The Kia Niro has been a surprise hit for the company
as it has been outselling the Hyundai Ioniq by nearly 3 to 1 in the United
States. The crossover's appeal is expected to grow in the future as Kia is
putting the finishing touches on the Niro EV.
Set to debut early next year, the Niro EV closely
resembles the standard model but it has apparently been equipped with a unique
front fascia and repositioned fog lights. The model also appears to have a
modified rear bumper but it's hard to be certain underneath all that
camouflage. Of course, one of the more noticeable changes is the revised grille
which features a charging port.
Little is known about the model but previous reports
have suggested the Niro will borrow its powertrain from the Ioniq Electric. The
latter vehicle features an electric motor that develops 118 hp and 295 Nm of torque. It is powered by a 28 kWh battery which enables the
car to have an EPA-estimated range of 199 km.
However, it is interesting to note the vehicle was
spied testing alongside the Kona EV which is slated to debut next year with a
range in excess of 386 km.