Kia has recently
started taking orders for the new Niro EV in South Korea, but, contrary to
previous reports about a winter launch, US residents will have to wait until Q1
2019 before being able to order the electric crossover. Designed in California,
USA, and Namyan, Korea, the new Kia Niro EV has a few updated body panels
compared to the regular models meant to improve aerodynamics and set it apart
visually as well.
The signature
‘tiger nose’ grille is blanked out (as there’s no engine to cool) and features
an integrated charging port, there are redesigned air intakes, newly shaped LED
DRLs, light blue trim highlights, restyled rear bumper with more blue
highlights, new LED taillights and a set of 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, with
a five-spoke design and diamond-cut two-tone finish.
In the cabin, the
Niro EV has new features and design elements, including light blue trim that
echoes that of the exterior, a shift-by-wire drive selector, dial-style shift
knob, mood lighting system, and new high-gloss black and blue trim. The 7-inch
infotainment system is maintained, but the vehicle adds a 7-inch color
instrument cluster,which allows drivers to check the range and see the EV
powertrain information while on the move.
At this point, it’s
unknown whether the US-market Niro EV will differ in any way from the Korean
model. The latter has a 64kWh lithium-polymer battery that allows it to travel
up to 385km on a single charge and can be recharged up to 80 percent in
54 minutes via a 100kW fast-charger.
Moreover, buyers
will also be able to order the optional 39.2kWh lithium-polymer battery pack,
which comes with a maximum driving range of up to 246 km. The electric
powertrain delivers 204 PS and 395 Nm of torque to the
front wheels, thus allowing the crossover to complete the 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 7.8 seconds.
Equipping the Kia
Niro EV is a host of available driving assistance technologies, such as the
Forward Collision Warning with Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following
Assist, which is essentially a Level 2 semi-autonomous system that operates
between 0 and 130 km/h, Smart Cruise Control with Intelligent
Stop&Go and others.
