|
On the 10th, Kia revealed pricing and specifications for the facelifted second‑generation Niro and opened orders. At the 'The New Niro' media day on the 9th, Jung Won‑jung, vice president and head of Kia's domestic operations, said the Niro was Kia's first step toward electrification when eco‑friendly cars were still unfamiliar, and that it has since achieved cumulative global sales of 1.2 million units while becoming part of customers' daily lives.
Kia said the new Niro prioritizes efficiency and practicality. Jung noted, \"The New Niro delivers the best fuel economy among domestic hybrid SUVs at 20.2 km/L (≈47.5 mpg US) and offers generous interior space, making it an attractive choice for customers who value practical utility.\"
It pairs a 1.6 hybrid powertrain with a system output of 141 horsepower and peak torque of 27.0 kg·m (≈195.3 lb‑ft). With 16‑inch wheels, combined fuel economy is 20.2 km/L (≈47.5 mpg US). Kim Sae‑rin, manager of Kia's Domestic Product Team 1, said, \"Since the first‑generation launch in 2016, the Niro has held the top spot for fuel‑economy among domestic hybrid SUVs. It remains highly appealing to buyers who put a premium on practicality and economy.\"
Kia acknowledged a slight drop in the official figure from 20.8 km/L (≈48.9 mpg US) but said that reflects the model's enhanced equipment. Baek Kyung‑eun, a researcher on the MSV Project 5 team, said, \"The Niro's curb weight increased by about 45 kg (≈99.2 lb), which was a disadvantage, but we preserved efficiency above 20 km/L (≈47.0 mpg US) through aerodynamic improvements.\" The added mass comes from body reinforcements, the addition of second‑row side airbags and NVH improvements.
|
Kia positions the Niro and the Seltos as complementary models. Jeong Yoon‑kyung, senior manager of Domestic Marketing Team 1, said, \"The Seltos targets customers who prefer a traditional SUV look. The Niro is better suited to buyers who want a lower ride height, higher fuel economy and a sleeker design.\"
Built on Kia's \"Opposites United\" design philosophy, the Niro emphasizes a forward‑looking aesthetic. Choi Jeong‑mi of Kia Next Design's Exterior Team 1 said, \"We combined restrained forms with precise, futuristic details to give the Niro a presence that fits the electrification era.\" The front features Starmap signature lighting, while the interior adds a panoramic curved display and the latest infotainment system.
Safety equipment has also been upgraded. Kia added second‑row side airbags to bring the total to 10 airbags — among the class leaders — and expanded advanced driver‑assistance systems to include forward collision‑avoidance assist and Highway Driving Assist 2.
Kia will phase out the Niro EV. Jeong said, \"Production of the Niro EV has ended and we are selling remaining inventory. Kia will focus its electrified strategy on dedicated EV models from the EV3 through the EV9.\"
Pricing for the new Niro starts at ₩28,850,000 (≈$21,638 USD) for the Trendy trim, with the top Signature trim priced at ₩34,640,000 (≈$25,980 USD). Orders opened on the 10th, and deliveries will begin in phases.
|
