Kia has released details of the Niro
Kia formally launched a replacement to the Niro last year, at the end of November, and announced the re-availability of three alternative drives.
Kia, on the other hand, kept the particular specifications to herself. With the upcoming commencement of sales, they provided more information about the second generation, and in a press statement, the company revealed practically everything vital about the novelty.
The Korean SUV is bigger than before
Crossover rose modestly in all directions in an intergenerational comparison. Its second version features a floor plan of 4,420 x 1,825 millimeters and a wheelbase of 2,720 mm. The distance between the roof and the surface varies depending on the edition. The hybrid vehicles (HEV / PHEV) have a length of 1,545 mm, while the electric car (BEV) has a length of 1,570 mm.
The difference is due to the placement of the batteries on the floor. At the same time, it somewhat detracts from the clear height of 150 millimeters. Hybrids are good to 10 mm. The batteries also have a considerable impact on the curb weight: the standard HEV weighs 1,490 kg, the PHEV variant weighs 1,610 kg, and the BEV model weighs 1,739 kg.
The contrary is true in the trunk, where the electric version with a capacity of 475 liters triumphs numerically. It also includes a 20-liter storage compartment beneath the front hood. The volume of a normal hybrid is 451 liters, while the plug-in variant is 348 liters.
Last year, we saw the cab of a compact SUV inspired by the EV6 type. The dashboard features two 10.25-inch panels, as well as a 10-inch head-up display. Voice control, a video system, an autonomous parking system, and a package of Kia Connect internet services are among the safety and comfort features.
Furthermore, the Korean automaker emphasizes not just the comfortable passenger seat, but also the use of environmentally friendly components. Ceiling upholstery, for example, is fashioned from recycled wallpaper. The genuine skin was replaced with a vegan substitute made from eucalyptus tree fibers.
The second-generation Niro is built on the K Group platform and employs a variety of well-known techniques. The hybrid models are powered by a 1.6-liter Smartstream atmospheric four-cylinder petrol engine. It produces a maximum of 77 kW (105 horsepower) and 147 Nm of torque.
The combustion unit is supplemented by an electric motor with specifications of 32 kW (43.5 hp) and 170 Nm in a typical hybrid. The battery has a capacity of 1.32 kWh when operating at 240 V. This variant accelerates to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 165 km/h.
The new Niro PHEV has an electric motor with a rating of 62 kW (84 horsepower) 203 Nm. A 360-volt battery with a capacity of 11.1 kWh is also utilized here. This should be adequate for 59 to 65 kilometers, according to the manufacturer. The plug-in accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and has a top speed of 168 km/h. Kia also provides a 5.5kWh high-voltage heater, which increases the range in cold conditions.
The upgraded six-clutch transmission is used in both hybrid variants of the compact SUV. It contains ball bearings that reduce internal friction, and it has lost its reverse, saving 2.3 kilos. The electric motor will be solely responsible for reversing.
The electric vehicle has the same powertrain as the Hyundai Kona, but the novelty will most likely only offer a stronger version of the technology with a larger battery. In her case, the motor produces 150 kW (204 horsepower) and 255 Nm of torque. The sprint to 100 km/h takes 7.8 seconds, and the speedometer hand stops at 167 km/h.
The electric version should have a range of 463 km thanks to the battery with a voltage of 358 V and a capacity of 64.8 kWh. Kia cites a combined consumption of 15.7 kWh/100 km in this situation, which has not yet been given for hybrid cars.
The low drag coefficient of 0.29 aids the efficiency of the crossover. It also has specifically formed wheel discs with a diameter ranging from 16 to 18 inches. Customers will be able to select from nine body colors, as well as multiple end pillar colors and finishes for some details.
The prices of the three second-generation Niro models have yet to be disclosed by the Korean automaker. However, we will most likely find out in the next months. Kia confirmed the start of SUV sales in the first half of 2022 during its original November debut.
