2023 Kia Niro Hybrid And EV Land In Australia From AU$44,380

The new Kia Niro has officially touched down in Australian dealerships where it will be offered in hybrid and all-electric guises.

Sitting at the base of the Kia Niro range is the Hybrid Electric version. This model features a Smartstream 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that alone produces 77 kW (103 hp) and 144 Nm (106 lb-ft) of torque. Extra power is then provided by a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, increasing grunt to 104 kW (139 hp) and 265 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque.

Coupled to this powertrain is a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Kia will sell the hybrid variant in both S and GT-Line guises. Key features of the S include a 4.2-inch multi-function cluster display and a raft of safety features, including Center Side Airbag, Multi Collision Braking, an Electronic Chromic Mirror, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Other safety features include Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear View Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Rear Parking Sensors.

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A plethora of additional features come with the GT-Line. These include a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch infotainment display, touch-sensitive infotainment and climate controls, Qi wireless charging pad, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, head-up display, remote smart parking assist, and a smart power tailgate.

The second powertrain offered consists of a single electric motor with 150 kW (201 hp) and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft) of torque that receives its juice from a 64.8 kWh battery pack. This model has a WLTP range of 460 km (285 miles) and can be charged form 10-80 per cent in 43 minutes through a DC rapid charger.

Like the hybrid model, the Niro EV will be sold in S and GT-Line guises. The features of these trim levels are very similar to the hybrid, although the EV S does add a 10.25-inch digital cluster and an 8-inch infotainment screen. Additional features of the EV GT-Line compared to the hybrid GT-Line include a power tilt and sliding sunroof, front passenger premium relaxation seat, an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system, and exterior vehicle to load adapter.

Local pricing for the Niro Hybrid S starts at AU$44,380 ($30,258) and increases to AU$50,030 ($34,110) for the GT-Line. Meanwhile, the Niro EV S kicks off at AU$65,300 ($44,521) and the Niro EV GT-Line is available from AU$72,100 ($49,157).