Skip advert
Advertisement

Kia Niro hybrid facelifts revealed for 2019

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Kia Niro have been updated with tweaked designs and new technology

Kia Niro

Facelifted versions of the Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have been announced for 2019, introducing a range of design and technology upgrades to the compact crossover.

As before, both the hybrid and PHEV versions of the Niro are powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor, combining to produce 139bhp.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The former features a small 1.5kWh battery capable of short bursts of electric-only running, with CO2 emissions of 99.8g/km.

Meanwhile, the larger 8.9kWh battery in the plug-in hybrid should deliver up to 30 miles of zero-emissions range, with emissions rated at 31.3g/km according to the latest WLTP rules.

The Niro’s design has been updated to align with that of its all-electric Kia e-Niro sibling: our 2019 Car of the Year. It retains Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ grille, but gets a new range of 16-inch alloy wheels, as well as new front and rear bumpers, halogen headlights, taillights and LED daytime running lights. 18-inch alloy wheels, plus LED headlights and fog lights can be added to the Niro hybrid as options.

Inside, the Niro’s interior welcomes soft-touch plastics and a set of paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. An eight-inch touchscreen and 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster are fitted as standard, although these can be upgraded to 10.25-inch and seven-inch screens respectively.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Two new colour packs - ‘Red-Orange’ and ‘Plum’ - can be specced to finish the seats and doors panels.

With the optional 10.25-inch touchscreen, Kia’s new UVO CONNECT system gives drivers real-time traffic and weather updates, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

UVO CONNECT also allows drivers to check their vehicle’s whereabouts and send sat nav directions via a smartphone app. The sat nav can also be set to display only the driver’s preferred petrol station and parking options.

Meanwhile, both the Niro PHEV and hybrid receive larger brakes and a suite of active safety systems, including lane following assist, lane keep assist, smart cruise control, forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision monitoring, high-beam assist and intelligent speed warning functions.

The updated Niro range debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, with European sales set to begin in the second quarter of the year. UK sales should commence before the end of 2019.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best hybrid SUVs and hybrid 4x4s 2023
Best hybrid SUVs
Best cars

Top 10 best hybrid SUVs and hybrid 4x4s 2023

31 Mar 2023

Most Popular

Nissan’s masterplan: 6 new cars by 2026, including next-gen Micra, Leaf successor and revamped Juke,
New Nissan Future models - Picture 1
News

Nissan’s masterplan: 6 new cars by 2026, including next-gen Micra, Leaf successor and revamped Juke,

Nissan has set itself a target of introducing 30 new models globally over within the next two years
25 Mar 2024
New Genesis Neolun concept paves the way for the GV90 SUV
New Genesis Neolun concept - picture 1
News

New Genesis Neolun concept paves the way for the GV90 SUV

With a host of new technology, the Neolun is the brands first step towards a full-size electric SUV.
27 Mar 2024
Confirmed: New Cupra Formentor will be electric
Cupra Formentor V2
News

Confirmed: New Cupra Formentor will be electric

The future of the Cupra Formentor has been confirmed by the brand’s CEO, Wayne Griffiths. The next generation SUV will be a full EV
22 Mar 2024