2022 Kia e-Niro. Overseas model shown. Source: Kia
Kia will debut a refreshed version of its all-electric e-Niro with a radical facelift and roomier insides alongside a hybrid version of the same in late June.
Australia will miss the plug-in hybrid version of the new Kia e-Niro for now, however. While Kia Australia is homologating the PHEV, it has seen overriding interest from drivers in either the all-electric or non-pluggable hybrid versions.
In the spruced-up e-Niro, Kia hopes to nab the attention of drivers looking to go electric.
As with Kia’s new generation design, the e-Niro sports the “tiger face” nose on its front. At the back, a new striking panel on the C-pillar spells a new era for the compact electric SUV and distinguishes it from its hybrid stablemate, without being a big departure from its predecessor.
The bonnet and roof contour also form elements of the Kia face. The characteristic LED daytime running lights in the form of a “heartbeat curve” find their counterpart in the reflectors at the rear.
Specs announced along with the new look include 64.8kWh battery and a single-motor on the front axle delivering 150kW of power and 255Nm torque. A smart regen system will adapt braking power automatically, storing recuperated energy back to the motor depending on road gradient and surrounding traffic.
While the new generation of Kia electric cars are built on the shared e-GMP platform, the 2022 e-Niro is still based on the third generation of the “K” platform designed for use in both electric and combustion engines.
This will likely mean a lower price point than the EV6, but the new e-Niro makes up for it this time around with a longer and wider body and wheelbase.
With a length of 4.42 metres, a width of 1.825 m and a height of 1.545 m, it has grown in all directions (length + 65 mm, width + 20 mm, height + 10 mm).
The wheelbase has also grown by 20 millimetres to 2.72 metres. The additional space benefits both the passengers and the luggage compartment. In addition, the Kia interior designers have redesigned the front seats and were able to make them slimmer by about a third.
Those familiar with the original e-Niro will no doubt notice the difference and appreciate the extra boot space.
Importantly for those after a Niro that is a cut above the rest, Kia has replaced the previous Sport trim with the GT-Line. Top of the list for inclusions in the GT-Line is the addition of vehicle-to-load (although Kia did not add if it will be added as an interior or exterior port).
A slew of upgrades will also be on offer including ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, heads-up display, remote parking assist, powered tailgate, wireless phone charger, and smart key with push-button start.
A first for Kia in 2022 is an on-board modem and SIM card in the e-Niro enabling updatable Kia Connect, with better usability, voice control and over-the-air updates to navigation.
It doesn’t mean now, however, that drivers will be able to connect their phones wirelessly. Kia general manager product, Roland Rivero, did hint at a recent media event that there is a light at the end of the tunnel as negotiations with smartphone companies are making progress.
Down the track, elements of Kia Connect will grow so that drivers will be able to use find my car, remote start and air conditioning, general over-the-air updates as well as automatically connecting emergency services would be available.
Along with other models, the EV6 will also receive the Kia Connect update in the next mid-cycle refresh.
A full list of Kia Connect features include:
Further specs and pricing will be announced closer to launch date.
Bridie Schmidt is associate editor for The Driven, sister site of Renew Economy. She has been writing about electric vehicles since 2018, and has a keen interest in the role that zero-emissions transport has to play in sustainability. She has participated in podcasts such as Download This Show with Marc Fennell and Shirtloads of Science with Karl Kruszelnicki and is co-organiser of the Northern Rivers Electric Vehicle Forum. Bridie also owns a Tesla Model Y and has it available for hire on evee.com.au.
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