The facelifted 2019
Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid are now available to purchase in the UK,
featuring a refreshed design that brings them in line with the e-Niro, their
all-electric sibiling. Prices start from £ 24,590 for the Niro Hybrid and from
£ 31,945 for the Niro Plug-In Hybrid, with the latter being offered only in one
trim level as opposed to the three of the Hybrid.
The facelift
includes new bumpers, redesigned headlights and LED DRLs that feature a new
double-arrow layout and refreshed LED taillights, as well as a range of new
wheels, ranging from 16- to 18-inches in diameter.
Kia has also
improved the interior quality of the 2019 Niro, with the top of the dashboard
now featuring a soft-touch coating and new gloss black and satin chrome
details. There’s also a new, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster paired to an
8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The array of active
driver assistance systems has also been updated with an enhanced active cruise
control that now includes Stop & Go function and Lane Following Assist for
up to 130 km/h. Other features include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane
Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist and more.
Both Niro Hybrid
and Plug-In Hybrid models also get a set of paddle shifters behind the steering
wheel for the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which Kia hopes
will make its electrified models more engaging to drive than rival hybrid
models fitted with a CVT.
The 146 hp
powertrain is the same as before, combining a 103 hp 1.6-liter GDI engine with a
43 hp electric motor. Hybrid models come with a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer
battery pack, while the Plug-In Hybrid makes use of a larger 8.9 kWh pack, thus
offering a pure electric driving range of 48 km. CO2 emissions are
rated at 99g/km for the Hybrid and at 31g/km for the PHEV.
