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New second-gen 2022 Kia Niro electric SUV previewed

Derryn Wong
30/11/2021
2022 Kia Niro EV Singapore


Kia’s Niro crossover/SUV goes radical with a very different look, could be in Singapore 2022


Seoul, Korea – Kia has released its first official images of the new version of its small electrified crossover, the Niro. 

The second-gen Niro has been revealed in the flesh at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show in Korea. Kia has only revealed what the car looks like, without any specifications or details at this time.

2022 Kia Niro EV Singapore
Kia takes the contrast-fender idea to the max by turning it into a feature line of the bodywork

Kia has translated much of the HabaNiro concept from 2019, as well as shades of the brand’s flagship EV, the EV 6, and the current Sorento seven-seat SUV : There’s a broad, wide Tiger Nose grille flanked by unique LED DRL signatures, and a wide grille lower – interestingly Kia has not opted for the ‘closed off’ EV look like it did with the current car, where the EV looks different from the hybrid/PHEV.


2022 Kia Niro EV Singapore
Thick C-pillars with contrast-colour and ’embedded’ taillights are a departure from before


There’s also the typical SUV contrast fenders, but now Kia has made this front wheel section into a styling cue, connecting it to a black bar that runs almost down the entire length of the body. The C-pillar also has shades of the VW Golf and Volvo XC40, but it’s also contrast-coloured for a stronger statement. 

2022 Kia Niro EV interior Singapore

Inside, Kia has gone classy and clean with what looks like dual 10.25-inch screens under a single pane of glass (like the BMW iX flagship) flanked by a dramatic curve in the dashboard. There’s also a rotary gear selector, so we can assume the car has a shift-by-wire gearbox now, freeing up console storage space. Another shout out to EV-dom? The light-up dash panel on the passenger side. 

2022 Kia Niro EV interior Singapore


Like the first-gen model, the Niro will be available as a petrol-electric hybrid, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), and full electric vehicle (EV). Kia Singapore says there’s no indication of when the new Niro arrives, but we expect mid-2022, barring delays from the chip shortage.


The new Niro will also have the new Kia badge – find out the story behind that, as well as the first car to debut this badge – the facelifited Cerato – in Singapore

2022 Kia Niro EV Singapore
Interior ambient light panel for that high-tech feel



If the current model is anything to go by, the new Niro will likely be launched in Singapore as a regular hybrid and as an EV. The car’s new visual spice is a big contrast to before – this should help it win buyers in one of the most challenging segments today, the electrified small crossover space. Challengers include the forthcoming Toyota BZ4X and of course the Hyundai Kona. 

Kia Niro Model History 

The Niro is Kia’s first hybrid model for Singapore debuting in 2017, which we tested and found to be a practical and efficient hybrid that didn’t scream hybrid-ness. Keep in mind back then even hybrids hadn’t taken off like they have now.

In 2019 the facelifted model launched in Singapore with 130hp – making it COE Cat A eligible – meaning it was, and still is, one of the least expensive officially-imported hybrids around. We tested it and found it to be particularly cost effective, practical, and efficient, though not the most refined car around. 

The fully electric Niro EV model also came to Singapore in 2019, and with a similar feature set to the hybrid but with an impressive electric range of nearly 500km tested in real life, we rated it one of the best mainstream EVs here.


2019 Kia Niro EV Singapore
We’ve tested the Kia Niro EV and found it can do almost 500km in Singapore: Read more about it here, and it’ll be at EV Weekend Dec 3 to 12 2021!

EV Weekend is Singapore’s First and Largest Electric Vehicle event, and it’s on from 3-12 December 2021 at Resorts World Sentosa! Check out the latest EVs from Audi, BMW, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, MG, Mini – see them in person, test drive them, and understand all there is to know about EV ownership and more. Sign up at evweekend.sg to find out more and win exciting prizes.


Tags:

crossover EV Hybrid Kia niro PHEV small SUV

About the Author

Derryn Wong

CarBuyer's former chief editor was previously the editor for Top Gear Singapore and a presenter for CNA's Cruise Control motoring segment.

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