The Kia Niro updates its design and arrives with surprises in its engine lineup

Kia has played its cards very well to position the Niro as a benchmark in Europe, making it a practical option to consider if you want to get into electrified driving thanks to its hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions. But beware, because the Korean brand has updated the design of the Niro and has taken the opportunity to make changes to its engines, which is somewhat of a surprise.

Aesthetically, the Kia Niro has become a more recognizable model compared to the brand’s recent presentations, and the little Korean now adopts the “Opposites United” design language while keeping its identity as a crossover. The major changes focus on the front, with new bumpers that integrate the new light cluster in a vertical layout, which is fully LED and features multi-faceted reflector (MFR) technology, which improves light distribution for greater safety in daily use.

On the side there are no changes except for the option of new wheel designs in 18-inch size for the top trims. Meanwhile, at the rear, a new bumper design is also adopted, and a completely new tailgate has been installed, notably eliminating the license plate recess, which creates cleaner, more minimalist surfaces that also accentuate the width of the Niro. Finally, although it may look similar to the outgoing model, this last change also serves to modify the rear light cluster and give it a new light signature.

Moving now to the interior of the Kia Niro, the brand has revised both the materials and the colour combinations used, updating them to offer a more sophisticated, premium atmosphere. In terms of design everything stays the same except that Kia has modified the design of the dashboard screens, which are now 12.3 inches for both the instrument cluster and the infotainment system with “Connected Cockpit Navigation”. This change is also accompanied by other technological developments such as the following:

• Remote over-the-air (OTA) updates for navigation and software
• Smartphone access with Digital Key 2.0
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Head-up display
• Wireless smartphone charging
• A complete package of advanced driver assistance systems, highlighting:
  • Forward collision avoidance assistance
  • Highway driving assistance
  • Lane keeping assistance
  • Blind-spot assist
  • Speed limit recognition system
  • Parking distance warning
  • Parking assistance camera
  • Hands-on-wheel detection function

Finally, we come to the powertrains, and as we said at the beginning, the Kia Niro was until now available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric options, something that will no longer be the case in the European market, as the brand has confirmed. The new Kia Niro will only be available as a full hybrid HEV, combining a 1,600 cc GDI engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of 138 CV, which is sent to the front axle through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverKIA Niro6 versions · from 34,220 €