The striptease of the 2023 Kia Niro is getting interesting as the latest images reveal streamlined bodywork and stylish headlights.

Starting with the latter, they feature stacked LEDs as well as distinctive daytime running lights which recall those used on the HabaNiro concept. Those aren’t the only lighting units worth mentioning as the wider grille appears to incorporate lights of its own. We can also see small fog lights, which are a notable departure from the arrow-like units found on the current model.

While the body is heavily disguised, we can see the redesigned model will eschew soft curves for edgier styling. Details are hard to make out, but there’s pronounced wheel arches and door cladding that presumably draws inspiration from the concept.

Also Read: 2023 Kia Niro Shows Off EV6-Style Interior With Twin Displays

Other notable highlights include a sportier greenhouse and boomerang-shaped LED taillights on the rear pillars. The model also has distinctive reflectors and reverse lights, which are integrated into the rear bumper.

Kia has been tight-lipped about the model, but it’s expected to be a value-focused crossover with an assortment of eco-friendly powertrains including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric options. While the electric variant won’t be as impressive as the Porsche Taycan beating EV6, it should be more affordable.

Powertrain options could carryover with modest updates, but specifics are lacking at the moment. That being said, the current hybrid has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, a small electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack that gives the model a combined output of 139 hp (102 kW / 141 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. The plug-in hybrid variant is similar, but it adopts a larger 8.9 kWh battery pack that allows for a 26 mile (42 km) electric-only range.

Lastly, there’s the Niro EV which has a 201 hp (148 kW / 204 PS) electric motor and a 64 kWh battery pack in the United States. It enables the model to have an EPA-estimated range of 239 miles (385 km).

Picture credits: CarPix for CarScoops