South Korean manufacturer Kia has unveiled an all-electric Niro that has a claimed range of 279 miles.
Although a date for release in the UK is yet to confirmed, the Niro EV is expected on these shores in 2019 and will join the hybrid and plug-in hybrid currently available.
The electric Niro shares many of the same design details as the standard versions, but comes with unique touches to differentiate – such as a smoothed panels and grille to improve the efficiency and range.
Kia said that a 64kWh battery pack will power the electric motor and produce 201bhp along with 395Nm of torque. That will equate to a 0-60mph time of 7.6 seconds.
The production model carries many of the same design features first seen on the EV Concept that was displayed at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, with this model coming with arrowhead-style LED daytime running lights, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels and the charging point integrated into Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille.
Kia also fits a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen and a seven-inch display in the instrument binnacle – with both coming with EV-specific features, such as a charging point finder and battery status monitor.
A wireless smartphone charger is also fitted, as well as several driver assistance systems, such as forward collision warning, smart cruise control and lane following assist.
Emilio Herrera, Kia Motors Europe chief operating officer, said: “The Niro’s new all-electric powertrain rounds off a trio of low-emissions powertrains available to European buyers, alongside the current hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
“A combination of cool crossover design and advanced powertrains led to more than 28,000 Niro sales across Europe in 2017, making it one of our best-selling models. The Niro EV further demonstrates the progress Kia has made in delivering comfortable, practical and fun-to-drive vehicles that lead the way in zero-emissions driving.”
UK specification and pricing details will be released in due course. To stay up to date with any Kia news, contact JCT600 Kia Castleford or register your interest today.