Kia’s Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid receives an update

Following its unveiling at the Geneva International Motor Show in March, the upgraded Kia Niro is now on sale in the UK with prices starting at £24,590 ($32,213).

A number of improvements have been made to Kia's best-selling electrified crossover range of ultra-low emission vehicles.

The Niro is powered by an efficient 1.6-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct injection) engine, twinned with either a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack (Niro Hybrid models) or 8.9 kWh (for Plug-in Hybrid models). The Niro Plug-in Hybrid can achieve a pure electric driving range of 30 miles. Both the vehicles are equipped with a slick-shifting six-speed auto dual-clutch transmission, delivering more direct and immediate responses - and a more entertaining drive - than traditional electronic continuously-variable transmissions (e-CVT) found on other hybrids.

The refreshed design aligns the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants of the range with the appearance of the all-new all-electric e-Niro. While the new Niro retains its distinctive design and iconic ‘tiger-nose' grille, new bumpers at the front and rear give it a more purposeful appearance and more confident stance on the road. The standard projection headlamps have been redesigned, incorporating Kia's unique ‘ice-cube' design with LED headlamps on the ‘4' grade.

The Niro Hybrid is offered with redesigned 16-inch alloy wheels on grade ‘2', with an all-new 18-inch dual-tone diamond-cut alloy wheel for grades ‘3' and ‘4'. The Niro PHEV is available with newly-designed 16-inch alloy wheels with dark grey inserts, contributing to its unique stance and design.

Kia is also introducing a new 10.25-inch TFT-LCD widescreen for the main display on grades ‘3' and ‘4', with a 7.0-inch TFT Supervision instrument cluster for the driver included on grade ‘4'. The car is fitted with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and 4.2-inch TFT instrument binnacle as standard on grade ‘2'.

The new Niro is among the first Kia models in Europe to offer the brand's innovative UVO CONNECT telematics system, connecting drivers to the world around to provide them with invaluable information during a drive. Accessible via the 10.25-inch touchscreen and the owner's smartphone, UVO CONNECT features a new Kia Live system, which uses its own SIM card to retrieve and update live data. This gives owners access to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking - including price, location and availability.

The second element of the UVO system is the UVO App, designed for compatibility on Android and Apple smartphones. The app offers users peace of mind with a range of features to provide diagnostic data about their car and the trips they take. The app also enables owners to activate a range of remote functions and features remotely. Depending on country, users can remotely send route directions to their car before a journey, check the location of their vehicle, and access vehicle reports and diagnostic notifications.

The upgraded Niro range sees the introduction of a series of new active driver-assistive safety technologies. Already available with Adaptive Smart Cruise Control, the upgraded Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid are now offered with additional Stop & Go functionality. Adaptive Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go follows the preceding vehicle and can now bring the Niro to a stop if traffic slows to a halt, bringing the car back up to speed as the car in front moves off.

Lane Following Assist is available for the first time on Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models, following its introduction on the electric e-Niro. This feature operates between zero and 81mph. Other active safety technologies include Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Blind-spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-traffic Collision Warning, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, in addition to the new electronic parking brake.

Paul Philpott, President of Kia Motors UK said: “The Niro has become a key growth driver for Kia in Europe and is a cornerstone of our electrified product strategy. Its cool crossover design, high versatility, and low emissions and running costs make it an attractive proposition for both private and business buyers.”