After a mixed reception from the buying public, Kia has restyled the second-generation Niro, some four years after its debut in January 2022. The facelifted electrified SUV has dispensed with some of its polarising design cues while keeping much of its unique style. The front end sees the inclusion of taller headlights that now smoothly transitions into the slim upper “tiger nose” grille, incorporating the Korean carmaker’s latest “Star Map” daytime running lights. Meanwhile, the contrasting-colour side rocker panels now extend right into the hexagonal lower grille and are better integrated into the front wheel arch trims. Kia also appears to have ditched the Niro’s most striking feature – an optional contrast colour for the arrow-shaped C-pillars. The slimline vertical taillights have been trimmed, no longer reaching up into the roof and coming with black trim to enlarge them visually. They are also now joined by a black strip, while further down, the number plate recess has been pushed down into the bumper for a cleaner tailgate design. Also redesigned is the rear bumper valance and diffuser-like silver skid plate that provide a more unified look, and the whole revamp is finished off with new 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels in Kia’s latest “cubic” design. Inside, a similarly wholesale refresh has occurred, with the Niro ditching its “rising” dashboard for a horizontal design. A new curved widescreen display panel continues to house twin 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, sitting behind Kia’s latest two-spoke steering wheel. Unlike on the brand’s latest models, this car does not get physical air-con switchgear (apart from the twin knobs), instead retaining the outgoing model’s touch panel that switches between climate control and audio functions. The asymmetrical centre console, topped by a rotary gear selector, is also unchanged. Technical specifications have yet to be revealed, but we can expect the same powertrains as before. These include a 105 PS/144 Nm 1.6 litre Smartstream G Hybrid naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, paired with a 43 PS electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission for a total system output of 141 PS. Only the hybrid version of the facelift has been revealed so far. The Niro is currently also available as a plug-in hybrid with a more powerful 84 PS motor for a combined output of 185 PS, plus an 11.1 kWh battery for a pure electric range of 60 km. A larger battery would improve the latter considerably and help make the car a more attractive proposition in the face of longer-range Chinese PHEVs. One model we’re less sure of making a comeback is the EV, previously sold in Malaysia. Kia has completely revamped its EV lineup, with the brand-new EV2 usurping the Niro as the marque’s entry-level offering. As such, we’re finding it hard to see the value in continuing with a car with worse range and slower charging. We’ll find out soon enough, with Kia set to announce specifications for the Korean market in March. With Kia now represented in Malaysia through a principal-led model, could the Niro return as a hybrid or PHEV model? And if it does, would you get one over value-priced Chinese models? Let us know in the comments. GALLERY: 2023 Kia Niro EV in Malaysia Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater.