Jump to content

Kia Niro

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kia Niro
Kia Niro PHEV (SG2)
Overview
ManufacturerKia
Production2016–present
Model years2017–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
Layout

The Kia Niro (Korean: 기아 니로) is a compact crossover SUV (C-segment)[1] manufactured by Kia since 2016. It is an electrification-focused vehicle, offering three versions: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric variants.

First generation (DE; 2016)

[edit]
First generation
2017 Niro Hybrid (pre-facelift)
Overview
Model codeDE
Production2016–2022 (Niro)
2022–2024 (Niro Plus)
Model years2017–2022
AssemblySouth Korea: Hwaseong, Gyeonggi (Hwaseong Plant)[2]
Seosan (Donghee, Niro Plus)[3]
Designer
  • Sang-Hun Ahn[4]
  • Jae-Hyeok Ho (Niro EV)[5]
  • Hyun-Kyung Song (facelift)[6]
Body and chassis
RelatedHyundai Ioniq
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
Power output100 kW (134 hp) (39.2 kWh, EV)
150 kW (201 hp) (64 kWh, EV)
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrain
Battery
Electric range288 km (179 mi) (39.2 kWh, EV) (WLTP)
455 km (283 mi) (64 kWh, EV) (WLTP)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,355 mm (171.5 in)
4,375–4,385 mm (172.2–172.6 in) (EV)
Width1,805 mm (71.1 in)
Height
  • 1,545 mm (60.8 in)
  • 1,560–1,640 mm (61.4–64.6 in) (EV)
Curb weight
  • 1,414–1,490 kg (3,117–3,285 lb) (hybrid)
  • 1,538–1,594 kg (3,391–3,514 lb) (PHEV)
  • 1,667–1,812 kg (3,675–3,995 lb) (EV)

The first-generation Niro was introduced in 2016. Based on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq, Kia opted to use dual-clutch transmission instead of the more traditional continuously variable transmission found in most other hybrids to offer a more engaging driving experience.

The size is between the Stonic and Sportage, and very close to the XCeed. In Europe, the Niro was launched in a choice of seven colours and either 16- or 18-inch wheels. It was the first Kia model to feature Android Auto, available from its launch, while Apple CarPlay was made available towards the end of 2016. Seven airbags were included as standard, along with other safety features including autonomous braking, smart cruise control, and lane departure warning.[7] Noise reduction was a key development focus, with Kia achieving a quieter cabin by use of increased front structure insulation and the use of acoustic windshield glass.[8]

Full production started in May 2016 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea, with European sales from the third quarter of 2016.[7]

A plug-in version was launched in the United Kingdom in the end of 2017, and in the United States in the beginning of 2018,[9][10] with an electric version launched in 2018.[11][12] Towards the end of 2018 and start of 2019, sales of the Niro PHEV ranked highly in Denmark and Sweden in a list of top plug-in car sales.

The Niro received a facelift in 2019 which included changes to the front and rear bumpers, as well as new headlights and color choices. Unlike the prototypes, no production version was ever offered with four wheel drive.[13]

Hybrid (HEV)

[edit]

The 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid was unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. A subcompact hybrid utility vehicle, the model's exterior design is marketed as "un-hybrid",[14] saying it is more conventional than other hybrid cars.[15]

The Niro uses a hybrid powertrain producing altogether 104 kW (139 hp), and returns a fuel economy of 5.5 to 4.7 L/100 km (43 to 50 mpg‑US) by also using lightweight materials, including high strength steel and aluminium.[16][17] Its traction battery has a capacity of 1.56 kWh which weighs 33 kilograms (73 lb), with Kia claiming that this offers up to 50 per cent increased energy density and 13 per cent more energy efficiency than rivals.[18] From 2017 onwards, the hybrid does not feature a conventional lead-acid starter 12-volt battery; instead, a 12-volt lithium battery is housed adjacent to the traction battery. This innovation saves weight and maintenance.[19]

In its first month on sale, the Niro hit an all time sales record in the green car market in South Korea, even beating the Hyundai Ioniq.[20]

Plug-in hybrid (PHEV)

[edit]

A plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) variant has been offered since September 2018, featuring an 8.9 kWh battery.[21][22] The Kia Niro and Niro Plug in Hybrid form part of Kia hybrid range, that also includes the Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid.[23] The Kia Niro went on sale in South Korea on 31 March 2016.[24] The plug-in has the same dual-clutch transmission as the hybrid variant, an important differentiator from most other hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles which use a continuously variable transmission.

