Revised versions of the Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) are now on sale in the UK, priced from £24,590.
Four trim levels are available, each powered by the firm's 1.6 GDi petrol engine. Hybrid models receive a 1.56kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack, with plug-in variants using a larger 8.9kWh unit.
Prices range from less than £25,000 for entry-level 1 trim, to £31,945 for top-spec plug-in hybrid versions.
Revealed at the Geneva motor show, the compact SUV's facelift adds greater connectivity and a tweaked exterior design.
Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Kia Niro receive new front and rear bumpers inspired by those of the electric Kia e-Niro, with new LED daytime running lights as standard and Kia's 'ice cube' projection headlights. LED headlights and foglights 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 The manual handbrake has been replaced by an electric parking brake and the steering wheel gains paddle shifters to take manual control of the six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system can now be upgraded to a 10.3in widescreen and the 4.2in instrument cluster can be exchanged for a 7.0in 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 is now available with optional stop-and-go cruise control and active lane-keeping assistance for the first time.
“The Niro has become a key growth driver for Kia in Europe and is a cornerstone of our electrified product strategy," said Kia Europe CEO Emilio Herrera. "New enhancements to quality and design and the adoption of our ‘connected’ UVO system will make the Niro family an even more compelling proposition.”
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Nooo..
Nooo..
The best thing about KIA is their simplicity (Or at least thats what I like most about them)
Paddle shifters and push button handbrakes ruin all that.
I like the Niro but its just
I like the Niro but its just a bit too small and and quite a lot not 'jacked up' enough for me, they so need to put this stuff into a Tucson at a half decent price and I suspect a money mountain awaits them.
Korean Ingenious Automotive industry
The initial KIA in the above title is a tribute to the fast progress of Korean cars in design, engineering and reliability. Some European manufacturers must learn from them. Only 15 years ago I owned a Hyundai that was terrible in most aspects, especially reliability. They improved immensely since and after that hiatus, I have no regret buying one.