The South Korean automakers – Kia, Hyundai, and Genesis – all have a habit of revealing their vehicles in two parts. They first display their new cars and later provide their technical information. The same is the case with second-generation Niro which first appeared on the scene in November last year and now we have received its technical specifications. For now, we only have details of the Niro Hybrid. The details of the PHEV and EV models will be available later on.
Size
The first thing we notice about the new 2022 Kia Niro is its bigger size, from all angles. It is 4,420 millimeters (174 inches) long, 1,825 mm (71.8 in) wide, and 1,545 mm (60.8 in) tall. That makes it 65 mm (2.5 in) longer, 20 mm (0.8 in) wider, and 10 mm (0.4 in) taller than the outgoing model. Kia improved the distance between axles by 20 mm (0.8 in), stretching the wheelbase to 2,718 mm (107 in).
While the size has increased, the drag coefficient of 0.29 remains the same as before. However, the bigger size comes with more space inside the cabin as well as in the boot. The luggage compartment now can accommodate 15 litres (0.5 cubic feet) more stuff at 451 litres (15.9 cu ft).
That said, Kia has calculated the boot space using the Verband der Automobilindutrie (VDA) method, the Europeans use. It will likely be less for the U.S. Niro.
The extra room behind the back seats is also due to the positioning of the 12V battery, which sits below them, along with the high-voltage battery. The previous Niro had it within the wheelhouse.
Powertrain
The 2022 Kia Niro gets a 1.6-litre mill and an electric motor to generate a combined output of 139 horsepower. The naturally aspirated four-banger alone can yield 104 hp and 144 Newton-meters (106 pound-feet) of torque and gets assistance from a 32-kilowatt electric motor.
The gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine mates to an updated six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission that is more efficient and lightweight than before.
A part of this efficiency is attributed to the Green Zone Drive Mode that idles the engine as it spots a green area. Besides, the driver can physically establish green areas to request the Niro to drive completely on electric energy. The regenerative braking system is also available, offering power to the battery.
Design
The 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid is not only visually different from the previous model but also has a new suspension and steering, offering a smoother ride. Kia has also installed more sound-deadening materials for a quieter cabin. Speaking of the interior, the 2022 Niro boasts a 10-inch head-up display matching the 10.25-inch touchscreen of the infotainment.
Availability
In its home market, the 2022 Kia Niro Hybrid will be available before the end of this month. The international deliveries will start later on. Customers can select from nine shades with six different paints for the C-pillar, three for the cladding, and three new hues on the inside.
Source and Images: Motor1