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Kia updates and expands Niro SUV range

Wednesday, 2 September 2020

The versatile crossover that has driven the Kia brand into the electrified vehicle segment has been refreshed with a range of 2021 model year updates.

There is an expanded model line-up for the 2021 Niro SUV along with updated styling and increased equipment levels.

Kia New Zealand says that in response to consumer demand, the Niro range has more-than-doubled to eight variants. Buyers can now choose from three Niro Hybrid (HEV) and two Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models while the all-electric Niro EV line-up has grown to three models.

This is the refreshed Niro. Spot any differences?
This is the refreshed Niro. Spot any differences?

Kia introduced the Niro to the New Zealand market in 2018 and the HEV version has become established as the top-selling non-Toyota hybrid with 262 registrations last year and 67 year-to-date July 2020. Kia also sold 72 EV versions in 2019 and 13 in the first seven months of 2020.

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The changes apply to all eight Niro models. That’s right, the Niro range has more than doubled.
The changes apply to all eight Niro models. That’s right, the Niro range has more than doubled.

* Kia Niro Ex - the hybrid you might buy when you're not shopping for a hybrid

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“Niro is seen as fulfilling the needs of customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint, lower their fuel costs and still drive a vehicle that meets their requirements,’’ said Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“As the electrified market has developed, we have taken the opportunity to broaden the range to better suit customer requirements and introduce popular model options to meet the high demand.”

For 2021 the Niro boasts sharpened frontal styling with new LED daytime-running lights adopted from the best-selling Sportage and silver skid plates on the lower edge of the bumper.

Just one battery for the 2021 Niro, a 64kWh option offering range of up to 455km on a full charge.
Just one battery for the 2021 Niro, a 64kWh option offering range of up to 455km on a full charge.

Revised rear styling includes new LED tail-lights, a new bumper and the same silver skid plate treatment with arrow-shaped reflectors and fog-lights.

Inside, the cabin gains a luxurious soft-touch dash top and gloss black trim with silver or satin chrome highlights.

The main changes to the grade structure see the original Niro EX versions now joined by brand new mid-range Niro SX and upmarket Niro Premium models across the HEV, PHEV and EV ranges.

The Niro EX HEV moves from steel wheels to adopt the same 16-inch alloys as fitted to the new SX, Premium HEV and all PHEV models. New stylish 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the Niro EX, SX and Premium EV models, while the Niro Premium HEV wears 18-inch alloys.

A larger 8.0-inch central touchscreen is now fitted to the Niro EX model, while all the SX and Premium models are equipped with 10.25-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation. Dual zone climate control replaces the previous single zone air conditioning system in the EX model.

Driver assistance technology has also been boosted with Niro HEV models adopting a Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go feature. This is in addition to the existing autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning, automatic high-beam, blind-spot monitoring and intelligent speed limit warning. SX and Premium models have rear cross-traffic alert.

All Niro EV models are equipped with seven air bags, while a new electric park brake infested in the centre console.

Premium models have leather upholstery while the driver’s seat has two-way power lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger and interior mood lighting. Premium models also get an eight-speaker JBL premium sound system and rear privacy glass.

The HEV and PHEV models retain the 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine and electric motor combination with a six-speed dual clutch transmission. The HEV models develop combined output figures of 104kW and 265Nm of torque with a 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery.

PHEV models have adopted a larger 8.9kWh/360V lithium-ion battery for improved performance which now provides up to 55km of EV driving range.

When Kia first launched the Niro EV, it offered two battery sizes. For 2021 the larger 64kWh lithium-ion battery becomes the standardised choice providing power to the 150kW/395Nm electric powertrain with an estimated driving range of up to 455km on a full charge.

Estimated charge times range from 29 hours to full charge from a domestic 230V/12amp supply to DC 100kW fast charging which can take 54 minutes to reach 80 per cent charge.

In addition to Kia’s 5-year/100,000km vehicle warranty and roadside assistance coverage the Niro also has a 7-year/160,000km warranty on the high voltage battery.

2021 Kia Niro line-up: