The Busan motor show has seen new details announced for the Kia Niro EV, the fully electric SUV is due to go on sale in Korea in the second half of 2018.
Kia has confirmed the Niro EV will be available with either a 39.2 or 64kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, the same battery options that will feature on the upcoming Hyundai Kona EV.
Both models feature a 150kW/395Nm electric motor that powers the front wheels.
The range-topping 64kWh variant is listed as having a driving range of 380 kilometres and can accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
When equipped with the 39.2kWh battery pack, the Niro EV has a range of 240 kilometres.
If plugged into a 100kW fast charger, the Niro EV’s battery can reach 80 per cent capacity in 54 minutes.
The Niro EV measures in at 4375mm long, 1805mm wide and 1560mm high with a 2700mm wheelbase.
Kia is spruiking the packaging aspects of the car and the resulting practicality. Cargo space is claimed to be a competitive 451 litres.
It’s an interesting look front on with the brand’s ‘tiger nose’ grille housing an integrated charging port. There’s also arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights, new five-spoke diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels and unique LED tail-lights that give the car its own light signature.
This is the first time Kia has revealed the Niro EV’s interior, it features a new console and Kia’s first shift-by-wire ‘dial’ gear selector.
To get buyers a bit excited, or to prove some Kia designers have too much free time, the car will come equipped with a new mood lighting system to jazz up the centre console and the shifter. A choice of six colours are available to give the cabin some additional atmosphere.
The 7.0-inch infotainment system will offer some additional functionality so drivers can monitor the EV powertrain information on-the-move.
Kia has loaded the Niro EV with plenty of safety kit including autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control with stop & go and lane following assist which is a ‘Level Two’ autonomous driving technology. The Level Two tech is clever enough to track cars in front, detect road markings and control acceleration, braking and steering using external sensors. It can work at speeds between 0 and 130km/h.
After the Niro EV’s Korean launch later this year, the car will enter other markets "in due course." There is no word yet on whether or not the Niro EV will be available in Australia.
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