Stand guard, BYD Atto 3 and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross! 2023 Kia Niro EV and PHEV detailed: New electric and plug-in hybrid SUVs get longer driving range

Kia has confirmed full powertrain details for the second-generation Niro, with the alternatively powered small SUV due in Australian showrooms in the second half of this year.

As reported, the new Niro’s entry-level powertrain option is the Hybrid, which has a carryover ‘self-charging’ system that combines a 32kW front-mounted electric motor with a 77kW/144Nm 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine for a combined power output of 104kW.

The now-detailed mid-spec Plug-in Hybrid uses a similar set-up, although its front-mounted electric now develops 62kW (+17.5kW) to increase the system power output to 136kW (+32kW). It’s also upgraded to an 11.1kWh lithium-ion battery (+2.2kWh) that delivers 60km of WLTP-certified electric-only driving range.

Both the Toyota C-HR-rivalling Hybrid and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross-challenging Plug-in Hybrid exclusively send drive to the front wheels via a familiar six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, it’s now been confirmed the flagship EV has the same 150kW front-mounted electric motor and 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery as before, but its WLTP-certified driving range has increased to 463km (+8km).

With the BYD Atto 3 and MG ZS in its sights, the EV can charge its battery from 10 to 80 per cent capacity in 43 minutes with a DC fast charger.

Of note, the Hybrid’s cargo capacity is 348L, while Plug-in Hybrid manages 451L (+15L). But it’s the EV that leads allcomers with its 495L, split between its 475L boot (+24L) and 20L ‘frunk’, with the latter a new inclusion.

For reference, the Niro now measures 4420mm long (+65mm) with a 2720mm wheelbase (+20mm), 1825mm wide (+20mm) and 1545mm tall (+10mm).

Of course, the new Niro stands out from the crowd with its distinctive exterior, which was previewed by the HabaNiro concept from April 2019’s New York motor show.

All the attention is stolen by two-tone paintwork, specifically that of the C-pillars, which incorporate the deeply set tail-lights that are shaped like boomerangs. There’s also low-set headlights and a new version of Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille.

Technology-wise, the Niro’s fresh central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster are both 10.25 inches in size, with the latter complemented by a windshield-projected 10-inch head-up-display.

Advanced driver-assist systems have expanded to include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with intersection assist and pedestrian and cyclist detection, intelligent speed-limit assist, remote park assist and safe exit alert.

These add to lane-keep and steering assist, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, active blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention warning, rear AEB, a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.