Kia

Kia has updated and expanded its electrified Niro SUV 2021 model year range in New Zealand with a fresh look and increased equipment and luxury levels.

Launched in 2018 in New Zealand as the world’s first purpose-built SUV designed solely for hybrid/EV power, the Niro announced Kia as a leader in electrified vehicles. That position has been further reinforced by ambitious plans for Kia to significantly grow sales of eco-friendly vehicles to reach 25% of total production by 2025.  

In response to consumer demand, the model range in New Zealand has more-than doubled to eight in total, with buyers now able to select from five Niro Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models, whilst the all-electric Niro EV line-up has grown to three.

“The Kia Niro has proved immensely popular across the entire range of hybrids and fully electric models since they were introduced,” says Todd McDonald, Managing Director of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“Niro is seen as fulfilling the needs of customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint, lower their fuel costs and still drive a vehicle that meets their requirements. As the electrified market has developed, we have taken the opportunity to broaden the range to better suit customer requirements and introduce popular model options to meet the high demand.”

The 2021 Kia Niro features sharper front styling, with all-new LED daytime-running lights, and silver skid plates on the lower edge of the bumper.

The rear design of the Niro also receives revised LED tail-lights, a new bumper and the same silver skid plate treatment with arrow-shaped reflectors and fog-lights.

Inside, the updated Niro has a new more luxurious soft-touch dash top and gloss black trim with silver or satin chrome highlights.

The original Niro EX versions have now been joined by brand new mid-range Niro SX and upmarket Niro Premium models across the HEV, PHEV and EV ranges.

The Kia Niro EX HEV adopts the same 16-inch alloys as fitted to the new SX and all PHEV models. New stylish 17-inch alloy wheels are fitted to the Niro EX, SX and Premium EV models, while the Niro Premium HEV wears 18-inch alloys. All are shod with eco tyres to reduce rolling resistance.

A larger 8.0-inch central touchscreen is now fitted to the Niro EX model, while all the SX and Premium models get a 10.25-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation.

The comfort of occupants is also improved with Dual Zone Climate Control air conditioning replacing the previous single zone air conditioning system in the HEV EX model.

In terms of driver assistance technology, the Niro HEV models adopt a Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go feature. This is in addition to the existing Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Auto Light Control – all but the HEV EX have Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind-Spot Collision Warning, too.

All Niro models are equipped with seven air bags, including a driver’s knee air bag, while a new electronic park brake is nestled in the centre console.

Buyers of the Premium models will be able to luxuriate in leather upholstery, with driver’s seat 2-way power lumbar support, heated and ventilated front seats and enjoy the wireless phone charger. Premium models also get an 8-speaker JBL premium sound system, and privacy glass for the rear and back windows, while Interior Mood Lighting is featured exclusively on the EV Premium model.

On the mechanical side, the HEV and PHEV models retain the 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor combination that deliver fuel-sipping economy. The SX/Premium PHEVs adopt a larger 8.9kWh Li-ion battery for improved performance. This is matched by bigger rear brakes on all Niro models for improved stopping power.

Meanwhile, Kia Motors NZ has standardised the all-electric power train around the 64kWh lithium-ion battery that provides 150kW of peak power and 395Nm of torque on the EV models. This battery provides a driving range of up to 455km on a full charge and, using a DC 100kW fast charging system, it can take just 54 minutes to charge the battery up to 80%.

“The newly introduced styling changes have sharpened the kerbside appeal of the Niro, whilst the additional equipment and introduction of the new higher specification models provides more benefits to our customers,” adds Mr McDonald.

The Kia Niro HEV/PHEV models start from $39,990 + ORC, while the EV range starts from $77,990 + ORC. All Niro models benefit from a 5-year / 100,000km vehicle warranty programme, 5 years roadside assistance and a 7-year / 160,000km warranty on the high voltage drive battery.