Kia's facelifted Niro SUV / Courtesy of Kia
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
Source: Korea Times News
