The Korean manufacturer is expanding the offer of its small crossover with the new 2019 Kia Niro Electric version. To remind you, this is a small crossover that originally came last year, as the 2017-year model.
The company wanted to expand its offer of electrified vehicles. So, the first model that came features a classic hybrid powertrain. Now the company is introducing a plug-in hybrid version, while the all-electric version is about to come next year, as 2019 Niro Electric version.
This new version will come with a completely new powertrain. Most of the characteristics will be shared with the also-new Hyundai Kona. These two models will be in a close relationship. They will share completely the same powertrain, among other parts. The arrival of the new crossover is set for the next year. We will probably see it somewhere in the second half of the next year.
2019 Kia Niro Electric version design
When it comes to base design characteristics, we will not see many changes compared to hybrid version. Moreover, all variants of this crossover will share the same platform and most of the mechanical parts. Also, we will see pretty much identic styling. The new 2019 Kia Niro Electric version will feature a familiar exterior design that company presented last year. The new crossover will feature the brand’s latest design language. Simply, the company believes that modern electrified cars don’t need to be less attractive than conventional vehicles, just like it was cars in previous years. So, the 2019 Kia Niro Electric version will have much in common with other crossovers from the lineup of this renowned Korean manufacturer. The same thing is expected inside. We will see a familiar cabin, with the same base layout. However, we could see some smaller tweaks on the cluster, center console and similar areas.
2019 Kia Niro Electric version equipment
The new 2019 Kia Niro Electric version should come with a full load of equipment. Although the current hybrid version comes in four trim levels, many believe that the new version will come with a single-trim option. Compared to the base FE trim of the hybrid model, we will see much more standard features. The list of standard features will probably include all standard features from a mid-range EX model, but also include many for the higher Touring model. So, we could expect things like 18-inch wheels, LED lights, roof rails, a sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen with latest infotainment system including smartphone integration, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, USB and many others. Also, we expect to see few optional packages in the offer, as well as many standalone optional features.
2019 Kia Niro Electric version powertrain
The 2019 Kia Niro Electric version will feature a pretty much the same powertrain as the new Hyundai Kona. Basically, it is an upgraded version of the system that can be found under the hood of Ioniq EV. So, you will get a 120-hp electric motor, which is definitely more than enough for such a small crossover. On the other side, we are about to see a new, bigger battery pack. Most likely, there will be two batteries in the offer. The base version will feature a 39-kWh battery, which is already much more compared to Ioniq’s 28.
On the other side, we expect to see a much bigger 64-kWh battery in the offer as well. With this battery, the new 2019 Kia Niro Electric version will feature a max range of more than 220 miles, according to some predictions.
2019 Kia Niro Electric version release date and price
The 2019 Kia Niro Electric version will come next year. A version for the Korean market could come already in first months of 2018, while the North American model will come somewhere in the second half of year.
It is still early for some more precise price predictions, but we believe that the new model will go somewhere between 35.000 and 40.000 dollars.