The Niro PHEV was the best selling plug-in car in Denmark in December 2018, with 1,113 sales representing a 24% share, ahead of the Nissan Leaf which took a 14% share respectively.[25] In Sweden during February 2019, the Niro PHEV claimed 2nd position and share of 11%, behind the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with a 17% share.[26] Although Kia claimed that the variant could obtain a fuel economy of 1.400 L/100 km; 168.0 mpg‑US (201.8 mpg‑imp), real-world tests suggested 1.96 L/100 km; 120 mpg‑US (144 mpg‑imp) in one test[27] and 4.9 L/100 km; 48 mpg‑US (58 mpg‑imp) in another.[28]

In 2019, Kia announced facelifted versions of its Niro hybrid variants, with new front and rear bumpers, lights and wheels among the changes to its line-up. LED headlights and fog lights became an optional extra, while two new colours red-orange and plum were added.[29]

Gasoline engine

[edit]

Both the hybrid and the plug-in hybrid versions of the Niro feature a gasoline engine.

Gasoline/hybrid engine
Engine name Trim Displacement (bore x stroke) Power@rpm, torque@rpm Compression ratio (:1)
Kappa II GDi HEV FE, LX, EX, Touring 1,579 cc (96.4 cu in) (72 mm × 97 mm (2.8 in × 3.8 in)) 78 kW (104 hp)@5700, 148 N⋅m (109 lb⋅ft)@4000 13:1
Electric motor 32 kW (43 hp)@1850–2500, 169 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft)@ 0–1800 na
Combined 104 kW (139 hp)@5700, 264 N⋅m (195 lb⋅ft)@4000 13:1

Niro EV/e-Niro

[edit]

A battery electric version of the Niro was launched in 2018 at the International Electric Vehicle Expo in Korea, named Niro EV in Asia and North America and e-Niro in Europe.[30]

It shares powertrain and battery configuration with the Hyundai Kona Electric. Niro EV is available in two battery versions: 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh. The batteries are liquid-cooled lithium ion polymer. Batteries are manufactured/supplied by SK Innovation, which is different from the Kona Electric, which uses batteries from LG Chem.[31]

The 39.2 kWh version is propelled by a 100 kW (134 hp) permanent-magnet electric motor with 395 Nm (291 lb-ft) of torque and can travel up to 288 km (179 mi) on one charge, according to WLTP, while the 64 kWh version offers 455 km (283 mi) of WLTP range and has a more powerful 150 kW (201 hp) motor producing the same amount of torque.[32] Both cars are front-wheel drive. In the US, the Niro EV has an official EPA range of 239 mi (385 km) on a full charge.

Both versions have a CCS charge port which enables DC rapid charging at up to 77 kW. The onboard charger power is 7.2 kW or optionally 11 kW.[33]

On 3 May 2022, pre-orders of the Niro EV began in South Korea.[34] The Niro EV is equipped with a 64.8 kWh high-voltage battery, smart regenerative braking system 2.0, a heat pump, and a battery heating system. And it can run 463 km (WLTP combined) on a single charge. Also, the battery conditioning function is applied to automatically adjust the battery temperature according to the external environment.

Niro Plus

[edit]

Kia introduced the Kia Niro Plus in 3 May 2022. Released in South Korea from the second half of 2022, the Niro Plus is a new variant of the Niro that maximises the onboard space by increasing the height of the vehicle by 80 mm, and by using thinner seats. The total length also increases by 10 mm. The second-row legroom was expanded by 28 mm by adjusting the position of the second-row seat. In addition, the taxi model was applied by additionally applying the power seat and reclining function of the driver seat and lowering the height of the driver seat headrest by 43 mm. An integrated All-in-One Display for taxi model includes navigation, app taximeter, digital tachograph and voice recognition.[35][36] All-in-one display is applied with AI assistant technology associated with navigation system, informing remaining battery amount at destination or suggesting route via charging station when remaining battery amount is insufficient. Unlike the second-generation Niro, the Niro Plus is assembled by Donghee in Seosan, South Chungcheong Province which also makes the Morning, Ray and the Stonic.[37]

Two variants are offered: the Niro Plus Taxi (specifically intended for cab drivers and only available in BEV) and Kia Niro Plus (offered to all types of customers and available in HEV, PHEV and BEV), while The latter will be exported overseas.[38][39]

Safety

[edit]

Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP test results for a LHD variant on a registration from 2016:[40]

