New Kia Niro EV and PHEV detailed

Kia has dropped new details of its advanced plug-in hybrid and full-electric versions of the new-generation 2022 Kia Niro that makes its debut in Australia later this year.
 
Confirming the new Kia Niro PHEV will use the same 'Smartstream' 1.6-litre four-cylinder as the regular series-parallel hybrid version, Kia says the small petrol engine will be combined with a new dual-clutch transmission that is claimed to be around 2.3kg lighter than a standard DCT auto.
 
That's because Kia has deleted reverse gear, with the 2022 Kia Niro PHEV capable of backing up using its electric motor which, in the case of the plug-in hybrid, includes a 62kW motor – a significant upgrade on the regular hybrid's 32kW unit.

This boosts total power output of the PHEV to 134kW.

Feeding current to the electric motor is an 11.1kWh battery – a big upgrade over the outgoing version's 8.9kWh, providing for an all-electric range of up to 65km.

That said, the maximum range is only achieved on the smallest 16-inch rims.

The new pure-electric Kia Niro EV, meanwhile, comes with a 150kW/255Nm motor that provides for a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.8 seconds and a 167km/h top speed.
 
Equipped with a 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery, Kia claims the Niro EV can cover up to 463km on the WLTP cycle.
 
Charging, meanwhile, using a DC charger takes around 43 minutes for a 10-80 per cent top-up.
 
The second instalment of the Niro allows for bidirectional charging, but only at a rate of up to 3kWh.

Practicality has also been enhanced with the new 2022 Kia Niro EV, including the addition of a front trunk that can store up to 20 litres. Combined with a bigger 475-litre rear boot, total luggage capacity has increased by 24 litres.
 
Despite the current Niro only being launched last year in Australia, the 2022 Niro is all-new, measuring 4420mm long, 1825mm wide and 1545mm tall. It is bigger than its predecessor in every respect, including the wheelbase (2720mm), with the biggest growth being in its overall length (+65mm).
 
That explains its fresh styling that includes sharper looks all-round and unusual contrasting solid rear pillar which at first glance make the car look as if it has sideburns.

Under the skin, the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension geometries have been refined and optimised in conjunction with the power steering for “improved responsiveness, stability and ride comfort”.
 
Inside, there’s a completely redesigned interior headlined by recycled and eco-friendly materials as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, below which is a separate interface for the HVAC controls.
 
While the Niro Hybrid launches Down Under later in the third quarter of 2022, timing for the PHEV and EV is still to be confirmed.

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