The second generation of the KIA Niro is already here. The compact crossover from the Korean brand renounces the conservative image of the previous model and shows an innovative appearance, a spacious and avant-garde interior and three electrified propulsion systems. We have met him in his static presentation.
After a really successful first generation, the Kia Niro receives a new iteration keeping its outstanding trio of mechanical alternatives in order to meet the mobility needs of all types of drivers: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and 100% electric. The Korean crossover receives a complete redesign, adopts sustainable materials, expands its habitability and boasts the latest technology in connectivity and comfort.
It is striking that despite the great popularity of the first generation, KIA has decided to make a radical change in design of the new Niro, both outside and inside. It is part of the reformulation of the brand image that the Korean manufacturer has been transferring in its new era.
On the front of the new Niro, the headlamps in a low position whose main light points are located in a vertical arrangement and are underlined by daytime running light. The radiator grille is very thin and extremely elongated to the point that it extends to the sides accompanied by a chromed profile.
The bumper has a large air intake that integrates the fog lights and also show black plastic sections that extend through the wheel arches and through the bottom of the side doors. The lower part of the bumper is finished in silver to emphasize the SUV look.
The most significant design element in a thick C-pillar in contrasting color that integrates the pillar and the rear wing in one piece. Available in three colors (orange, gray and black), the format of the pillar not only has a decorative function but also aerodynamic: at its junction with the rear window it has an air intake, the flow passes through the interior of the pillar and exits through an opening next to the rear window.
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Attached to that pillar are the LED taillights in very long design to the point that they stretch through the ceiling. The rear has a cleaner design with a flat-shaped tailgate where the license plate has been integrated, a generous rear spoiler and a bumper that has small light groups whose shapes follow the silhouette of the front daytime running lights to a certain extent. In addition, the rear window has a less inclined design than the previous model to give a more dynamic appearance.
Aesthetically, the HEV and PHEV versions are practically the same, except for the plug-in model’s charging socket on the left front wing. The electric variant e-Niro has some features of its own such as the charging port in the middle of the front, the fully enclosed upper grille and the side moldings in a light gray finish.
Nobody can deny that KIA has not taken risks when designing the new Niro. Furthermore, based on the K-platform It has grown in all dimensions with respect to the previous model and specifically it is 65 mm longer, 20 mm wider, and 10 mm higher, so the resulting measurements are 4,420mm long1,825 mm wide and 1,545 mm high.
Compact on the outside, big on the inside
Inside, the new Niro has improved the staging both in terms of materials and design. It is clear that the Korean model has taken great inspiration from the new generation of the KIA Sportage, the flagship model of the Seoul brand, in a cabin with a lot of recycled and ecological elements.
The dashboard shows some diagonal lines on which a driving position stands out with two screens of 10.25 inches each integrated in a module finished in black that gives the impression of visual continuity. The front seats are comfortable and the passenger seat is fully reclining at the touch of a button (with the vehicle stationary).
In front of the driver, in addition to a eye-catching two-spoke steering wheel and buttons in a glossy black finish, there is a fully digital instrument panel that offers several customization options for both the views and the available information. Driver data can be supplemented by a head-up display that projects information directly onto the windshield in a surface area equivalent to 10 inches.
The second touch screen corresponds to the multimedia system. The interface is similar to that of the latest KIA and Hyundai releases, it has remote functions and is permanently connected to the Internet to offer up-to-date information. Of course enjoy connectivity with Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
With good judgment, KIA has left out of this screen a touch module with the main functions of navigation, audio and air conditioning plus some shortcuts to basic options. It may not be as practical as physical buttons, but it is more attractive and easy to use.
The rear seats are huge. This aspect was already brilliant in the previous Niro but the new generation has managed to provide even more space for the rear occupants, leaving plenty of room even for passengers over 1.90m tall. The width also stands out, being one of the most suitable models in its category to carry three adults behind. In this second row there are air vents, pockets behind the backrests, a folding armrest, USB sockets and a 12V socket.
As for the load capacity there has also been a slight improvement. The Niro HEV has a 451 liter boot, the Niro PHEV stays at 343 liters and the e-Niro boasts a capacity of 475 liters to which it adds a front trunk with an additional 20 liters. Fully folding down the rear seats, the volume reaches 1,445 liters in the HEV, 1,342 liters in the PHEV and 1,392 liters in the electric.
Being a static presentation, the examination of the dynamic behavior of the Niro 2022 will have to be postponed for our next meeting, but the first impression could not be more positive. KIA Spain already admits reservations of the new Niro that is for sale from 30,200 euros Not including discounts or promotions, being one of the cars in its segment with the best price/product ratio.