Test Score Points
Overall:
Adult occupant: 83% 31.8
Child occupant: 80% 39.6
Pedestrian: 57% 24.3
Safety assist: 59% 7.1

2016 Guinness World Record

[edit]

In December 2016, the Niro officially received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, as it travelled from Los Angeles to New York City with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg‑US (3.1 L/100 km).[41] This record had last been held by the Kia Optima Hybrid in 2011, with a fuel consumption average of 64.55 mpg‑US (3.6 L/100 km).[42]

Second generation (SG2; 2021)

[edit]
Second generation
2023 Kia Niro EX (SG2, US)
Overview
Model codeSG2
Production2021–present
Model years2023–present (North America)
AssemblySouth Korea: Hwaseong (Autoland Hwasung)
Body and chassis
PlatformHyundai-Kia K3
RelatedHyundai Kona (SX2)[43]
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motorPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
  • 42 kW (56 hp) (HEV)
  • 83 kW (111 hp) (PHEV)
  • 150 kW (201 hp) (EV)
Transmission
Hybrid drivetrain
Battery
  • 1.32 kWh Lithium polymer battery (HEV)
  • 11.1 kWh Lithium polymer battery (PHEV)
  • 64.8 kWh Lithium polymer battery (EV)
Plug-in charging85 kW DC (EV)
11.5 kW AC (EV)
V2L: 3.6 kW (EV)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Length4,420 mm (174.0 in)
Width1,825 mm (71.9 in)
Height1,545–1,585 mm (60.8–62.4 in)
Curb weight
  • 1,405–1,490 kg (3,097–3,285 lb) (Hybrid)
  • 1,610 kg (3,549 lb) (Plug-in Hybrid)
  • 1,739 kg (3,834 lb) (Electric)

The second-generation Niro was released at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show on 25 November.[44][45][46] The front part extended the Tiger Face design from the hood to the fender. A C-pillar integrated with a boomerang-shaped LED rear combination lamp was applied to the side, and a vertical LED rear combination lamp was applied to the rear.

In the interior, recycled fibres were used on the ceiling of the vehicle and water-friendly paint without benzene, toluene, and xylene was added to the door panel. The bio-artificial leather sheet used fibres made from raw materials extracted from eucalyptus leaves.[47] It is also equipped with driver assistance systems and infotainment such as head-up displays, remote smart parking assistance, rear passenger notification, and smart power tailgate.

The model was officially launched on 25 January 2022, while the second-generation Niro EV debuted in April 2022.[48][49][50][51]

Powertrain

[edit]
Hybrid engine
Model Engine Transmissions Power Torque 0–100 km/h
(0–62 mph)
(Official)
Top speed
Smartstream G1.6 Hybrid 1,580 cc (96 cu in) 6-speed DCT 104 kW (139 hp) at 5,700 rpm 265 N⋅m (195 lbf⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm 10.4s
10.8s
164 km/h (102 mph)
Plug-in hybrid engine
Smartstream G1.6 Plug-in Hybrid 1,580 cc (96 cu in) 6-speed DCT 134 kW (180 hp) at 5,700 rpm 265 N⋅m (195 lbf⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm 9.6s
9.8s
167 km/h (104 mph)
161 km/h (100 mph)
Electric
Electric PMS Motor 1-speed 150 kW (201 hp) at 6,000–9,000 rpm 255 N⋅m (188 lbf⋅ft) at 0–5,600 rpm 7.8s 167 km/h (104 mph)

Safety

[edit]
Euro NCAP test results
Kia Niro (2022)[52]
Test Points %
Overall:
Adult occupant: 34.7 91%
Child occupant: 41.2 84%
Pedestrian: 40.6 75%
Safety assist: 9.7 60%

Reception

[edit]

Popular Mechanics named the 2019 Kia Niro EV as its 2019 Car of the Year, praising it for its normal looks, 239-mile range, and that it can use Volkswagen Group of America's Electrify America chargers to allow the car to be used on long car trips.[53]

The UK's What Car? magazine named the Kia e-Niro its 2019 Car of the Year – the first time the prize had been awarded to an electric vehicle.[54]

The car was chosen as one of the Top 10 Tech Cars by the IEEE in 2018.[55]

The Kia Niro was selected as the 'Best Urban Car' at the 2023 Women’s Car of the Year.[56][57]

Concept models

[edit]

Concept (2013)

[edit]
Kia Niro Concept

The Kia Niro concept debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The car, designed almost entirely by Peter Schreyer at Kia's Frankfurt studio, is a sporty three door subcompact crossover, with butterfly doors that open into the roof panel.[58]

