Five years ago, the Kia Niko was introduced (a 2017MY) in America. Now Kia will unveil a new subcompact crossover at 2021 Seoul Mobility Show.
We’ve known about the second iteration of the Kia Niro since late 2020 when the first heavily-disguised prototypes were snapped out and about. Kia took inspiration from 2019 HabaNiro’s concept for the car in designing it, especially the wide rear pillar and two-tone body.
See also: Kia HabaNiro Concept – Autonomous Electric Crossover
The Korean carmaker designed the new Niro under its ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy that also takes inspiration from nature through the choice of color, materials, and finishes that aim to strike a balance between “an environmentally responsible approach and a future-oriented outlook.”
Found at the front of the 2023 Kia Niro is a ‘tiger face’ complete with radically-redesigned headlights and LED daytime running lights. A strong shoulder line is complemented by LED taillights, which reach up to the rear pillars.
Interiors that are more polished and premium.
The interior of the 2023 Kia Niro has also been overhauled for the vehicle’s second generation. The most notable feature is the off-center dash that faces towards the driver. It includes both a digital instrument cluster with a large infotainment screen and an integral fully-digital instrument cluster. Kia also included a shift lever of dial type that can be found on the middle console. A ambient lighting system can also be found.
According to the South Korean auto manufacturer, the headliner for the Niro was made of recycled wallpaper and the seats from Bio PU with Tencel made from eucalypts leafs. The door panels are also painted without benzene or toluene as well as xylene isomers to reduce environmental impacts and minimize waste.
A new ‘Greenzone Drive Mode’ has been introduced with the Niro. When driving in green spaces, such as areas with schools or hospitals nearby, this feature switches the plug-in hybrid versions into all-electric modes. The technology also recognizes a driver’s favorite places that are registered in the navigation system as a green zone.
Plug-in hybrid, pure electric and hybrid powertrain options
Kia did not release any details, but stated the Niro would be offered with pure-electric powertrains (HEV), hybrid-electric and plug-in hybrid engines starting next year. The first generation Niro currently offers three powertrain choices, including a standard hybrid 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired to an electric motor producing 139 horsepower, a plug-in hybrid version of the latter that’s good for 26 miles of electric driving, and a 201-hp fully electric model.
It is possible that the U.S. will reveal its secrets within the next few month.
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