Pre-orders are open for Kia’s second generation ‘Niro’ range. The Niro is available in hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric (Niro EV) models. Each one comes in three different grades: 2, 3, and 4. The purchased models will be delivered later this year, in the third quarter.
The first generation of this range was introduced in 2018, since which the full electric e-Niro has accounted for over 55% of Niro sales.
The Niro EV ‘2’ model pairs an 8in touchscreen display with 4.2in instrument cluster, plus 17in alloy wheels, 11kW on-board charger, and a battery heating system. This is on top of features characteristic of the rest of the ‘2’ range, including LED headlights, rear parking sensors, and driver assistance technology such as Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA1.5) and smart cruise control (SCC).
The mid-range grade ‘3’ includes 18in alloy wheels, the 10.25in touchscreen with navigation system, cloth and faux leather upholstery, a 4.2in TFT instrument cluster, front parking sensors, and heated seats and steering wheel. Equipment also includes rear privacy glass, driver lumbar support, Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) for the rear, a wireless smartphone charger, and adjustable multi-angle rear seats.
The e-Niro ‘3’ models also have Vehicle-to-Device (V2L) functionality with a three-pin plug socket as standard, with the option of a heat pump. The V2L function allows the car’s battery to be used to power external electrical appliances.
Choosing the grade ‘4’ model will give you upgraded features such as heated rear seats, front passenger premium relaxation seating, a power operated tailgate, electric sunroof, an uprated Harman Kardon premium sound system and many more. It also provides Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA). The seats are also made from PU vegan leather, containing Tencel from eucalyptus trees.
Exclusive to the Niro EV ‘4’ is Highway Driver Assist 2 (HDA2) and Forward Collision Avoidance 2 (FCA2).
The second-generation models are available to pre-order, with prices starting at £34,995 for the base ‘2’ model. For the grade ‘3’ this rises to £37,745 and to £40,495 for the grade ‘4’ model.
A 64.8 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 201 bhp (150 kW) electric motor power the second-generation Niro EV. Kia claims the car can accelerate from 0-to-62 mph in just 7.8 seconds and that it is expected to reach a driving range of 287 miles. Kia has also reduced the recharge time by nine minutes compared to the outgoing model – now able to charge from 10-80% in 45 minutes.