This is the Kia Niro 2022, the new edition of the best-selling SUV that chooses when to drive autonomously in electric mode

The new Kia Niro has been completely unveiled. The new generation of the SUV will have electrified versions in all its variants, both hybrid (plug-in or not) and fully electric. The new Kia Niro, in addition, is committed to extensive equipment in terms of connectivity and safety.

The arrival of a new Kia Niro to the Korean firm’s offer also serves to delve into the design lines anticipated by the concept car HabaNiro of 2019. In the body of the new SUV, straight forms prevail and, above all, highlights a huge C-pillar in which the boomerang-shaped vertical taillights are also integrated. According to the brand, the new design is designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Kia Niro data sheet

Bet on design and connectivity

Its innovative exterior image will not be the only incentive with which the new Kia Niro is presented. The SUV will put all your cards in a interior of the most technological and a good number of services based on connectivity and that add security.

The interior draws from the same source as the Kia EV6, the dashboard is off-centre and features a curved line that hugs the occupants. Horizontal and diagonal lines combine to house a large 10.25-inch screen divided into two to group the information from the dashboard, behind the steering wheel, and everything related to infotainment in the central area. In addition, it will have a Head-Up Display so that the driver can check basic information without taking his eyes off the road.

The passenger compartment is striking for being clearly avant-garde and is accompanied by an equipment to match. Voice control of infotainment and climate controls, plus full compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It adds the NFC system for opening and starting the car without a key with the so-called Digital Key 2 Touch system, video recording with front and rear cameras and playback of images on the central screen or on the mobile phone.

Plus, with the Kia Connect app, the driver can synchronize his calendar and appointments to always have them present in the vehicle, as well as be aware of the latest news and changes in traffic. Using Google Maps and augmented reality, the application will show how to get to the destination from the place where the car has been parked. Finally, with the Valet mode you can monitor the activity of the car when it is being driven by a third party.

But its interior also takes advantage of other advantages, the new dimensions of the SUV make it gain space in the passenger compartment and trunk. Its 4.42 meters long, 1.82 meters wide and 1.54 meters high makes it grow up to 6.5 centimeters long. It makes up for it with a width two centimeters greater and another two centimeters more wheelbase. The height is increased by one centimeter and the trunk volume gains 15 liters to offer a total of 451 litres.

Kia Niro, safety and motorizations

In addition to this wide range of systems and services related to connectivity, the new Kia SUV will also include all the ADAS systems expected from this year 2022 and some driving aids based on the autonomous vehicle.

Therefore, in the new Kia Niro we will see the aforementioned front and rear cameras, the intelligent speed assistant, emergency braking, the lane maintenance system, warnings for inattentive driving, cross traffic assistant, adaptive cruise control, blind spot control or systems as useful as warnings before leaving the vehicle if a car is approaching from the rear, high beam assistance and autonomous parking assistance, a system with which the car can park itself or get out of a hole before the driver gets into the car.

We can find all this in a few electric, plug-in and all-electric hybrid powertrains. Both the plug-in hybrid and electric version remain a mystery in terms of their autonomy or power. What we do know is that, in the case of the plug-in hybrid, the SUV will have a “Green Zone” system, which will prioritize the use of electricity in the event that we drive through a low-emission space. These areas are recognized by the vehicle through the navigator and automatically start using electric power. Also when driving near schools and hospitals or, based on the driver’s travel history, in what the vehicle itself will identify as green areas, such as home or work.

Of electric hybrid we know that it will have a four-cylinder 1.6 GDI gasoline (105 hp and 144 Nm). The gasoline block will be supported by a permanent magnet electric motor and 32 kW (43.5 CV), having a total of 141 CV. This motorization will be accompanied by a 6DCT automatic transmission with six relationships and double clutch.

Versions and prices of the Kia Niro

As for the launch of the new Kia Niro and its starting price, there is still nothing confirmed. Although it will go on sale this month in South Korea, for its arrival in Europe we will have to wait for the rest of the year. The same happens for its price, for which there is still no confirmed figure.

It must be remembered that, together with the Kia EV6, The Kia Niro is one of the brand’s biggest electric bets. In 2021 the SUV has been the second best-selling model in our country.