Kia’s all-electric Niro will go on sale in Korea in the second half of this year.
And, Kia says, will be introduced to other markets in due course.
Designed at Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea, the Niro EV demonstrates that, in seeking greater on-road efficiency, EV buyers need not sacrifice emotionally engaging design or crossover versatility.
The Niro EV differentiates itself from the existing Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid with a series of exclusive design features.
Taking inspiration from the Niro EV Concept unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the exterior of the Niro EV is based on a ‘Clean and High-tech’ design concept.
Its futuristic and aerodynamic ‘tiger-nose’ grille features an integrated charging port, bearing a debossed Niro logo.
Redesigned air intakes and new arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights combine with light blue trim highlights to make it stand out further.
In profile, the slim character line and tapered rear windows emphasize the car’s sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the Niro EV’s muscular wheel arches.
The Niro EV rides on new five-spoke 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels with a diamond-cut two-tone finish, housing Kia’s regenerative braking system.
At the back, reshaped rear bumpers feature similar light blue highlights to those found at the front of the car, while new LED rear lights give the Niro EV its own light signature.
The dashboard features new light blue trim, echoing that of the exterior, while the design of the centre console has been simplified to accommodate the car’s shift-by-wire drive selector – Kia’s first ‘dial’-style shift knob.
The Niro EV features a new mood lighting system, with subtle lighting illuminating both the centre console and the shifter.
Occupants can choose from six colours – white, grey, bronze, red, green, and blue. New high-gloss black and blue trim also lines the doors of the Niro EV, further enhancing the futuristic atmosphere of the cabin.
The new infotainment system enables owners to locate nearby charging points and monitor the level of charge and range remaining from the battery pack.
Equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, the Niro EV will be able to drive more than 380km on a single charge with zero emissions.
Plugged into a 100kW fast charger, it takes 54 minutes to recharge the Niro EV’s battery to 80 per cent.
Buyers will also be to specify their Niro EV with an optional 39.2 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, with a range of up to 240km from a single charge.*
Power is provided to the front wheels through a 150kW motor, producing 395 Nm torque from a standstill, enabling the Niro EV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.8 seconds.
The battery pack is located low down in the body, beneath the boot floor, giving the wagon a centre of gravity more akin to that of a sedan or a hatchback, ensuring maximum stability – and driving enjoyment – on winding roads.
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