Kia Niro

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Kia Niro
2017 Kia Niro 3 S-A 1.6.jpg
2017 Kia Niro Hybrid
Overview
ManufacturerKia
Production2016–present
Model years2017–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact crossover SUV
Body style5-door SUV
Layout
  • Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
  • Front-motor, front-wheel-drive (EV)

The Kia Niro (Korean: 기아 니로) is a compact crossover SUV (C-segment) 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)[]

First generation (DE)
2019 Kia Niro.jpg
2019 Niro PHEV
Overview
Production2016–2022
Model years2017–2022
AssemblySouth Korea: Hwaseong, Gyeonggi (Hwaseong Plant)[1]
Designer
  • Sang-Hun Ahn[2]
  • Jae-Hyeok Ho (Niro EV)[3]
  • Hyun-Kyung Song (facelift)[4]
Body and chassis
RelatedHyundai Ioniq
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motor
  • AC Synchronous Permanent Magnet Motor (hybrid and PHEV)
  • Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
    100 kW (130 hp) (39.2 kWh, EV)
    150 kW (200 hp) (64 kWh, EV)
Transmission6-speed dual-clutch (hybrid and PHEV)
Hybrid drivetrain
  • Parallel hybrid
  • PHEV
Battery
  • 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery (hybrid)
  • 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery (PHEV)
Electric range288 km (179 mi) (39.2 kWh, EV)
455 km (283 mi) (64 kWh, EV)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,700 mm (106.3 in)
Length4,355 mm (171.5 in)
4,375 mm (172.2 in) (EV)
Width1,805 mm (71.1 in)
Height
  • 1,545 mm (60.8 in)
  • 1,560–1,570 mm (61.4–61.8 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 colors 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 to name a few.[5] 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.[6]

Full production started in May 2016 in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi, South Korea with European sales from the third quarter of 2016.[5]

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,[7][8] with an electric version launched in 2018.[9][10] 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.[11]

Hybrid[]

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",[12] saying it is more conventional than other hybrid cars.[13]

The Niro uses a hybrid powertrain producing altogether 139 hp, and returns a fuel economy of 43 to 50 miles per US gallon (5.5 to 4.7 L/100 km) by also using lightweight materials, including high strength steel and aluminium.[14][15] 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 percent increased energy density and 13 percent more energy efficiency than rivals.[16] From 2018 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.[17]

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.[18]

  • 2017 Niro Hybrid

  • Interior

Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)[]

A plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV) variant has been offered since September 2018, featuring an 8.9 kWh battery.[19][20] 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.[21] The Kia Niro went on sale in South Korea on 31 March 2016.[22] 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.[23] In Sweden during February 2019, the Niro PHEV claimed 2nd position and share of 11%, behind the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with a 17% share.[24] Although Kia claimed that the variant could manage up to 201.8mpg, real-world tests suggested this was typically considerably lower, such as 144mpg in one test[25] and as low as 58mpg in another.[26]

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 lineup. LED headlights and fog lights became an optional extra, while two new colors red-orange and plum were added.[27]

  • 2018 Niro PHEV (pre-facelift)

  • 2018 Niro PHEV (pre-facelift)

Gasoline Engine[]

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) (72.0 mm × 97.0 mm (2.83 in × 3.82 in)) 104 hp (78 kW; 105 PS)@5700, 109 lb⋅ft (148 N⋅m)@4000 13:1
Electric motor 43 hp (32 kW; 44 PS)1850–2500, 125 lb⋅ft (169 N⋅m)@0–1800 na
Combined 139 hp (104 kW; 141 PS)@5700, 195 lb⋅ft (264 N⋅m)@4000 13:1

Niro EV/e-Niro[]

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.[28]

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.[29]

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.[30] Both cars are front-wheel drive. In the US, the Niro EV has an official EPA range of 239 miles 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.[31]

  • Kia e-Niro front-side view

    2018 e-Niro

  • Kia e-Niro rear view photo

    2018 e-Niro

Safety[]

Euro NCAP

Euro NCAP test results for a LHD variant on a registration from 2016:[32]

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[]

In December 2016, the Niro officially received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, as it traveled from Los Angeles to New York City with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg.[33] This record had last been held by the Kia Optima Hybrid in 2011, with a fuel consumption average of 64.55 mpg.[34]

Second generation (SG2; 2021)[]

Second generation (SG2)
Kia Niro Hybrid SG2 HEV green (1).jpg
Overview
Production2021–present
AssemblySouth Korea: Hwaseong, Gyeonggi
Powertrain
Engine
Electric motorPermanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
  • 44 PS (43 hp; 32 kW) (HEV)
  • 60 PS (59 hp; 44 kW) (PHEV)
Transmission6-speed DCT
Hybrid drivetrain
  • FHEV (Parallel hybrid)
  • PHEV
Battery
  • 1.32KWh Lithium polymer battery (HEV)
  • 12.9KWh Lithium polymer battery (PHEV)
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,720 mm (107.1 in)
Length4,420 mm (174.0 in)
Width1,825 mm (71.9 in)
Height
  • 1,545 mm (60.8 in)
Curb weight
  • 1,405–1,445 kg (3,097–3,186 lb)

The second-generation Niro was released at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show on November 25.[35][36][37] 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 fibers 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 fibers made from raw materials extracted from eucalyptus leaves.[38] 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 released on January 25, 2022, while the second-generation Niro EV is scheduled to be released in the first half of 2022.[39][40][41]

  • Rear view

Powertrain[]

Hybrid engine
Model Engine Transmissions Power Torque
Smartstream G1.6 Hybrid 1,580 cc (96 cu in) 6-speed DCT 141 PS (104 kW; 139 hp) at 5,700 rpm 27 kg⋅m (265 N⋅m; 195 lb⋅ft)

Reception[]

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.[42]

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.[43]

The car was chosen as one of the Top 10 Tech Cars by the IEEE in 2018.[44]

Concept models[]

Concept (2013)[]

Kia Niro Concept at Frankfurt in 2013

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.[45]

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.[46][47]

KX–3 Concept[]

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.[48]

Sales[]

Calendar year Europe[49] U.S.[50]
2016 8,562
2017 33,972 27,237
2018 44,225 28,232
2019 57,337 24,467
2020 77,830 17,434
2021 26,192

References[]

  1. ^ "Sustainability | Kia Global Brand Site". Retrieved 2017-02-06.[dead link]
  2. ^ US D801228, Ahn, Sang-Hun, "Automobile", published 2017-10-31, assigned to Kia Motors Corp. 
  3. ^ US D865567, Ahn, Seo-Hee & Ho, Jae-Hyeok, "Automobile", published 2019-11-05, assigned to Kia Motors Corp. and Hyundai Motor Co. 
  4. ^ US D922907, Song, Hyun-Kyung, "Automobile", published 2021-06-22, assigned to Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp. 
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External links[]

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