Kia teases all-new Niro
For many in the UK, the Kia Niro is the compact crossover with it all, including affordable prices and a choice between a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric powertrains. All that’s missing? Some style. Kia acknowledged that when its Niro TV ads used Hollywood megastar Robert de Niro to emphasise that what was needed was a “trendy version”. Well, here it is: the next Kia Niro. The South Korean automaker is only teasing us for now with glimpses of the new model, but they are glimpses nonetheless that point directly to the Kia Habaniro concept of 2019 – and you couldn’t accuse that of being untrendy.
Kia says the new Niro will “extend bold design elements and the adventure-ready attitude” of its concept predecessor. Expect a far more modern and well-resolved shape with a high waistline, smooth surfaces, signature Kia light designs and a production-car take on the concept’s eye-catching two-tone body.
The Habaniro made a strong impression for its bold front end and contrasting colours around the front wheel arches and the rear section, and while Kia confirms the showroom version will have a two-tone body it remains to be seen if it will be as eye-catching.
Inevitably the concept’s butterfly doors are unlikely to make the cut. We are sure to get a compact crossover with four doors separated by a B-pillar, a much more cost-effective solution for a range of cars likely to start below £30k.
The interior of the newcomer will get a makeover too with the concept’s asymmetrical dashboard layout, all part of the firm’s “Opposites United” design ethos.
The new Niro will form part of Kia’s growing eco-friendly line-up, last week further boosted by the big new electric EV9 concept. There is bound to be a battery-electric version – the Niro is Kia’s electric car pioneer – but whether the range will also offer combustion-engined hybrid versions remains to be seen.
The big question though surely is if Robert de Niro will continue to appear in TV ads for the car. This new Niro may well have put him out of a job – being quite “trendy” enough without him. All will be revealed when the covers come off on Thursday.
Kia
Niro
