Kia renews its successful Niro SUV. The second generation model asserts itself with a more original look, inspired by the HabaNiro concept of 2019.
After several teasers, Kia finally unveils the new generation of its Niro. The SUV revises its philosophy with a look more original than the first generation, very consensual. The newcomer is presented in Seoul, on the occasion of the local mobility fair.
The second-generation Korean SUV tire are design du concept HabaNiro from 2019. We thus find the front face “Tiger Face” (head of tiger) of Kia, reworked and stretched to the wings. The optics receive an EKG-style LED light signature on the front, while the rear opt for vertical boomerang-shaped lights. At the rear, the new Niro takes the muscular shoulders of the concept and its reduced windows, but not the butterfly doors a little too extravagant.
Unique dashboard
The interior of the Niro is also completely revised, with an asymmetrical dashboard reminiscent of the EV6. A first screen, displaying the counters, extends to the right into a second slab, more diagonally. This displays the multimedia system. Below, a very refined floating center console. With a glossy black treatment, it features an electronic gearshift wheel in the center, and that’s about it. In terms of materials, Kia uses recycled wallpaper for the headliner and seats in organic polyurethane and textile fiber made from eucalyptus leaves.
The technology is also reinforced on board the new Niro, in particular for electric driving with a “Greenzone” driving mode. This automatically switches from hybrid to electric in certain areas (schools, hospitals, residential areas, etc.) depending on navigation and driving habits.
Engines, marketing and prices
Kia does not specify the range of engines for the new Niro, but it should be close to the old generation. Thus, the SUV will opt for three proposals, simple hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric. The newcomer will be marketed from the second half of 2022, at prices still unknown.
Photo : Kia
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