The Kia Niro hybrid and PHEV are updated ahead of Geneva

The Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions get a restyling for 2019

The Korean crossover is betting on an aesthetic update to stay young for the customers who may include this urban SUV among their possible new car purchases.

This restyling mainly affects the Kia Niro versions, both as a hybrid car, HEV, and as a plug-in hybrid, PHEV. An aesthetic refresh that, without being revolutionary, offers greater appeal than the vehicle currently on sale at dealerships and which will be replaced following its presentation next week at the Geneva Motor Show, from 5 to 17 March.

The styling of the Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid for 2019

Although it does not receive major changes, its appearance is quite distinct from the one currently sold at the brand’s dealerships, where the sculpted side pontoons stand out, in the style of the also newly presented new Kia Sportage.

The front view looks sharper thanks to the angled daytime running lights, four points per group in an arrow shape that seem to direct the airflow the car will follow as it moves through it. The main headlights and the brand’s signature grille remain unchanged.

The side view has no direct modifications.

Subtle changes can be found at the rear, where the reflectors and fog lights have been relocated, forcing a change in the layout and shape of the rear bumper.

The taillights adapt their shape because, optionally, they now feature new LEDs whose arrangement differs from the lighting still shown in the current model.

Interior refresh of the Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid

While the exterior shows the aesthetic changes that justify an update to the image of the Kia Niro HEV and PHEV, the cabin of this 2019 version brings new features.

Notable is the optional 7-inch display, with a 4.2-inch display as standard, of the instrument cluster which, behind the steering wheel, provides the driver with the information for the parameters selected according to the driving situation. The infotainment system also now features an optional 10.25-inch screen that gives access to new or updated applications, with an 8-inch screen as standard.

For example, it allows connection of up to two devices via Bluetooth, or remote vehicle management via smartphone with UVO CONNECT, with permanent SIM connectivity that also provides real-time online services access such as weather forecasts, traffic or parking status, and fuel prices.

In addition, regarding driver assistance, the Kia Niro hybrid updates its adaptive smart cruise control and now offers the Stop & Go function, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, bringing the car to a complete stop if the situation requires it and resuming travel autonomously, while the Lane Following Assist manages braking, acceleration and trajectory of the vehicle thanks to monitoring of the vehicles ahead and the road margins.

Mechanical setup unchanged

In the mechanical section, these Kia Niro PHEV and HEV keep their technical specifications unchanged.

This means the Kia Niro hybrid retains as its main engine a 1.6-litre GDi, combined with a lithium-ion battery of 1.56 kWh for the Kia Niro Hybrid or 8.9 kWh for the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid.

As a result, the 100% electric range of the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid allows up to 65 km in urban driving or 49 km on the WLTP homologation cycle.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverKIA Niro6 versions · from 34,220 €