Kia New Zealand has updated and expanded its electrified 2021 Niro SUV range with a fresh look and increased equipment and luxury levels.

Launched in 2018 in New Zealand as the world’s first purpose-built SUV designed solely for hybrid/EV power, Kia wants to grow sales of eco-friendly vehicles to reach 25 per cent of total production by 2025.  

Last year, Kia NZ sold 72 EV Niros, while so far this year 13 have been registered.

In response to consumer demand, the model range in New Zealand has more-than doubled to eight in total, with buyers now able to select from five Niro Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) models, whilst the all-electric Niro EV line-up has grown to three. 

“The Kia Niro has proved immensely popular across the entire range of hybrids and fully electric models since they were introduced,” says Todd McDonald, Managing Director of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“Niro is seen as fulfilling the needs of customers who want to reduce their carbon footprint, lower their fuel costs and still drive a vehicle that meets their requirements. 

“As the electrified market has developed, we have taken the opportunity to broaden the range to better suit customer requirements and introduce popular model options to meet the high demand.”

The Kia Niro HEV/PHEV models start from $39,990 while the EV range starts from $77,990.

The 2021 Kia Niro features sharper front styling, with all-new LED daytime-running lights adopted from the best-selling Sportage and silver skid plates on the lower edge of the bumper.

The rear design of the Niro also receives revised LED tail-lights, a new bumper and the same silver skid plate treatment with arrow-shaped reflectors and fog-lights. 

Inside, the updated Niro has a new more luxurious soft-touch dash top and gloss black trim with silver or satin chrome highlights. 

The original Niro EX versions have now been joined by brand new mid-range Niro SX and upmarket Niro Premium models across the HEV, PHEV and EV ranges.

The HEV and PHEV models retain the 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor combination that deliver fuel-sipping economy. However, the Premium HEV and the SX/Premium PHEVs adopt a larger 8.9kWh Li-ion battery for improved performance. This is matched by bigger rear brakes on all Niro models for improved stopping power. 

Meanwhile, Kia Motors NZ has standardised the all-electric power train around the 64kWh lithium-ion battery that provides 150kW of peak power and 395Nm of torque on the EV models. This battery provides a driving range of up to 455km on a full charge and, using a DC 100kW fast charging system, it can take just 54 minutes to charge the battery up to 80 per cent.

“The newly introduced styling changes have sharpened the kerbside appeal of the Niro, whilst the additional equipment and introduction of the new higher specification models provides more benefits to our customers,” adds McDonald.