The front wheels are powered by the 1.6-litre Gamma inline-4 producing 160 hp (119 kW) mated with a seven speed rotary-shifted dual-clutch transmission, while a 45 hp electric hybrid system powers the rear wheels when driving in rougher road conditions.[59][60]

KX–3 concept

[edit]

The Kia KX–3 concept followed at the November 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show. Inspired by the earlier Niro concept, it has grown larger in size into a compact SUV, measuring 167.71 inches (4,260 mm) long and 69.48 inches (1,765 mm) wide. A turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivers power to all four wheels via a seven speed dual clutch transmission.[61]

HabaNiro Concept

[edit]
Kia HabaNiro

The Kia HabaNiro Concept was unveiled at the 2019 New York Auto Show.[62] The model featured butterfly doors and also previewed some design elements of the second generation Niro.

Sales

[edit]
Calendar year South Korea[63] Europe[64] U.S.[65]
Niro Niro Plus
2016 8,562
2017 23,647 33,972 27,237
2018 22,811 44,225 28,232
2019 26,246 57,337 24,467
2020 21,239 77,830 17,434
2021 18,504 88,843 26,192
2022 24,778 4,713 80,320 28,744
2023 20,559 2,916 36,300

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "All-New Kia Niro shortlisted for 2023 Car of the Year" (Press release). Kia Europe GMBH. 23 November 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  2. ^ "Sustainability | Kia Global Brand Site". Retrieved 6 February 2017. [dead link]
  3. ^ "Kia initiates 'purpose-built vehicle' strategy with launch of Niro Plus". Kia Media (Press release). Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  4. ^ US D801228, Ahn, Sang-Hun, "Automobile", published 2017-10-31, assigned to Kia Motors Corp. 
  5. ^ US D865567, Ahn, Seo-Hee & Ho, Jae-Hyeok, "Automobile", published 2019-11-05, assigned to Kia Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. 
  6. ^ US D922907, Song, Hyun-Kyung, "Automobile", published 2021-06-22, assigned to Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. 
  7. ^ a b "Kia Niro Hybrid makes European debut in Geneva". Paultan. 1 March 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  8. ^ "Kia's first hybrid vehicle built on a dedicated platform". Top Speed. 16 February 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  9. ^ Szymkowski, Sean (7 September 2017). "2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid goes on sale in UK". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  10. ^ Wheeler, Steve (23 February 2018). "2018 Kia Niro". The Advocate. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  11. ^ "2018 Kia Niro EV spied | CarAdvice". CarAdvice.com. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  12. ^ "Electric Hyundai Kona, Kia Niro production to rise again: report". Green Car Reports. Retrieved 11 November 2017.
  13. ^ "Here's Why the Kia Niro Likely Won't Offer All-wheel Drive Anytime Soon". February 2017.
  14. ^ Joseph, Noah (11 February 2014). "Kia Niro crossover is the company's first dedicated hybrid". Autoblog. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  15. ^ McCormick, John (11 February 2014). "Green Day For Kia Niro, Optima Plug-In Hybrid". Forbes. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  16. ^ Wendler, Andrew (11 February 2016). "2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Debuts, Spearheading New Green Lineup". Car and Driver. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  17. ^ "2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Touring Review". Automoblog.net. 23 February 2017. Retrieved 2 March 2017.
  18. ^ "Kia's New Niro Hybrid Crossover Coming To Geneva". Car Scoops. 18 February 2016. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  19. ^ "2017 Kia Niro: The Troublemaker - The Car Guide". amp.guideautoweb.com.
  20. ^ Park, Chang-young (9 May 2016). "Kia Motors' Niro hits record high in monthly sales – Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea". pulsenews.co.kr. Retrieved 16 March 2018.
  21. ^ Halvorson, Bengt (4 January 2018). "2018 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid". Car and Driver. Retrieved 14 September 2018.
  22. ^ Florea, Ciprian (11 February 2016). "2017 Kia Niro". Top Speed. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  23. ^ "Kia Hybrid Cars | Optima & Niro PHEV". www.brayleys.co.uk. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
  24. ^ "Kia Niro Officially Launched in Korea – Kia Niro Forums". niroforums.co.uk. 31 March 2016. Retrieved 2 June 2016.
