KIA NIRO EV AT BUSAN MOTOR SHOW

The New Niro EV Revealed with Long-Distance 380

Kilometer Driving Range

Kia has revealed its new Niro EV at the 2018 Busan International Motor Show today in Korea. With a range of 380 kilometers (236 miles)*, the all-electric Niro EV combines driving enjoyment with eye-catching design, and crossover utility with a zero-emissions powertrain.

In addition to the Niro EV, Kia also unveiled two other vehicles at the Busan International Motor Show. The Kia SP Concept – first unveiled at the 2018 AutoExpo in India – makes its Korean debut, and hints at Kia’s future SUV design vision. The Kia Stinger GT Wide Body also makes its Korean debut, following its introduction at the 2017 SEMA show in Las Vegas in the USA.

Han-Woo Park, President and CEO of Kia Corporation, commented: “The Niro EV will be Kia’s second globally-sold electric vehicle, following the immensely popular Soul EV. It demonstrates the progress Kia has made in delivering comfortable, practical and fun-to-drive vehicles that lead the way in zero-emissions driving.”

Following the Busan Motor Show, the Niro EV will go on sale in Korea during the second half of 2018, and will be introduced to other markets in due course.

Future Design Inspired By 2018 Niro EV Concept 

Designed at Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea, the Niro EV incorporates the practicality and appeal of a CUV in a sleek, aerodynamic body with subtly sculptured surfaces. The Niro EV demonstrates that, in seeking greater on-road efficiency, EV buyers need not sacrifice emotionally engaging design or crossover versatility. The Niro EV differentiates itself from the existing Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-in Hybrid with a series of exclusive design features.

Taking inspiration from the Niro EV Concept unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, the exterior of the Niro EV is based on a ‘Clean and High-tech’ design concept. Its futuristic and aerodynamic ‘tiger-nose’ grille features an integrated charging port, bearing a debossed Niro logo. Redesigned air intakes and new arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights combine with light blue trim highlights to make it stand out further.

In profile, the slim character line and tapered rear windows emphasize the car’s sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the Niro EV’s muscular wheel arches. The Niro EV rides on new five-spoke 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a diamond-cut two-tone finish, housing Kia’s regenerative braking system.

Modern Interior With EV-Specific Technologies And Crossover Utility   

Inside the Niro EV, the cabin combines a modern design with generous space and technologies that complement its zero-emissions powertrain. Revealed for the first time today, the interior of the Niro EV is differentiated from other Niro models with a range of new features and design elements. The dashboard features new light blue trim, echoing that of the exterior, while the design of the centre console has been simplified to accommodate the car’s shift-by-wire drive selector – Kia’s first ‘dial’-style shift knob.

The Niro EV features a new mood lighting system, with subtle lighting illuminating both the centre console and the shifter. Occupants can choose from six colors – white, gray, bronze, red, green, and blue. New high-gloss black and blue trim also lines the doors of the Niro EV, further enhancing the futuristic atmosphere of the cabin.

380-Kilometer Driving Range From Next-Generation All-Electric Powertrain 

The Kia Niro EV has been designed to merge its sporty, crossover-inspired design with long-distance, zero-emissions driving ability and enjoyable performance. It achieves this with a next-generation electric vehicle powertrain, using new production technologies earmarked for Kia EVs.

Equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, the Niro EV will be able to drive more than 380 kilometers (236 miles) on a single charge with zero emissions. Plugged into a 100 kW fast charger, it takes 54 minutes to recharge the Niro EV’s battery to 80%. Buyers will also be to specify their Niro EV with an optional 39.2 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, with a range of up to 240 kilometers (149 miles) from a single charge.*

Power is provided to the front wheels through a 150 kW (204 ps) motor, producing 395 Nm torque from a standstill, enabling the Niro EV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 7.8 seconds. The battery pack is located low down in the body, beneath the trunk floor, giving the CUV a centre of gravity more akin to that of a sedan or a hatchback, ensuring maximum stability – and driving enjoyment – on winding roads.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Matching the next-generation nature of its powertrain, the Niro EV offers drivers a range of Kia’s ‘Advanced Driver Assistance Systems’, supporting drivers in various environments and driving scenarios to mitigate the risk of collisions.

Active safety systems available in the Niro EV include Forward Collision Warning with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Intelligent Stop & Go, and Lane Following Assist. Lane Following Assist is a ‘Level Two’ autonomous driving technology which tracks vehicles in front of the car in traffic, and detects road markings to keep the Niro EV in its lane on the highway. The system controls acceleration, braking and steering depending on the convoy of vehicles in front, using external sensors to maintain a safe distance. Lane Following Assist operates between 0 and 130 kph.

Kia SP Concept

First unveiled at the 2018 AutoExpo in New Delhi, India, the Kia SP Concept hints at the future design vision for Kia SUVs, and makes its debut today in Kia’s domestic Korean market. The SP Concept’s rugged style and wide, stable body are matched by its sporty lines, long hood, and highly technical details.

Its broad ‘face’ draws focus towards its new interpretation of Kia’s unique ‘tiger-nose’ grille, with a wide, horizontal line running around the base of the long hood, connecting the head lamps to the satin chrome grille. An additional lamp sits below the headlights, extending to the inside of the grill for a unique lighting signature. In profile, a single, sharp line extends from the hood to the trunk, paired with smooth, elegant body panels for a sporty appearance. Satin chrome trim extends across the rear of the car, merging with the rear LED combination lamps for a wide, stable appearance.

The interior of the SP Concept features a wide LCD infotainment system which extends from the centre console across to the driver’s instrument binnacle. This high-tech appearance is matched by straight horizontal lines running across the dashboard, harmonizing with those of the exterior. Transparent materials are used throughout parts of the cabin, illuminated from behind with mood lighting for a cutting-edge, highly technological ambience.

The Stinger GT Wide Body

First unveiled at the 2017 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, the Stinger GT Wide Body today makes its Korean debut at the Busan International Motor Show. Commissioned by Kia America, the car – a reinterpretation of Kia’s fastback sports sedan – was created by the legendary West Coast Customs tuning workshop in California.

Taking inspiration from the racing GT cars of the 1970s, the Stinger GT Wide Body seamlessly blends large fenders with the Stinger’s narrow ‘Coke bottle’ waist. With suspension that has been lowered by 36 mm at the front and 31 mm at the rear, the Stinger GT Wide Body rides on 21-inch Keen forged wheels, wrapped with high-performance tires. A lightweight carbon fiber aero kit and rear diffuser keep the Stinger firmly planted at high speeds, while the quad-port exhausts tips proclaim that this is no typical sports car.