The popular compact SUV Kia Niro is getting a new edition. The test car has already been spotted. We have pictures and information for you.
The upcoming Kia Niro was spotted ahead of its official debut, which will take place later this year. Its design is reminiscent of the 2019 HabaNiro concept and the new Hyundai Bayon, read on to find out more.
The current Kia Niro is a good choice if you’re looking for a small SUV, but its relatively cramped trunk and generic design aren’t optimal, whoever matters, has better alternatives out there.
What you can see here on the still heavily camouflaged prototype looks like Kia is busy eliminating these two shortcomings. The new model is expected to take over the impressive range of hybrid and electric motors from the current vehicle when it launches in 2022.
Exterior design
Despite the fake rear body panel and the fabric-covered side panels, it seems that the new Kia Niro is getting a bit longer and could look a bit more exciting than the previous model.
The boomerang tail light design is reminiscent of the recently unveiled Hyundai Bayon (above) and the 2019 HabaNiro concept (below), while the front section also seems to adopt design elements from the concept vehicle.
The headlights may not be quite as wild as the HabaNiro’s kinked LED strips, but there’s a chance the production vehicle could come with a similar two-tone paint job.
2022 Kia Niro Interior
While there are no official pictures, the interior of the new Niro will likely combine elements from the other recently released Kias, such as an upgraded digital dashboard and a larger central infotainment screen. It is safe to assume that both displays will be at least 10.25 inches wide. The new Kia Niro should be at least as well equipped.
Engines
The specifications for the engines on the new Kia Niro are not yet known, but like the current Niro, you can expect a choice of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and all-electric variants. The 226hp hybrid and 261hp plug-in hybrid from the new Sorento could be used, but that’s just our guess.
Kia will also be launching a new e-Niro, as that would fit with the plan to have ten new electric cars on the market by 2026.
Seven of these electric vehicles will be built using components shared with Hyundai, including Kia’s upcoming electric coupe-like SUV. This vehicle, the name of which is not yet known, will have a range of around 480 kilometers and can be quickly charged with 100 kW – properties that could also be found in the new e-Niro.
The current e-Niro is available with either a 39 kWh or a 64 kWh battery pack. The former offers 134 horsepower and a range of 289 kilometers, while the latter has 201 horsepower and can travel up to 455 kilometers on one charge. It is currently unclear whether the new model will be available with more than one motor/battery combination.
2022 Kia Niro Price
There’s no release date for the new Kia Niro yet, but it will likely premiere later this year and go on sale in early 2022. The current entry-level hybrids start at around 27,000 euros, while plug-in hybrids start at around 34,000 euros.
When the new model hits the market, however, there will be an inevitable price hike, so you’ll have to pay around $ 30,000 for an entry-level hybrid Niro in 2022. The new electric car Kia e-Niro will come onto the market later and is expected to cost at least 38,000 euros.
