Kia reveals a fresh Niro

By Kyle Roache

Last updated: May 3rd 2022

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Kia has announced a new Niro, which is larger than its predecessor yet designed with sustainability in mind.

The new Niro measures 4420mm in length, is 1825mm wide, and 1545mm tall, while the wheelbase is 2720mm – up by 65mm, 20mm, 10mm and 20mm respectively. With a bigger exterior comes a more spacious interior, which features mood lighting in 74 colour combinations and three interior colours - charcoal, medium grey and petrol. There’s also a 10.25in panoramic HD digital display system that brings together the instrument cluster and infotainment system. There are also seven interior finishes to choose from, as well as a special relaxation mode for the front passenger seat, which at the touch of a button makes it lie flat.

So what powers it?

Three new engines will be used in the Niro – hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid and battery electric. The plug-in hybrid and battery electric versions will be released further down the line, meaning the new Niro breaks cover with a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine with an output of 105PS and 144Nm. When combined with the 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, the power output of the Niro is 141PS. The gearbox is a six-speed dual-clutch automatic, and the car comes with Kia’s Green Zone Drive Mode. This automatically activates the electric-only drive operation of the car to ensure zero-emissions mobility in certain environments and situations. Kia says: “When driving in green zones such as residential areas, or nearby schools and hospitals, the Niro HEV model automatically uses electric power based on navigation and driving history data. The driver can also set dedicated green zones into the navigation system to reduce pollution in areas such as near their home or place of work.”

The Niro also uses regenerative braking, with a series of regeneration levels for the driver to choose from. The system determines the amount of regeneration needed using radar and road gradient data.

Safety first

The Niro also comes jam-packed with safety kit, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), which warns the driver if the risk of a collision is detected with other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. Meanwhile, Junction Turning and Junction Crossing kicks in if the Niro’s turn signal is activated. The system will warn the driver if there is a collision risk with an oncoming vehicle. Similarly, a warning is provided if there is a risk from vehicles approaching from the left or right when the driver is travelling straight across a junction. If either risk increases, the system will warn the driver before automatically applying the brakes to avoid a collision.

There’s also an intelligent speed limit assist system linked to the front view camera and navigation system, which warns the driver and adjusts the speed if you go over the speed limit. Additionally, there’s a Safe Exit Assist which provides a warning when a car approaches from the rear side when getting out of the car. Finally, there’s also a remote parking system that enables the car to park itself.