Lee Min-hyung joined The Korea Times in 2014 and has worked as a journalist mainly in Korea’s finance, tech and automotive industry. He specializes in content creation, breaking news and in-depth analysis currently on transportation and mobility. You can reach him via mhlee@koreatimes.co.kr.
Kia to rev up compact SUV sales with facelifted Niro
Kia's facelifted Niro SUV / Courtesy of Kia
By Lee Min-hyung
Kia has unveiled a refreshed version of the Niro, its flagship eco-friendly SUV, signaling its strategic push to dominate the compact SUV market alongside its sibling model, the Seltos.
The Niro received a facelift for the first time since 2022, when the carmaker unveiled the vehicle’s second-generation model.
The new model boasts more balanced performance in terms of fuel efficiency of 20.2 kilometers per liter as well as a series of other driving features. The carmaker starts receiving orders for the facelifted Niro on Tuesday.
The vehicle is positioned as a sophisticated alternative to the Seltos SUV, which also saw its second-generation upgrade in late January. The new Niro will be produced at Kia’s AutoLand Hwaseong production line in Gyeonggi Province.
Kia's Niro compact SUV / Courtesy of Kia
“Niro is optimized for customers who prefer lower height, high fuel efficiency and a sleek, sophisticated design,” a Kia official said Monday during a media event to celebrate the vehicle’s launch.
“While Seltos targets those who favor traditional SUV styling and bold, boxy designs, the two will play complementary roles, rather than competing against each other."
The Niro compact SUV is powered by a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain producing a maximum output of 141 horsepower. The strong fuel efficiency also makes the vehicle an ideal option for those who prioritize economical driving.
Jeong Won-jeong, executive vice president and head of Kia's Korea business division, speaks during the carmaker's media day event in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of Kia
The vehicle’s new hybrid-specific technologies, such as a smart regenerative braking system, enables Niro to achieve the decent fuel efficiency. Under the system, the vehicle automatically controls the intensify of its regenerative braking system by analyzing the distance to vehicles ahead, real-time road data and a series of other driving conditions, accoridng to the carmaker.
On top of that, the predictive control system analyzes the route to the destination and road conditions to optimize battery charge levels and improve real-world fuel efficiency, Kia said.
Kia also optimized Niro’s front and rear suspension tuning for a more comfortable ride and improved cabin quietness by enhancing sound-absorbing materials and reinforcing rear cross-member mounting bushings.
The interior of Kia's Niro compact SUV / Courtesy of Kia
The Niro's price for starts at 28.85 million won ($19,324) after tax benefits for eco-friendly vehicles. The price range overlaps that of the Seltos.
“The Niro has long been loved by customers as Kia’s representative eco-friendly vehicle thanks to its excellent fuel efficiency and practicality,” the Kia official said.
“With a more refined style and enhanced safety and convenience features, the new Niro will be an attractive option for customers seeking an efficient and practical compact SUV.”