since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
Kia distributor Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd has followed up on the Kia EV6 with the latest second-generation Niro Crossover EV (electric vehicle). Beside expanding the Kia vehicle range in Malaysia, the entry of the Niro EV gives the market more choice in picking an EV to pander the respective taste and preference.
The Niro Crossover EV is a BEV or battery electric vehicle, meaning it is 100-per cent electrically powered much like the EV6 that was launched earlier this year. By comparison, hybrids and plug-in hybrids are classified as HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) as they continue to use the ICE or internal combustion engine along with an electric motor.
Although the latest Niro is not developed solely as an EV, Kia has adapted the body and platform to accommodate the huge battery in the floor pan. And if you were to prop up the front bonnet, you would see a 20-litre ‘frunk’ or front trunk sitting on top of the electric motor that drives the front wheels. The charging point is located on the front grille.
This electric motor delivers 148kW (201hp) and 255Nm and the ‘powerful’ 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery could provide a 460km mileage on a single charge. The Niro Crossover EV has a top speed of 167km/h and the good power output from the electric motor accelerates it from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds.
The second-generation Niro has all the smart and modern touches befitting its current status with distinctive angled headlamps sandwiching the Kia grille (which is much slimmer than the versions on other Kia models) and a lower grille that looks like a gaping mouth. As it is meant to reflect the Kia’s tiger face, the snarling lower grille certainly played the part well.
Another neat feature is the use of two-tone contrast for the rear body section to complement the boomerang rear c-pillar combination lamps. There are also wide body mouldings in black on the lower section of the body flanks that flow nicely with this two-tone look.
The interior looks spacious enough for a medium size Crossover and the luggage area is roomy with 475 litres of space with the rear seatrests up. Putting down the seatrests extends luggage space almost threefold to 1392 litres.
Dimensionally, the Niro Crossover EV is slightly bigger than the Honda HR-V with a body length of 4400mm, width of 1825mm and height of 1570mm. The body redesign is based on Kia’s third-generation ‘K’ platform and the wheelbase of 2720mm should mean good passenger room. Of course, being an EV, the huge battery leads to a higher kerb weight by comparison at 1757kg against the highest-spec HR-V that weighs just a tad over 1400kg.
The Niro EV could be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent within 43 minutes using the DC rapid charging system. It comes with a Smart Regeneration braking system that allows the driver to select from a series of regenerative levels that could aid the car’s deceleration and recuperate kinetic energy to maximise driving range.
This new Niro EV comes with a new suspension and steering system that is said to deliver a responsive driving experience. The front has MacPherson struts and the rear has a four-link design. The steering has an optimised gear ratio and new tilt-type strut bearing that reduces friction to improve steering feel.
In dynamic and passive features, the latest Niro EV is fully kitted – eight airbags, Traction Control System, High Beam Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and many more.
Although the Niro Crossover EV is imported with special tax incentives, it still carries a price only the well-heeled would be comfortable with – a starting price of RM 255,888. It comes with a five-year or 150,000km manufacturer’s warranty and an eight-year or 160,000km High Voltage Battery Pack warranty. - LPS
Link here
All New Kia Niro_Price Sheet_East Malaysia.pdf
All New Kia Niro_Price Sheet_Pen. Malaysia.pdf
All-new Kia Niro EV_Specification Sheet.pdf
