The spy photographers have caught interior photographs of the upcoming, next-generation Niro, much to the chagrin of Kia’s test driver. Fortunately for us, much of the interior was left uncovered, and as should perhaps be expected, what can be seen looks to be following the lead set by the upcoming EV6.
Starting with the steering wheel, like the EV6, it appears to have a big solid centerpiece stretching from side to side, making it a two-spoke affair. While much of it is blocked, there appears to be no shortage of controls installed there. Behind it, a big flat screen will take over for dials in the instrument cluster. Like the EV6, the center infotainment screen appears to be on the same plane as the instrument cluster. Unlike the EV6, it appears to be lower down in the cabin than the instrument cluster.
Under it, though, a similar vent and controls layout appears to combine the touch-sensitive with a pair of dials on either side. The center console also appears to be a different shape than the EV6’s, but its button layout and big central dial that acts as a gear selector are reminiscent of the electric Kia. The exterior is still under its familiar camouflage, though it still looks like it takes its inspiration from 2019’s HabaNiro concept. That concept was supposed to have fully autonomous driving capabilities, an electric drivetrain, and a pretty wild look.
We would expect some of that to be toned down for the production version, but an all-electric variant is expected. If the EV6 is any indication, we could be looking at a 77.4 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that produces up to a combined output of 320 hp and 605 Nm of torque. A plug-in hybrid and regular hybrid could also be on the cards.
The new Niro is expected to hit the road as a 2022 model, and rumors suggest the company will unveil it before the end of 2021.
