Homologation data suggests all Aussie Niros will dish out more power than expected
Preliminary details of the next-gen Australian Kia Niro line-up have come to light, with government documents revealing a 160kW peak power output for the electric powertrain ahead of the range’s local launch in the third quarter of this year.
Four new-generation Kia Niro variants are currently listed on the government’s ROVER database, comprising one hybrid, two plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and a single EV, but carsales understands this won’t be the case.
According to our sources, the local Niro range will actually consist of two hybrids, two EVs and one highly-specified PHEV variant, totalling five offerings – one less than the outgoing range – across two or three trim levels.
We say two or three grades because it’s unclear if the loaded PHEV will match or surpass the more generously specified HEV and BEV in terms of standard equipment.
Previous versions were labelled either S or Sport, but going by what we’ve seen in previous press images, we suspect these nameplates may be changed to reflect the seemingly increased amounts of standard equipment and creature comforts.
In terms of mechanical details, it wasn’t just the EV’s 160kW peak power output that varied from the initial information (150kW) distributed by Kia at the new Niro’s global reveal, with the ROVER data also showing differences in the HEV and PHEV’s 1.6-litre petrol engine’s power figures.
According to the data, the hybrid’s internal combustion engine will actually churn out 87kW while the PHEV adds another 11kW to the mix, totalling 98kW.
Factor in the respective 32kW and 62kW electric motors and it seems the combined power outputs of both powertrains will be considerably higher than the published 104kW (HEV) and 134kW (PHEV) figures.
Other key takeaways include the confirmation of 17-inch wheels of the electric versions and a 1300kg braked towing capacity for the HEVs and PHEV – not that compact SUVs will ever be known for their towing ability.
In terms of competition, the Niro hybrids will wade into battle against the Subaru XV and Mazda MX-30, while the PHEV version will take on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV.
As for the electric version, it will be up against the related Hyundai Kona Electric as well as the MG ZS EV, Mazda MX-30 Electric and the recently launched BYD Atto3.
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Keyword: New Kia Niro details surface online