New Kia Niro EV revealed: Stylish EV sets the tone in more ways than one

Kia has opened a window to its future EV strategy, with a new Kia Niro EV revealed at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show.

Dressed in a stylish two-tone paint job, the updated Niro is expected to launch in Australia in the second half of 2022.

It will be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full EV guises, but exactly how those powertrains will work in the new Niro is yet be revealed.

We do know that the brand is promising a vehicle that’s been “completely redesigned from the ground up”, including a new-look and massively digital cabin, and one that’s screen-heavy and complemented by a rotary-style gear selector.

The PHEV model will also debut a ‘Greenzone Drive Mode’ which “automatically transfers the PHEV into EV drive mode to meet the demand for sustainable mobility solutions”.

Using the tech, the Niro will automatically detect green zones (like residential areas, schools or hospitals), or use stored navigation data, and switch automatically to battery power.

The key focus, though, should be on “redesigned”, suggesting the vehicle will share its critical underpinnings with the current-generation Niro, which is on-sale now in Australia. 

“Kia continues to take steps towards a more sustainable future, inviting everyone to join the movement into the new mobility era,” says Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia.

“The all-new Kia Niro makes it simple to practice a sustainable lifestyle with its eco-friendly materials, advanced technology and electric powertrains while it also fulfils the practical needs of customers.”