Kia’s new Niro will soon launch in Australia, featuring an all-new connectivity platform application.
The new Kia Niro will introduce Kia new ‘high-tech connectivity feature,’ Kia Connect, when the car launches in June this year.
Kia Connect adds connected services for added safety and security, control, and LIVE services including weather and traffic information, charging station information and more.
An advanced Voice Car Control system featuring Natural Voice Recognition technology allows occupants to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings.
The Kia Connect smartphone app will also allow users to connect with their vehicle remotely. Drivers can sync calendars, plan journeys with online navigation and access onboard features including live traffic alerts and real-time weather forecasts.
Kia Connect will be available as standard on both the Niro hybrid and EV GT-Line.
On that, Kia has also confirmed that the new Niro will be sold in Australia with hybrid electric (HEV) and full electric (EV) drivetrains, while the plug-in option overseas will be skipped. Both variants will be available with a choice of two specification options: the base S trim and the newly appointed flagship GT-Line trim (previously Sport).
“All-new Niro is a substantial step forward over the outgoing generation and an accurate representation of how far the Kia brand has evolved in just a few years” said Kia Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Damien Meredith.
“The past year has been an exciting time for Kia in Australia, particularly when it comes to electric vehicles, with electrified variants being added to our Large SUV Sorento range and the recent introduction of EV6 which is proving to be more popular than we could have ever imagined. I am looking forward to what Kia will be bringing to the table over the next 12 months, starting with Niro.”
The Niro hybrid features a 1.6-litre petrol engine capable of achieving 4L/100km combined fuel consumption. The four-cylinder unit produces a maximum output of 77.2kW along with 144 Nm of torque. When combined with the 32kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, the HEV model produces a combined maximum power output of 104kW and 265 Nm of torque. The 1.6-litre GDI engine is mated to the second-generation 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Niro EV uses a 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery paired with a Single Speed Transmission (reduction gear), providing 150kW power and 255Nm of torque, and a single charge driving range of 460 kilometres.
Safety has been boosted with extra active and passive safety equipment over the outgoing model including Centre Side Airbag, Multi Collision Braking, ECM (Electronic Chromic Mirror), Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) as standard across all trim levels.
The new GT-Line variants offer upgraded features such as Ventilated Seats (Front), Heated Steering Wheel, 10.25″ Digital Driver Cluster, Head-Up Display (HUD), RSPA (Remote Smart Parking Assist) (Entry), Power Opening Tailgate, Wireless Charger (Phone), Telematics (Kia Connect) and Smart Key (FOB) & Push Button Start.
The EV GT-Line also receives Power Tilt and Sliding Sunroof, Premium Relaxation Seat, 8 Speaker Harmon/Kardon Premium Sound System and V2L (Vehicle 2 Load).
Pricing for the new Niro range is yet to be announced.
Automotive Daily