  25. ^ "In 2018 Denmark Returned To Strong Growth Of Plug-In Car Sales". Inside EVs. 19 January 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  26. ^ "12% Of New Cars Sold in Sweden in February 2019 Were Plug-Ins". Inside EVs. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  27. ^ "New Kia Niro PHEV 2020 review". Auto Express. 10 January 2020. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  28. ^ "2018 Kia Niro PHEV Review". Car Keys. 12 February 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  29. ^ "Kia Niro hybrid facelifts revealed for 2019". Driving Electric. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  30. ^ "Kia e-Niro". Kia UK.
  31. ^ "Hyundai Motor to replace battery systems in $900 million electric car recall". Reuters. 24 February 2021.
  32. ^ "Kia Niro EV Long-range specs, photos, price, offers and incentives". EV Compare.io. Archived from the original on 18 April 2019. Retrieved 22 April 2019.
  33. ^ "Kia e-Niro 64 KWH".
  34. ^ "Preorder starts for all-new electric Kia Niro sporting all the latest high-tech spec". Pulse. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  35. ^ "Kia Reveals Niro Plus for the Taxi and Ride-Hailing Markets". CAR AND DRIVER. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  36. ^ "2022 Kia Niro Plus Revealed For Taxi Operators And Ride-Hailing". motor1.com. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  37. ^ Ko, Sung-min (1 May 2024). "Kia to halt production of Niro Plus EV in October". The Chosun Daily. South Korea. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  38. ^ "Kia Niro Plus : un modèle inédit pensé pour les taxis". Autoplus (in French). 29 April 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  39. ^ "Kia Niro gains purpose-built taxi model for Korea". Autocar. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
  40. ^ "Kia Niro". Euro NCAP. Retrieved 11 August 2017.
  41. ^ Uceda, Erick (21 December 2016). "2017 Kia Niro Sets Guinness World Records' Title for Lowest Fuel Consumption by a Hybrid Vehicle". The Korean Car Blog. Retrieved 22 December 2016.
  42. ^ Palermo, Nick (July 2013). "Volkswagen Passat TDI Sets World Record for Fuel Economy". Autotrader. Retrieved 28 September 2017.
  43. ^ "2024 Hyundai Kona Debuts With Ruggedly Good Looks And ICE, Hybrid, EV Options". Carscoops. 19 December 2022.
  44. ^ "2023 Kia Niro Swaps Out Conservative Looks for a Quirky HabaNiro Outfit". Carscoops. 25 November 2021. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  45. ^ "The all-new Kia Niro world debuts at 2021 Seoul Mobility Show". 《Automotive World》. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  46. ^ "New 2022 Kia Niro brings rugged 4x4 looks and all-new interior". 《AUTOCAR》. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  47. ^ "2023 Kia Niro Revealed With All-New Design Inside And Out". 《motor1》. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  48. ^ "Kia's all-new Niro revealed | New Release – Car News Jan 2022". 《CarSite》. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  49. ^ "2023 Kia Niro Pre-Production Test Vehicle Spotted in California". 《motor1.com》. Retrieved 26 January 2022.
  50. ^ "2023 Kia Niro Hybrid Specs Revealed, Plug-In and EV Models Confirmed". 《CarandDriver》. Retrieved 25 January 2022.
  51. ^ "2023 Kia Niro EV Overview".
  52. ^ https://cdn.euroncap.com/media/72747/euroncap-2022-kia-niro-datasheet.pdf
  53. ^ Dyer, Ezra (16 April 2019). "The 2019 Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards". Popular Mechanics.
  54. ^ "What Car? Awards 2019 winners revealed". Autocar. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  55. ^ "Top 10 Tech Cars: 2018". IEEE Spectrum. 55 (4): 30. April 2018. doi:10.1109/MSPEC.2018.8322044. ISSN 0018-9235. S2CID 4116523.
  56. ^ "2023 Women's Car of the Year Winners". WWCOTY. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  57. ^ "Kia Niro wins 2023 Women's World Car of the Year award". Autocar India. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
  58. ^ Meiners, Jens (29 August 2013). "Kia Niro Concept". Car and Driver. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  59. ^ Cupler, Justin (9 August 2013). "2013 Kia Niro Concept". Top Speed. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  60. ^ "2013 Niro Concept". Kia. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  61. ^ Garlitos, Kirby (21 November 2014). "2014 Kia KX3 Concept". Top Speed. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  62. ^ "HabaNiro Concept Car | Kia".
  63. ^ Kia. "Sales Results | IR Library | Kia Global Brand Site". Kia. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
  64. ^ "Kia Niro European sales figures". carsalesbase.com. 28 July 2016. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  65. ^ "Sales - By Month". www.kiamedia.com.
[edit]