The 2nd Generation Kia Niro HEV Gets Detailed Prior To Going On Sale Domestically
Here are some specifications of the upcoming second generation Kia Niro HEV.
Late last year, Kia unveiled the all-new Niro, but was shy of powertrain details. They simply called it a “sustainable mobility vehicle” and hinted that it would arrive with a plug-in hybrid powertrain option. Now, we finally have more details as sales of the Kia Niro will begin in South Korea soon.
There are 3 powertrain options for the 2nd generation Kia Niro, and they’re all somewhat electrified and they all send power to the front wheels. The three powertrain options are hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV). Unfortunately, they’ve only released details on the Kia Niro HEV variant for now, but it would be safe to assume the PHEV might have similar specifications but with a larger battery, a longer electric driving range and a charging port. We’ll wait and see what the official info is.
Kia Niro HEV Specifications
With the Kia Niro HEV, you get a 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine paired with an electric motor. This 105PS four-cylinder GDI motor is from the Smartstream family and is pretty efficient when taken on its own. However, in the Kia Niro HEV, it gets a 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. This gives it a combined output of 141PS, which gets transmitted to the wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup is capable of achieving 20.8km per litre of petrol based on Korean fuel efficiency standards.
The Niro HEV can be driven on pure electric power. In fact, they’ve equipped the car with a function called the Green Zone Drive Mode. This automatically switches the powertrain to use electric power whenever it’s driven past a school or hospital. Drivers can also assign certain areas along their regular driving route to be green zones. The Niro HEV also uses radar and gradient data with its smart regenerative braking system to maximise the amount of energy harvested when coming to a halt.
The Kia Niro also comes with a new suspension and steering system. The front suspension consists of a MacPherson strut type suspension, while the rear gets multi-link type suspension. The front and rear suspension geometry have been tuned for improved responsiveness, stability and ride comfort. The steering gear ratio and a new tilt-type strut bearing reduces friction for better feel.
We’ve also learnt that in Korea, the Kia Niro will be available in a load of expressive colours:
- Cityscape Green
- Snow White Pearl
- Aurora Black Pearl
- Mineral Blue
- Interstella Gray
- Orange Delight
- Runway Red
- Steel Gray
Additional customisations to the exterior are available in the form of six contrasting colours for the Aero C-Pillars and three different finishes for the cladding.
To learn more about the new Kia Niro’s Interior, Safety and Tech, check out the press release below. The initial preview of the vehicle has more information about the car’s exterior details and interior materials.
PRESS RELEASE
Spacious and welcoming interior
Innovative and minimalist cabin optimized for an optimal user experience
The all-new Niro features an interior that’s been designed to appeal to the senses, with premium quality materials and welcoming, textured surfaces that combine to create an avant-garde feel throughout.
The off-center dashboard curves around the front occupants, with opposing horizontal and diagonal lines leading to a calming yet daring aesthetic. Ambient mood lighting, available in no fewer than 74 color combinations, helps to heighten the senses while creating a warm and serene environment. Customers can further tailor the interior by choosing between three new interior colors: Charcoal, Medium Gray, Petrol and Light Warm Gray.
Positioned between the diagonal lines lies a high-tech 10.25-inch panoramic high-definition digital display screen that integrates both the instrument cluster and infotainment features in one streamlined package. The system has been designed to be easy to use with pin sharp graphics and a highly intuitive layout, enabling users to personalize, access and operate the vehicle’s connectivity, usability and functionality features with ease and confidence.
Located below the center screen lies an integrated infotainment and climate control system that removes clutter for a clean and coherent look and ensures front seat occupants can access these important controls without the need to scroll through multiple menus.
Within easy reach of the driver lies the Niro’s stylish center-console that incorporates a modern look with a high-gloss black surface finish. Here, the driver can operate the Niro’s electronic dial-type shift lever, the design of which saves space and is convenient and intuitive to operate. A variable large-capacity cupholder tray and a wireless smartphone charging pad are also close to hand.
The all-new Niro’s dimensions have grown over its predecessor, with a length measuring 4,420mm, a width of 1,825mm, a height of 1,545mm, and a wheelbase of 2,720mm, up by 65mm, 20mm, 10mm and 20mm respectively. As a result, the all-new Niro awards its occupants with a spacious environment where they can relax, get comfortable and enjoy every journey.
