This article was provided by Kia NZ
All-new Kia Niro speaks to a new audience
Thursday 4 August, 2022 / in Company News
- New Kia Niro Plus range provides increased size, added value, proven technology and yet more Kia electrified options to NZ buyers
- Available from only $37,990*, both vehicles in the new lineup eligible for Clean Car discount
- Wide variety of electrified eco options now cater for requirements across a breadth of motoring applications, ranging from entry, mid and premium models
- A total of 27 Kia models now qualify for a Clean Car programme rebate, offering quality product from an established and reputable marque with an international award-winning model range
- Local example of Kia ‘Plan S’ mobility strategy in action
Kia New Zealand is seizing the clean-car initiative and introducing a competitively-priced new model range to stimulate the uptake of new low-and-no emission vehicles.
Kia has made several enhancements to the first generation DE Niro design to make the Niro Plus ready to meet the robust demands of Kiwi buyers. The length and height of Niro Plus has increased by 80mm (compared to the first generation Niro without roof rack), to give occupants more space inside the cabin.
Slimmed-down structures have also contributed to greater cabin space compared to the original Niro EV. Additional passenger safety and convenience features including door reflectors and assist handles are also fitted.
Key to the new Kia Niro Plus range are unprecedented entry-model pricing for both HEV and EV variants. The HEV Light opens the range, available from only $37,990 inc GST (+ORC) and the EV Light is priced at $64,990 inc GST (+ORC). A Clean Car discount will apply, reducing the final transaction price even further.
The launch of the new Niro Plus range now means an impressive 27 new Kia models qualify for rebates as part of the Clean Car programme, delivering an impressive breadth of models and specification, ranging across affordable, mid-range and premium new ECO vehicles.
“We’re proud to take yet another step in Kia’s global ‘Plan S’ strategy and, with the launch of this new range, we’re playing a key role in the introduction of attainable mobility services and vehicle electrification,” said Managing Director of Kia New Zealand, Todd McDonald.
“With the availability of Kia Niro Plus, it’s yet another compelling reason for many more Kiwis to consider low-and-no emission motoring and become part of the switch to Kia electrified vehicle solutions.”
Kia has an enviable global reputation established over more than 75 years and is at the forefront of a move to new mobility powertrain options.
With an added local emphasis on sustainable motoring, especially since the advent of the Clean Car programme, Kia is building on solid foundations and is turning heads with exciting and dynamic new international award-winning models such as the all-new EV6 – with the performance-orientated GT variant waiting in the wings or the acclaimed new SG2 Niro range launched last month.
“It’s genuinely exciting to be part of an established and reputable marque which has such a focus and commitment to the future,” said Mr McDonald.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be able to offer a wide, new range of attainable electrified options for Kiwi motorists.
“Kia’s strategic development of an existing platform has resulted in a clever re-imagining of what is possible in the form of achieving enhanced accessibility to the world of electrified and plug-in motoring.
“The new Niro Plus caters for the changing demands of modern consumers, all with the added appeal of a more accessible price point and dramatically increased cargo capacity and passenger space. Whether it is put to use as a family vehicle or a more tool of trade business vehicle, Niro Plus has what it takes to deliver the goods.
“It is an example of Kia operating as a leading Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider, delivering an innovative option for people who desire a more attainable entry into this new and exciting area of personal as well as business transport.”
With its genesis in the original Niro, the new Niro Plus has benefitted from vast progression in the areas of interior space and also cargo capacity.
Safety systems which feature as standard across the range include Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go as well as Rear View Monitor with Dynamic Guidelines.
Technological advancements on select models extend to features such as a 8″ Colour LCD Touchscreen Infotainment display, Digital Cluster with 7″ TFT LCD display plus Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.
An increase in all-round cabin space, thanks to revised seat and door trims, also adds to both the feeling of spaciousness and the real world cargo carrying capacity.
Smartly considered packaging changes have resulted in an improvement in total boot capacity, meaning Kia Niro Plus offers particular appeal as a business or ridesharing vehicle capable of carrying a variety of items or equipment.
For example, the EV model offers an impressive luggage capacity of almost 1500-litres (with rear seats folded down).
In addition to an electric range of 423km, it can recharge from 10% to 80% in 47-minutes when using a 100kW DC charger.
The Niro Plus range is available for test drives at Kia dealerships around the country from October onwards.