of the battery you can move with zero emissions often and willingly thanks to the effective management of the electrical flows, but you can perceive it only by looking if the Ev warning light is on in the instrumentation. Therefore, it is not necessary to adopt particular precautions to drive electrically neither in the starting phases nor when speed variations are required. The evolution of the Niro also positively influences comfort, thanks to the greater insulation of the passenger compartment and the calibration of the suspension which, for its part, does not have the ambition to make the new Niro more dynamic than the previous one. However, the tuning of the 2.0 generation ensures a pleasant and safe ride even when cornering.