The new Kia Niro small SUV has arrived, with a choice of hybrid and all-electric powertrains, and a price that’s incredibly close to the larger, more powerful EV6 at the top of the range.
The 2023 Kia Niro range has arrived in Australia with a choice of petrol-electric hybrid, or fully-electric powertrains. Both variants will be available in entry-level S or upscale GT-Line trims.
Pricing for the Kia Niro S Hybrid starts from $44,380 plus on-road costs, with Kia's more comprehensively-equipped Niro GT-Line priced from $50,030 plus on-road costs. The Niro Electric is priced from $65,300 in S trim, or $72,100 for the GT-Line, before on-road costs.
The new S hybrid and electric models are $4390 and $2710 more expensive than the models they replace, and unlike the outgoing Niro, there's no nationwide drive-away pricing to cut down the final on-road price. However, this is offset by more standard equipment.
Compared to the outgoing Sport variants, the new GT-Line hybrid and electric grades are $6140 and $6100 more expensive respectively – though they gain an array of luxury and tech features not available on any 2022 Niro, at any price.
The price rises on Niro Electric variants means the base S ($65,300) is within touching distance of Kia's larger (and sold-out) EV6 electric SUV, at $67,990 plus on-roads – while the Niro GT-Line is nearing the EV6 GT-Line RWD ($75,990).
As reported, the Niro Plug-in Hybrid has been axed, after it was the least popular of the three powertrains in the first-generation Niro range – launched locally 15 months ago, but introduced overseas from 2016.
All Niro models are front-wheel drive only, with the Niro Electric using a 150kW/255Nm electric motor and single-speed transmission, fed by a 64.8kWh battery for a claimed range of 460 kilometres.
The Niro Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre non-turbo petrol engine producing 77kW and 144Nm, plus a 32kW/170Nm electric motor for combined 104kW/265Nm figures. The Niro Hybrid uses a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Niro Hybrid has an official fuel consumption claim of 4.0 litres per 100 kilometres – 0.2L/100km higher than the old Niro – while the Niro Electric has a claimed driving range of 460km.
The new 2023 Kia Niro is identified by a new styling theme, known as ‘Opposites United’ and features details like a redesigned 'Tiger Face' front end, with small visual differences to separate the Niro Hybrid and Niro Electric.
Front ‘heart rate monitor’ daytime running lights are repeated in the rear reflectors, and contrast panelling surrounds the front wheels.
Niro GT-Line models are also available with a matching contrasting C-pillar in either gloss black on Mineral Blue and Cityscape Green cars, or Steel Grey with Snow White Pearl.
Other colours available include Clear White, Steel Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, Interstellar Grey and Runway Red.
Inside the Niro S features an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Bluetooth, AM/FM/DAB radio, a six-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless plus wired Android Auto.
GT-Line models step up to a 10.25-inch central screen and 10.25-inch instrument display, along with a 10-inch head-up display ahead of the driver.
Satellite navigation and a new Kia Connect telematics system with seven years of complimentary access to remote services including vehicle lock/unlock, location services, range/fuel level status, and charging/pre-conditioning data (Niro Electric) are also included with the GT-Line.
The all-new interior houses separated displays in the Niro S, and a dual-display integrated panel in the GT-Line. The Niro Hybrid S features a 4.2-inch colour display between digitised speed and rpm readouts, while the Niro Electric S adds a 10.25-inch fully-digital instrument cluster.
As seen on the larger Kia Sportage and EV6, beneath the infotainment screen is an integrated touch panel capable of being switched between infotainment and climate control functions. GT-Line models also add a wireless charging pad in the centre console.
Compared to the previous Niro, dimensions have grown with a length of 4420mm (up 65mm on Hybrid or 45mm on Electric), 1825mm width (up 20mm), and height of 1545mm on Niro Hybrid or 1570mm on Niro Electric. The wheelbase measures 2720mm (up 20mm).
Boot space measures 425 litres in the Niro Hybrid (which is fitted with a temporary spare wheel) or 475L in the Niro Electric, which comes with a puncture repair kit. The Niro Electric also has an additional 20-litre storage space located under the bonnet.
The new Niro is also the first Kia model to undergo a full local suspension and steering tuning program since the start of COVID-19. The EV6 and other recent Kia models have featured Australia-specific suspension, but steering tunes from overseas markets.
The Niro Electric has had its towing capacity upgraded to 750kg braked, or 300kg unbraked – while the Niro Hybrid can tow up to 1300kg braked, or 750kg unbraked.
The 2023 Kia Niro range is available now. Drive will have a full range review available from Friday 8 July 2022.
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs. No nationwide drive-away pricing is available.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
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Copyright Drive.com.au 2022ABN: 84 116 608 158
Copyright Drive.com.au 2022ABN: 84 116 608 158
DAP Pricing– Unless otherwise stated, all prices are shown as Manufacturer's Recommended List Price (MRLP) inclusive of GST, exclusive of options and on road costs.