To debut in a few months
Kia took the wraps off its new electric Niro but for now we'll have to make do with the online reveal.
Update: Kia has released another press blurb that reveals more info about the incoming Kia Niro EV.
The launch is still set for October 2018, more precisely at the Paris Motor Show. After the debut, the Niro EV will be sold worldwide, becoming Kia’s second globally-delivered EV after the all-electric Soul.
We’re told that when plugged in to a 100-kW fast charger, the new Niro EV needs up to 54 minutes to juice up its battery pack to 80 percent.
On the power front, the system’s output is rated at 150 kW (204 PS, 201 hp) and 395 Nm of torque. Kia says the 0-100 km/h acceleration time is 7.8 seconds. Moreover, the battery pack sits lower beneath the boot floor, contributing to a center of gravity that’s typical to a sedan or hatchback.
The new Kia Niro EV is also about safety. The Korean carmaker is offering its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems bundle that includes the likes of forward collision warning, smart cruise control, intelligent stop & go, and lane following assist.
Exterior design
Those who remember the Clean and High-tech design concept introduced by the Niro EV Concept shown earlier this year during CES in Las Vegas will recognize the aero tiger nose grille that hosts a charging port and the Niro logo.
In addition, the front end receives new air intakes and redesigned arrowhead LED DRLs, as well as a light blue surround for the lower bumper.
Also on the menu are the more muscular wheel arches, tapered rear windows, five-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels that house the regenerative braking setup.
At the rear you’ll find the same light blue surround adorning the bumper and new LED taillights.
The cabin
To further differentiate the ICE-powered Niro version from the EV, Kia continued the light blue trim game inside the all-electric Niro’s cabin – on the dashboard, doors, and center console.
Furthermore, the overall cockpit design has been simplified to make room for the shift-by-wire drive selector. Occupants can also choose from the six available mood lighting colors – white, grey, bronze, red, green, and blue.
The new Kia Niro EV utilizes the same 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system position centrally on the dashboard but its software has been updated with EV-centric features. These help drivers in finding and navigating to nearby charging points as well as keep an eye on the battery’s lever of charge or remaining range.
Kia says the cabin redesign clears more space for small items at the base of the dashboard where a wireless smartphone charger was placed.
On the practicality front, the new Niro EV offers 451 liters of cargo space (VDA). As far as dimensions are concerned, the electric car is 4,375 mm long, 1,805 mm wide and 1,560 mm tall. The wheelbase stretches to 2,700 mm.
The original article continues below:
The official European debut takes place in October, at the 2018 Paris Motor Show. Meanwhile, not much is accompanying the press blurb. However, Kia took the time to reveal some of the EV's essentials.
That's how we know the new generation Niro EV relies on Kia's new electric powertrain. The setup incorporates a 64 kWh Li-polymer battery which allows the EV to travel for 450 km (280 miles) on a full charge.
A 39.2 kWh battery pack is also available, allowing an electric range of up to 300 km (186 miles).
As far as looks are concerned, those remembering Kia’s Niro EV Concept shown earlier this year at the 2018 CES in Las Vegas will no doubt spot the similarities – see the arrowhead LED headlights and chunky wheel arches.
Kia says it put to work its design studios in California and Namyang, which focused on incorporating “the practicality and appeal of a compact SUV in a sleek, aerodynamic body with subtly sculptured surfaces.”
We’ll know more on the topic as the car’s debut in Paris closes in.
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