Available in seven stylish finishes, the slim, contemporary seats enhance roominess and comfort thanks to a high-tech lightweight seat mechanism. The special relaxation front passenger seat can recline for a comfortable lying posture at the touch of a button. The front seats incorporate convenient rear-mounted coat hangers, C-Type USB terminals and storage pockets, while the slim dimensions of the headrests help to increase the feeling of space and freedom from above.
By repositioning the Niro’s 12V battery out of the wheelhouse, and instead integrating it alongside the high-voltage battery at the bottom of the rear seats, trunk load capacity for the Niro HEV model reaches an impressive 451 liters (VDA), up 15 liters over its predecessor.
As a clear statement of Kia’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, the all-new Niro showcases new recycled materials inside the cabin. The headlining is made from recycled wallpaper, the seats are made from Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus leaves, and BTX* free paint is used on the door panels to minimize the impact on the environment and reduce waste.
Efficiency at its core
Advanced safety
Structural integrity and next-gen ADAS deliver added confidence behind the wheel
Safety has been a top priority during the development of the all-new Niro. As a result, the vehicle’s high-strength lightweight body features a multi-load front impact structure to ensure passengers benefit from outstanding levels of safety in the event of a front-end collision.
The second-generation Niro includes a full complement of Kia’s DriveWise intelligent Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that are designed to avoid potential hazards and improve confidence and convenience behind the wheel.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) warns the driver if the risk of a collision is detected with other vehicles, pedestrians or cyclists. The system’s Junction Turning and Junction Crossing functions provide maximum preventative safety when navigating junctions. If the all-new Niro’s turn signal is activated, the system will warn the driver if there is a collision risk with an oncoming vehicle. Similarly, a warning is provided if there is a risk from vehicles approaching from the left or right when the driver is travelling straight across a junction. If either risk increases, the system will warn the driver before automatically applying the brakes to avoid a collision.
Using information from the new Niro’s front view camera and navigation system, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) delivers a warning and adjusts the speed if the driver travels over the speed limit. Once parked, Safe Exit Assist (SEA) provides a warning when a vehicle is approaching from the rear-side when getting out of the vehicle, with the electronic child lock preventing rear seat passengers from opening the rear door.
Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) is a feature that enables the vehicle to park itself autonomously, whether or not the driver is in the vehicle. It enables drivers to move their car out of a front-and-back parking space remotely with their key fob.
Other ADAS features include Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Rear View Monitor (RVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA-R) and Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning (PDW-F/R).
Always connected
High-tech connectivity and convenience features fit seamlessly into everyday life
The all-new Niro includes an extensive range of high-tech convenience and connectivity features designed to make life easier both behind the wheel and on leaving the car.
A 10-inch head-up display (HUD) system displays key driving information including speed, ADAS data and navigation commands directly onto the front windshield. The ultra-clear graphics are displayed directly ahead of the driver helping to minimize eye movement while driving, enhancing safety and convenience in the process.
An advanced Voice Car Control system featuring Natural Voice Recognition technology allows occupants to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings without raising an arm. A new Multi-Command feature means passengers can also control multiple functions with one command. Additional convenience is provided by a power tailgate that opens automatically on detecting the user’s smart key.
The all-new Niro is equipped with Kia’s Digital Key 2 Touch system that allows occupants to unlock and start their vehicle via smartphone. Compatible with both iOS and Android devices that feature the Kia Connect App, the system uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable drivers to access and start their vehicle without the need to carry the car’s smart key.
Built-in front and rear cameras mounted inside the all-new Niro allow occupants to record high quality videos of memorable journeys and scenic locations. Users can then save and view the videos on the vehicle’s infotainment screen or via a smartphone. The Niro also features Car to Home, a function that allows users to control home IoT devices such as television, lighting and room temperatures directly from inside the vehicle.
The Kia Connect smartphone app allows users to connect with their vehicle remotely. Drivers can sync calendars, plan journeys with online navigation and access key onboard features including live traffic alerts, local fuel station information and real-time weather forecasts. An End Destination Guidance feature helps customers navigate to their final destination on foot once their Niro is parked using Google Maps and augmented reality (AR) technology. Valet Mode enables customers to monitor their vehicle remotely when it’s being driven by another user, providing added peace of mind.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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