As the new full-electric crossover SUV went on sale in South Korea, fresh details have emerged about the Kia Niro EV that Kiwis will soon be able to buy.
The Korean carmaker has received more than 5,000 pre-orders for the Niro EV in its domestic market since the car was first revealed earlier this year. And in May, Kia New Zealand confirmed the model would arrive in New Zealand in early 2019.
In its home market, the Niro EV will feature a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, offering a driving range of up to 385km on a single charge. Plugged into a 100 kW fast charger, Kia say the battery will recharge to 80 per cent in 54 minutes. Korean buyers will also be able to specify an optional 39.2 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, with a range of up to 246km.
Power is provided to the front wheels through a 150kW motor producing 395Nm of instant torque, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
Niro EV. Photo / Kia
The Kia Niro EV's battery, motor and platform is shared with sister company Hyundai. The local outfit expected to beat Kia NZ to market with the Hyundai Kona Electric SUV scheduled to launch next month.
Designed at Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea, the Niro EV features the same basic styling as its petrol- and hybrid-powered Niro models. However, you'll be able to spot the full-electric version with a charging port integrated into Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille, redesigned front air intakes and new arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running with light-blue trim highlights.
The Niro EV rides on new five-spoke 17-inch aluminium alloy wheels with a diamond-cut two-tone finish, housing Kia’s regenerative braking system.
At the back, reshaped rear bumpers feature similar light blue highlights to the front of the car, while new LED rear lights give the Niro EV its own light signature.
Kia Niro EV at Busan Motor Show 2018. Photo / Kia
The interior of the Niro EV is differentiated from other Niro models with a range of new features and design elements. The dashboard features a new light blue trim and the design of the centre console has been simplified to accommodate the car’s shift-by-wire drive selector – Kia’s first ‘dial’-style shift knob.
A new mood lighting system illuminates the centre console and the shifter, and occupants can choose from six colours – white, grey, bronze, red, green, and blue.
A 7.0-inch touchscreen display remains at the centre of the dashboard, but has been updated to offer a series of EV-specific features. The new infotainment system enables owners to locate charging points and monitor the level of charge and range remaining from the battery pack.
The Niro EV is Kia’s second globally-sold electric vehicle after the Soul EV. As well as the New Zealand market, the crossover will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2018 and North America in early 2019.
