Kia Niro 2022: Further details confirmed
Kia has taken the covers off the all-new Niro compact crossover. Taking styling inspiration from the brand’s larger models, it’ll be available with hybrid and fully electric drivetrains.
Set to launch in the UK at the end of this year, it’ll be available to order in 2023. Here’s everything you need to know.
Kia Niro styling
The exterior is certainly a fresh breakaway from the current model’s styling, with the new model taking direct inspiration from the brand’s latest and greatest SUVs including the new Sportage and Sorento.
The front gets a bold new look, with a fresh set of headlights and a lighting bar that runs the width of the car across the brand’s trademark “tiger-face” grille. Changes are even more drastic round the back, where you’ll find boomerang-style tail lights span the edge of the vehicle.
The sides are set of by chunky black plastic cladding, giving the car a much more rugged appeal than the outgoing model manages. It’s set to take on cars like the Nissan Juke and, on the styling front at least, it really pulls this off.
The electric variant is marked our by a two-tone closed grille and unique steel-style cladding on the sides.
Kia Niro interior and tech
The interior is also radically different from the current car, with the most obvious change being the high-tech driver display which seamlessly joins up with the touchscreen infotainment interface – it’s not dissimilar from the premium EV6 EV.
And it’s not a pricey option either – this style of display and instrument binnacle will be standard across the range.
Kia has also pointed out that there’s a new gearshift control in the form of a dial in the central console, while mood lighting and the front seat design have also bee changed. Lots of recycled and sustainable materials have been used too.
Kia Niro drivetrains
Just like the current model, you’ll be able to specify the Niro as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric car. The former two will feature an improved variation of the 1.6-litre petrol motor currently used.
The standard hybrid model uses self-charging tech, and is able to switch itself into full electric mode in areas that suffer from high levels of air pollution. For example, if you were driving past a school.
The plug-in model specs are to be confirmed, but it should be able to travel about 40 miles on electric power alone.
The electric variant is a development of the current model, meaning it’ll get a 64kWh battery to provide pokey acceleration and a range of up to 287 miles. You can recharge it from 10% to 80% in less than 45 minutes too.
Kia Niro release date and leasing plans
We’ll bring you more news as soon as it’s available. We expect the car to make its public debut this year, with deliveries commencing in early 2023.
In the meantime, you can check out and compare the attractive rates on the current Niro – the current model is a popular car amongst leasing customers, and we’re sure that’ll continue for a while yet.