Combined Fuel Efficiency '20.8km/L'... Top Level Among Domestic SUVs
Recycled Fibers and Eco-Friendly Paint Used in Interior
Various Systems Installed for Customer Convenience and Environment
Price Starting from 26.6 Million KRW
Kia will begin pre-orders for the 'The all-new Kia Niro' starting from the 18th of this month. The new Niro features a larger body and improved spaciousness compared to the previous model. It is equipped with various systems that consider both the environment and customers. Photo by Kia
[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Kia announced on the 17th that it will begin pre-orders for the 'The all-new Kia Niro' starting from the 18th of this month.
The new Niro is the second-generation model newly introduced since the launch of the first-generation Niro in 2016, and it is an eco-friendly dedicated sport utility vehicle (SUV) embodying Kia's vision for sustainable mobility.
Kia explained that the new Niro applies an optimized design based on the third-generation platform, significantly enhancing space utilization. The vehicle length increased to 4420mm (+65mm compared to the previous model), wheelbase to 2720mm (+20mm), width to 1825mm (+20mm), and height to 1545mm (+10mm). In particular, the trunk cargo capacity improved to 451ℓ, 15ℓ larger than the previous model, enhancing storage capacity. The trunk floor height was unified, allowing a flat configuration when folding the second-row seats.
The new Niro is equipped with a Smartstream G1.6 hybrid engine delivering a maximum output of 105ps and maximum torque of 14.7 kgf·m, along with a motor producing a maximum output of 32 kW and maximum torque of 170 N·m. It also features a second-generation 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), and with improved aerodynamic performance, it achieves the highest combined fuel efficiency among domestic SUVs (based on 16-inch tires) at 20.8 km/ℓ.
Reflecting its commitment to sustainability, Kia applied eco-friendly materials and technologies to the new Niro. The vehicle roof uses fibers containing recycled plastic (PET) materials, the window switch panels are coated with eco-friendly paint free of benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX), and the bio artificial leather seats utilize fibers made from eucalyptus leaf-derived raw materials.
The new Niro is the first in Korea to feature the second-generation Green Zone Drive Mode, which expands electric mode driving when entering green zone surrounding roads that require air quality improvement. The green zone coverage has been extended from existing areas such as densely populated residential districts, schools, and large hospitals to include registered favorite places like child protection zones, homes, and offices. Additionally, it is equipped with regenerative braking control paddle shifters, allowing adjustment of regenerative braking and even stopping the vehicle using the paddle shifters.
Intelligent advanced driver assistance systems designed with customer convenience in mind are extensively installed in the new Niro. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) warns the driver when a collision risk is detected with vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists during driving, including oncoming vehicles at intersections, and assists braking to avoid collisions when the risk increases.
Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) warns when exceeding speed limits detected by the front camera or navigation, Safe Exit Assist (SEA) detects vehicles approaching from the rear side when opening doors, and Remote Smart Parking Assist are also applied. Furthermore, features such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Rear View Monitor (RVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Front/Rear Parking Distance Warning (PDW-F/R), and Rear Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA-R) are implemented to enhance both driving convenience and safety.
Kia provides the best interior environment in the new Niro by applying advanced infotainment features beyond its class, as well as climate control and convenience features. First, Digital Key 2 Touch allows vehicle access by tagging an Android or iOS smartphone equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) on the outside door handle of the driver's seat without a smart key. Built-in cam and server-based AI voice recognition systems are also installed.
Additionally, features such as Head-Up Display (HUD), Rear Occupant Alert, Final Destination Guidance, In-vehicle Easy Payment, Car-to-Home, Valet Mode, and Over-the-Air (OTA) wireless navigation updates maximize user convenience.
The design of the new Niro is styled with Kia's design philosophy of "Joy for Reason." The exterior features a simple yet aerodynamic body with strong details that bring out the SUV's sensibility, creating a sophisticated and bold style. Notably, the C-pillar includes an air curtain hole allowing air to pass through inside, which helps improve fuel efficiency, and differentiated C-pillar color options are available depending on the exterior color, expanding design choices.
Kia will begin pre-orders for the 'The all-new Kia Niro' starting from the 18th of this month. The new Niro features a larger body and improved spaciousness compared to the previous model. It is equipped with various systems that consider both the environment and customers. Photo by Kia
The interior also creates a unique atmosphere through bold shapes. A 10.25-inch panoramic display is placed diagonally from the dashboard to the door trim, harmonized with an electronic shift dial (SBW) on the modern high-gloss black center console, creating a high-tech image.
Ambient lighting maximizes a sense of luxury, and an infotainment and climate control switching operation panel designed for intuitive usability enhances convenience. The front passenger relaxation comfort seat, which adjusts the angle of the seatback and cushion to create a zero-gravity posture, helps provide a comfortable ride.
Exterior colors are offered in seven options, including the newly added Cityscape Green, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Mineral Blue, Interstellar Gray, Runway Red, and Steel Gray. Interior colors are available in three new options: Charcoal, Medium Gray, and Petrol.
The price of the new Niro (reflecting eco-friendly vehicle tax benefits and a 3.5% individual consumption tax) is 26.6 million KRW for the Trendy trim, 28.95 million KRW for Prestige, and 33.06 million KRW for Signature.
Kwon Hyuk-ho, Vice President and Head of Kia's Domestic Business Division, said, "The new Niro has once again proven the value of an eco-friendly dedicated SUV by achieving the highest combined fuel efficiency among domestic SUVs and enhanced space utilization." He added, "As Kia's representative eco-friendly model, the new Niro will be the best choice for customers in the era of sustainability."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
