PHEV gets lightweight dual-clutch while EV gets range up to 463km
Kia has dropped new details of its advanced plug-in hybrid and EV versions of the 2022 Kia Niro that makes its debut later this year.
Confirming the new Kia Niro PHEV will use the same ‘Smartstream’ 1.6-litre four-cylinder as the regular series/parallel hybrid version, the small petrol will be combined with a new dual-clutch automatic that is claimed to be around 2.3kg lighter that a standard twin-clutch ‘box.
That’s because Kia has deleted reverse gear, with the 2022 Niro PHEV capable of backing up using its electric motor which, in the case of the PHEV, includes a 62kW motor – a significant upgrade on the hybrid’s 32kW motor.
This sees total power of the PHEV boosted to 134kW. Feeding current to the electric motor is an 11.1kWh battery – a big upgrade over the last version’s 8.9kWh providing for an all-electric range of up to 65km – although the maximum range is only achieved on the smallest 16-inch rims. The pure-electric Niro EV, meanwhile, comes with a 150kW/255Nm motor that provides for a 0-100km/h sprint of 7.8 seconds and a 167km/h top speed. Equipped with a 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery, Kia claims the Niro EV can cover up to 463km on the WLTP cycle.
Charging, meanwhile, using a DC charger takes around 43 minutes for a 10-80 per cent top-up. The second instalment of the Niro allows for bidirectional charging but only for devices at the rate of up to 3kWh. Practicality has also been enhanced with the new 2022 Niro EV, there’s now a front trunk that can store up to 20-litres. Combined with a bigger 475-litre rear boot total luggage capacity has increased by 24 litres.
Despite the current Niro only being launched last year in Australia, the 2022 Niro is all-new, measuring 4420mm long, 1825mm wide and 1545mm tall, the new Niro is bigger than its predecessor in every respect, including the wheelbase (2720mm), with the biggest growth being in its overall length (+65mm). That explains its fresh styling that includes sharper looks all-round and unusual contrasting solid rear pillar which at first glance make the car look as if it has sideburns.
Under the skin, the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension geometries have been refined and optimised in combustion with the power steering for “improved responsiveness, stability and ride comfort”. Inside, there’s a completely redesigned interior headlined by recycled and eco-friendly materials as well as a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, below which is a separate interface for the HVAC controls.
While the Niro Hybrid launches later in Q3 in 2022 it’s not yet known when the PHEV and EV versions will join the line-up.
Keyword: New Kia Niro PHEV and EV detailed