Revised versions of the Kia Niro have been revealed ahead of the 2019 Geneva motor show. The Hybrid and PHEV crossovers get a fresh design, new technology, along with uprated active safety systems from e-Niro.
Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niro receive new front and rear bumpers inspired by the electric e-Niro, with new LED daytime running lights as standard and Kia's 'ice cube'-styled projection headlights. LED headlights and fog lights will be available as options. New paint colours and alloy wheel designs have also been added to the range.
Bigger changes can be found inside, where Kia has upgraded the dashboard with soft-touch materials, and added red-orange and plum colour trim packs. The manual handbrake has been replaced with an electronic parking brake, while the steering wheel gains paddle shifters to take manual control of the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system can now be upgraded to a 10.25-inch widescreen, and the 4.2-inch instrument cluster can be exchanged for a larger 7.0-inch Supervision display. Kia's UVO Connect telematics system has also been added to the range, providing always-connected functionality such as live traffic information, fuel prices and charging station information through an integrated SIM card.
The updated Niro can also now be optioned with stop and go cruise control and active lane keep assist functionality for the first time.
Both Niro models are powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, paired with a 1.56kWh battery pack in the hybrid and an 8.9kWh pack in the plug-in hybrid.
While Kia has not officially revealed plans to bring the Niro to India, the Korean brand had recently given the Niro to the Andhra Pradesh government in a bid to push for electric mobility. Kia is also gearing up to launch the production-spec SP2i concept SUV in the coming months; trial production for the new Hyundai Creta competitor has already begun.
Also see:
Kia all-electric performance car teased before Geneva debut
Kia Motors’ first India dealership opens in Noida
Top-spec Kia SP2i SUV likely to get 18-inch alloy wheels