What's the news?
Kia will bring along a revised Niro hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid to the Geneva motor show next week. The updated models will sit alongside the just-launched e-Niro all-electric version in Kia's showrooms.
Kia has managed to sell more than 270,000 Niros worldwide since the model was first launched, with 100,000 of those sales in Europe. Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, comments: "The Niro has become a key growth driver for Kia in Europe, and is a cornerstone of our electrified product strategy. Its cool crossover design, high versatility, and low emissions and running costs make it an attractive proposition for both private and business buyers. New enhancements to quality and design, and the adoption of our 'connected' Uvo system, will make the Niro family an even more compelling proposition."
In terms of exterior design, the Niro gets a few small updates to bring it more into line with the styling of the all-electric e-Niro. So there are revised headlights (which can be fitted optionally with full LED units) and the distinctive 'arrowhead' foglights mounted low down in the front bumper.
At the back, there are new LED brake lights and a painted silver skid plate underneath the rear bumper.
Inside, Kia says that the Niro's cabin quality has been given a lift, with new soft-touch coatings, and gloss black and satin chrome trim elements. There will also be the option of a new 10-inch central infotainment screen combined with a seven-inch digital instrument display for the driver. You'll also be able to specify some brighter interior colour schemes, which include contrast stitching details in red and orange, or even plum-coloured perforated leather with contrast purple stitching.
On the mechanical front, the six-speed dual clutch transmission will now come with paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel, and all Niros will now get an electronic parking brake.
The new Uvo Connect system, which packs a SIM card into the infotainment setup, can give drivers access to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking - including price, location and availability. Niro Plug-in Hybrid models also provide charging station information, such as location, availability, and connection compatibility.
There are some safety upgrades too, including a stop-and-go facility for the cruise control which can follow the car in front in heavy traffic, and improved lane-keeping assistance.
Kia Ireland told us at the recent launch of the e-Niro electric car that it would be dropping the conventional hybrid Niro model from its range, because of the greater efficiency of the plug-in hybrid version. It will be interesting to see if this round of updates causes a change of mind in that regard.