The second generation of Kia’s first devoted electrified automobile, the Niro, has been revealed on the Seoul Motor Present at this time. The crossover continues to be provided in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully-electric flavours, however the conservative design of the outgoing mannequin has been changed by one thing rather more distinctive.
On the skin, the brand new Niro derives loads of inspiration from the 2019 HabaNiro idea, albeit considerably toned down for manufacturing. On the entrance, you’ll discover “heartbeat” LED daytime operating lights, nestled in headlights which were cut up from the remainder of the entrance finish. Kia’s signature “tiger nostril” grille has advanced right into a “tiger face”, with the slim, full-width higher grille and enormous decrease grille forming the bone-shaped graphic.
The entrance bumper additionally has a two-tone color scheme that leads into the entrance fender flares and aspect rocker panels. However essentially the most radical a part of the brand new Niro’s styling is the broad contrast-colour C-pillar that leads into the rear wheel arches and integrates the vertical boomerang-shaped taillights. This design is claimed to reinforce the airflow, enhancing aerodynamics. A trapezoidal-stamped tailgate and a repeat of the “heartbeat” lighting signature spherical off the rear finish.
Inside, the asymmetrical dashboard swoops across the driver and passenger and incorporates Kia’s curved show panel and a rotary gear selector. The slim, light-weight entrance seat design are stated to enhance consolation and roominess and encompasses a coat hook behind the headrests.
Kia guarantees eco-friendly supplies for the Niro’s inside, together with a headliner created from recycled wallpaper and seats that use Tencel fibres from eucalyptus leaves. The paint on the door panels can be free from benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) isomers.
Hybrid variations of the brand new Niro additionally comes with a Greenzone drive mode, which robotically switches into EV mode when driving in residential areas or close to colleges or hospitals primarily based on navigation and driving historical past information. It’ll additionally recognise the consumer’s favorite locations, equivalent to a house or workplace registered within the navigation system, as a inexperienced zone.
Technical particulars haven’t been revealed simply but, however anticipate to know extra nearer to the Niro’s market launch subsequent 12 months. The electrical model is of specific curiosity to us Malaysians as franchise holder Bermaz plans to introduce the car in 2022, based on an investor report.
