Kia Niro On The Way To Ireland (2022)

Kia Ireland has confirmed that the new Kia Niro will arrive in Ireland this summer as a plug-in hybrid (Niro PHEV) and an electric vehicle (Niro EV).

Pricing and specifications will be confirmed closer to launch. The Niro PHEV will arrive in time for the new 222 registration in July, with the Niro EV following later in the summer

What’s new for the 2022 Kia Niro?

Kia’s popular Niro crossover has been entirely redesigned from the ground up for this new generation of the car. The Niro first arrived in Ireland in 2016 as a hybrid, before adding a plug-in hybrid and full battery electric vehicle to the range. It has since helped establish Kia as a major player in the EV market.

At the front, the new Niro showcases the latest evolution of Kia’s signature Tiger Face. At the rear there are new boomerang-shaped LED taillights. Personalisation options include the choice of different C-Pillar colours that contrast or complement the body colour and up to three different finishes for the cladding depending on the trim level chosen.

The new Niro is built on the brand’s K3 platform and is said to feature class-leading interior space and storage capacity for the C-SUV segment. The new Niro EV has 475 litres of boot space and an additional 20 litres in the frunk. Niro PHEV models come with 348 litres of boot space, which can be further expanded by fully reclining the flat-fold rear seats.

Premium-effect recycled materials are used in the new cabin of the Niro, and a suite of new safety systems will also feature. Two 10.25-inch display screens show vehicle and navigation information, while a multi-mode touch display allows control of infotainment and heating

Other convenience features added to the new Niro include Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.

Niro PHEV

The new Kia Niro PHEV will use the brand’s 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine, paired with Kia’s second-generation six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A 62kW e-motor in the PHEV version results in combined maximum power of 183PS and provides an electric-only range covering up to 65km (WLTP).

The Niro PHEV debuts Hyundai Motor Group’s very first 5.5 kWh high-volt Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for Plug-in Hybrid models, extending the electric driving range in colder conditions. The self-regulated ceramic elements provide cabin heating to complement the vehicle’s heating core and ensure a continuous flow of warm air.

An intelligent Green Zone Drive Mode on Niro PHEV automates the use of electric power by taking location guidance from the navigation system, driving pattern learning or manual driver input.

Niro EV

The battery electric Kia Niro will use an 64.8 kWh battery with an electric range of 463 km (WLTP). When temperatures are low, the system in Niro EV uses navigation-based battery conditioning to pre-heat the battery when a charge point is selected as a destination, which helps shorten charge times and secure battery performance.

The EV version is distinguished from the PHEV by a two-tone closed grille and unique steel grey side cladding. The Niro EV has also received a dedicated lower grille and bumper treatment in addition to model-specific 17-inch alloys. The plug-in charging port for the EV model is positioned in the centre of the front grille for easy access at all charge points.

The new Kia Niro has received suspension and steering improvements in this new generation of the car. Additional insulation and padding have been inserted around the vehicle’s structure to reduce engine and road noise.

Other engineering advancements include a slight increase in torsional rigidity, said to deliver improvements in ride, handling, and steering behaviour.