Kia Niro, the test of Il Fatto.it The SUV that chooses the hybrid without regrets PHOTO

Kia has introduced a significantly updated version of its Niro hybrid SUV, marking a major step forward in its lineup of electrified vehicles. The new model replaces the previous battery-electric variant, which had already sold over 630,000 units in Europe. Instead, the redesigned Niro will now be available exclusively as a full hybrid, combining a 1.6-liter direct-injection gasoline engine with an electric motor and a small 1.32 kWh battery. This decision aligns with consumer preferences, as most buyers have favored this hybrid configuration over the fully electric option. The vehicle's fuel efficiency, measured on the combined cycle, ranges between 4.6 and 5.1 liters per 100 kilometers. The updated Niro features a more modern exterior design, including newly styled front and rear bumpers with vertical headlights and a redesigned tailgate. The license plate holder has been removed from the rear, giving the car a cleaner appearance. The overall presence of the vehicle on the road appears more imposing, though the interior space remains the standout feature. The cabin offers ample room, creating a sense of spaciousness that is characteristic of many Korean automakers. A central console includes two retractable cup holders that can be activated by pressing a dedicated button, adding versatility to the interior layout. The hybrid system produces noticeable noise during acceleration, but the steering is smooth, emphasizing comfort over sportiness. However, the wide C-pillar slightly reduces rearward visibility, a trade-off made for enhanced aesthetics and functionality inside the vehicle. The dashboard now features two horizontally oriented screens, each with a larger diagonal size—previously 10.25 inches, now upgraded to 12.3 inches. Kia has also expanded the range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) included in the new Niro, offering higher levels of safety and driving comfort as standard equipment. The starting price for the Business trim, the entry-level model featuring 16-inch wheels and numerous standard features such as full LED headlights, is set at €34,250. Customers can choose from ten body colors, with the default being the red Runaway shade. Additional colors require extra costs, with eight options costing €750 and the pearlescent white Snow variant priced at €950. The new Niro represents a significant evolution in Kia’s approach to electrification, focusing on balance between efficiency, comfort, and technology. The design overhaul gives the vehicle a more decisive and future-oriented look, with a new vertical lighting signature becoming a distinctive element of Kia's styling language. Redesigned bumpers and a cleaner rear end contribute to a more modern image. The car’s dimensions, measuring 4.43 meters in length and 2.72 meters in wheelbase, combined with an aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.28, allow it to blend a premium appearance with detailed efficiency considerations. At the heart of the project is the full hybrid powertrain, which pairs the 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a total output of 138 horsepower managed by a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The first impression upon driving reveals a vehicle that prioritizes smooth shifting, with almost imperceptible transitions between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. The primary goal is not performance but providing a relaxed, quiet driving experience suitable for both urban commutes and long-distance travel. Inside, the new Niro showcases the most evident generational leap. The dashboard has been completely redesigned around the new ccNC system, featuring a sleek panoramic double display measuring 12.3 inches that combines instrumentation and infotainment into a single digital surface. The interface is intuitive and modern, while the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto wireless, over-the-air updates, and wireless charging brings the technological experience up to current standards. Practicality remains high, with a cargo capacity of 430 liters, one of the benchmarks in the compact SUV segment. Safety improvements are also notable. The new Niro comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of ADAS systems even in the base models, including automatic emergency braking with recognition of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, lane-keeping assistance, highway driving support, blind spot monitoring, intelligent speed limit recognition, and front and rear parking sensors. Additionally, the Hands-On Detection system is introduced, using a capacitive steering wheel to verify the driver’s hands are present during assisted driving. Sales are set to begin in July, with a starting price of €34,250, positioning the new Niro as one of the most compelling offerings in the compact hybrid market.