Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) line-up in Malaysia expands with a second offering, presenting the second-generation Kia Niro EV.
The all-new crossover underpins Kia’s third-generation ‘K’ platform, and joins the Kia EV6 GT-Line which was launched last year.
Fully-imported (CBU), the sole variant (Niro EV) hailing from South Korea is priced at MYR 256,668, on-the-road and without insurance.
Each purchase is accompanied by a five-year/150,000 KM manufacturer warranty, and an eight-year/160,000 KM battery warranty.
Three exterior colours. Snow White Pearl, Cityscape Green and Mineral Blue.
Weighing in at 1,757 KG, the Niro EV stands at 4,420 MM long, 1,825 MM wide, 1,570 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,720 MM.
A commanding presence, it exudes an aerodynamically sculpted exterior with smooth contours and bold styling elements.
The front-end features Kia’s signature ‘Tiger Face’, complete with an integrated active air flap grille (0.29 Cd - drag coefficient).
Accentuating the outlook is the rugged-looking skid plate, and fairly thick body claddings (front, sides, rear, fenders).
Sportily stocky, it radiates a minimalist outlook, adorned by angularly smooth and chiselled curves.
The rear-end sees a body-coloured roof-edge spoiler, paired to purpose-built wide C-pillars (aerodynamic - air-flow).
Completing the outlook is the rugged-looking skid plate, and fairly thick body claddings (front, sides, rear, fenders).
Boxy and sharp, the headlamps are sporty and blend well with the entire layout. Fitted are dual LED projector units, featuring Kia’s ‘Heartbeat’ LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), High Beam Assist (HBA), and an automatic on/off function.
Unique and highly-contoured, the boomerang-shaped tail lamps are vertically merged with the C-pillars. Fitted are LED combination units, paired to a set of LED fog lights.
The side mirrors are electronically-adjustable and -foldable, with heating function, turn signals and blind-spot indicators.
Installed is a setup of ventilated (front) and solid (rear) disc brakes, accompanied by an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Vehicle Auto Hold system, and Kia’s Smart Regenerative Braking system.
Riding on a set of sportily designed, 17-Inch star-like-spoke alloy rims, wrapped in 215/55 R17 tyres.
The Niro EV gets a clean, airy and streamline dashboard, featuring premium quality materials and details.
Dominating the layout is a twin screen setup (instrument cluster/infotainment), spanning across the all-black dash.
Overall, it is well designed. All the buttons and other accessibilities are purposefully arranged, driver-centric and user-friendly.
One half of a twin setup, installed is a 10.25-Inch digital instrument cluster.
Interior of the five-seater is upholstered in high-quality and comfortable, all-black leatherette (eco-friendly material).
Up front, the driver gets a powered seat with lumbar, memory, ventilation and heating functions. The passenger upgrades to the Premium Relaxion Seat (lounge mode).
Meanwhile, the rear is fitted with a bench seat, featuring a 60:40 split-folding with reclining function.
Heightened by a 64-colour ambient lighting system, the cabin offers plenty of head, shoulder, and leg rooms. The space is generous due to the stocky design of the body.
Mounted is a two-spoke leather steering wheel. It comes with multi-switches (Bluetooth, audio, voice recognition), column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), and paddle shifters. Drive is aided by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.
Numerous storage compartments. E.g., large-sized door and seatback pockets, partitioned storage areas and a cavern storage space in the centre console, and a decent-sized glove box.
There are multiple cup holders located all around the cabin.
Several power outlets are available. E.g., three USB-C charging ports, one 12-V power socket and one wireless charger.
Also included is a 3.6-KW Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) function for powering of external devices.
The boot comes with a Smart Power Tailgate feature, providing access to 475-Litres of load capacity and up to 1,392-Litres with the rear seats folded down. Also present is a frunk (front trunk) with 20-Litres of storage space.
The Niro EV features a comprehensive set of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Installed are High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning, Lane Following Assist (LFA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop/Go, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Vehicle Auto Hold, and Safe Exit Assist (SEA).
Passive safety includes seven airbags (driver, passenger, driver knee, front side, front-rear curtain), seatbelt (anchor, reminder, pretensioner), ISOFIX (anchor, top tether), reverse camera, parking sensors (six-front, six-rear), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and security alarm and immobiliser.
Four drive modes at the driver’s disposal. Eco, Normal, Sport, and Snow.
Completing the twin setup is a 10.25-Inch touchscreen display, supporting voice recognition, USB, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The comprehensive set of ADAS will make the day-to-day driving less fatigue and much safer in urban areas.
Plus, long-distance travels will be less of a burden for the driver as well as ensuring the safety of occupants on board.
Entertainment is channelled via an eight-speaker setup.
Embedded in the Niro EV is a front-mounted electric motor (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor - PMSM), generating 150-KW/201 HP and 255 NM of torque.
Fused to the setup is a single speed E-Shift automatic transmission, featuring a Shift-By-Wire gear selector (rotary dial) and paddle shifters.
Power is transmitted to the front axle, via a Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) system.
Acceleration from 0 to 100 KM/H is done in 7.8 seconds, and top speed is 167 KM/H.
Juicing up the e-motor is an underfloor-mounted Lithium-Ion battery (400-V, 64.8-KWH), providing a total driving range of 460 KM (WLTP).
AC charging (11-KW - Type 2), takes six hours and 20 minutes for a 10% to 100% State of Charge (SoC). DC charging (80-KW - CCS2), takes 49 minutes for a 10% to 80% SoC.
Also included is a 3.6-KW Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) function for powering of external devices.
The Niro EV comes with smart keyless entry with push start button, Smart Power Tailgate, auto On/Off headlamps, rain sensing with intermittent function windshield wipers, steering wheel (multi-function, tilt, telescopic, paddle shifters), Shift-By-Wire gear selector (rotary dial), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Vehicle Auto Hold, electric-powered exterior rear-view mirrors (heating function, blind spot indicators), auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control with rear air-conditioning, powered front seats (lumbar, ventilation, heating, memory), front passenger seat (Premium Relaxion Seat), wireless charging pad, voice recognition, LED interior lighting (map, cabin, boot), 64-colour ambient lighting system, parking sensors (six-front, six-rear), and reverse camera.
Rear air-conditioning vents are included, located at the rear section of the centre console.
Suspension-wise, the front features a MacPherson strut setup, while the rear with a multi-link (four-link). Offering enhanced responsiveness, stability and ride comfort.
Steering gear ratio has also been optimised with a new tilt-type strut bearing. Reducing friction and improving steering feel.
Overall, it is spacious and comfortable, and the ride quality is satisfactory. Safe and suitable for a daily driver.
Good sound insulation, covering all the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) aspects. The cabin is serene, with the engine, tyre, road and wind noises mostly hindered.
The new Kia Niro EV is a great day-to-day e-SUV. First, it offers a comfortably spacious cabin thanks to its fairly stocky build.
Second, its shell envelopes a premium and sophisticated interior, providing advanced connectivity, lounge-like comfort, and plenty of safety features.
Overall, its build quality is satisfactory, and with its commanding demeanour, the Niro EV is surely an e-crossover for the Malaysians to consider.