Kia broadens Niro choice
Kia has more than doubled its Niro range in response to consumer demand with the electrified SUV now available in eight different variants.
The 2021 model range has been restyled and features increased equipment and luxury levels.
Kia says the Niro was launched in New Zealand in 2018 as the world’s first purpose-built SUV designed solely for hybrid or electric vehicle (EV) power. The marque has set a goal of eco-friendly vehicles accounting for 25 per cent of its total production by 2025.
Kiwi buyers can now choose from five Niro hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles, while the all-electric Niro EV line-up has increased to three.
Todd McDonald, managing director of Kia Motors New Zealand, says the Kia Niro has been “immensely popular across the entire range of hybrids and fully electric models” since they were introduced here.
“Niro is seen as fulfilling the needs of customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint, lower their fuel costs and still drive a vehicle that meets their requirements,” he adds. “As the electrified market has developed, we have taken the opportunity to broaden the range to better suit customer requirements and introduce popular model options to meet the high demand.”
The 2021 Kia Niro features sharper front styling, new LED daytime-running lights, and silver skid plates on the lower edge of the bumper. The vehicle’s rear has revised LED taillights, a new bumper and the same silver skid plate treatment with arrow-shaped reflectors and fog-lights.
Original Niro EX versions have been joined by a mid-range Niro SX and upmarket Niro Premium models across the HEV, PHEV and EV ranges.
The Niro EX HEV adopts the same 16-inch alloys as fitted to the new SX and all PHEV models. New 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the Niro EX, SX and Premium EV models, while the Niro Premium HEV wears 18-inch alloys.
Inside, there is a new soft-touch dash top and gloss black trim with silver or satin chrome highlights. A larger 8.0-inch central touchscreen is now fitted to the Niro EX model, while all the SX and Premium models get a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation.
The Premium models are distinguished from the rest of the range with leather upholstery, an eight-speaker JBL premium sound system, and privacy glass for the rear and back windows
A range of driver assistance technology, including autonomous emergency braking and lane keep assist, is standard and all but the HEV EX have rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot collision warning.
The HEV and PHEV models retain a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor combination, while the SX/Premium PHEVs have a larger 8.9kWh Li-ion battery for improved performance.
Kia Motors NZ has standardised the all-electric power train around the 64kWh lithium-ion battery that provides 150kW of peak power and 395Nm of torque on the EV models. This provides a driving range of up to 455km.
Pricing for the Kia Niro starts from $39,990.
