Facelift and technology update for the new Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid

The restyling of the Kia Niro, both hybrid and plug-in hybrid, brings it up to date

Facelifts, also known as restyling, help keep the image of a model generation current until the market inevitably demands a new car.

This is the case with the electrified crossover pair electrified models from Kia: the Kia Niro, in both its full hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, a duo that enters 2020 with a subtle styling refresh and some technology changes that strengthen its position in the market for urban crossovers with a rugged touch.

This model now adopts the same design scheme already seen on other models from the brand and features daytime running lights in an arrow arrangement.

The arrangement at the ends of the bumper, below the main lights, gives a greater sense of front width. This is also enhanced by the “tiger nose” grille, the signature feature of Kia cars.

Giving this city car a more adventurous look, the lower part of the bumper now carries a strip in heavy grey, contrasting with the bright metallic grey of the grille itself.

As a novelty, optionally it can be fitted with headlights featuring full LED technology and the fog lights seen in the images accompanying this text.

As is essential in this type of car, one of the key elements in shaping its appearance is the chosen wheel set. Whether in 16 or 18 inches, they feature a diamond-cut design which, in the case of the Kia Niro PHEV, have inserts in dark grey unlike those on other variants.

Regarding the bodywork, the colour chosen for the photo shoot is the exclusive colour of the electrified versions of the Kia Niro, Horizon Blue, one of the nine colours available in the palette for this car’s facelift.

General update

And while the exterior changes are subtle and necessary, technology takes centre stage, and the optional UVO Connect information, entertainment and connectivity system can now be fitted to the new Kia Niro HEV and PHEV.

The multimedia system is controlled by the pair of screens chosen: standard is the 20-centimetre central console display and the 11-inch TFT instrument cluster, or the optional 26 and 18 cm screens, respectively.

On the information panel behind the steering wheel, there is now a cover with higher-quality finish, which provides a more luxurious look and a more pleasant feel, according to the brand.

It also features various inserts in glossy black, metal or chrome elements to increase passenger comfort, especially in the front seats.

And as for the driving position,

Blending interior enjoyment with driving use, those at the controls of the new electrified versions of the Kia Niro get the new electric parking brake and enjoy improved braking thanks to larger-diameter brake discs for the rear axle, part of the technical updates.

In addition, also optionally, driver assistance features are available, such as the automatic stop and go function (Stop & Go), which brings the car to a complete stop when traffic halts and restarts movement when the vehicle ahead moves off again.

Mechanically, the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine configuration is unchanged, with lithium-ion batteries offering a capacity of 1.46 kWh for the hybrid and 8.9 kWh for the plug-in hybrid Kia Niro, respectively.

Homologated consumption is rated at 4.8 litres of petrol per 100 km for the former and 1.4 for the latter.

The price of the new Kia Niro hybrid or plug-in hybrid depends not only on the version in terms of electrification type and chosen charging system, but also on its trim levels, of which there are three: Concept, Drive and Emotion.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverKIA Niro6 versions · from 34,220 €