KIA NIRO

Atfirst glance of the 2023 Kia Niro, one can't help but notice the vehicle's appealing and bold design. Now, after having been reworked, this front-wheel-drive vehicle was essentially transformed with a new interior and exterior. It was engineered from the ground up to meet and exceed the expectations of eco-minded consumers.

It is further supported by the overall aerodynamic body design that conveys an inspiring modern appearance. Furthermore, Niro's exterior presence embodies a sophisticated and futuristic sense of purpose.

In the most fundamental terms, the new version is moderately larger overall. Attractive daytime running lights flank the front signature Kia tiger-nose grille. This further shores up the Kia brand identity. At the rear, boomerang-shaped bright LED taillights sit alongside uncomplicated surface treatments for a concise and in vogue styling breakthrough.

Besides its adventurous design language, a host of new technologies are also included. The factory makes this model available in three variants. This includes a hybrid version (gas engine along with a battery powered set up), plus a plug-in hybrid (gasoline engine coupled with a 110-volt or 220-volt AC charging battery pack) and an all-electric battery powered model as well. This further supports the fact that Niro will likely be more alluring to a wider customer base that is interested in an electrification means of mobility. The car’s added seating space and additional prominent cargo compartment is also a welcomed improvement. Doing the math, that comes out to be close to 23 cubic feet of storage space behind the second-row seats. With the car's interior design, this model now includes an updated infotainment system,

BY DAVID FINKELSTEIN

with an available dual 10.25-inch instrument panel. The touchscreen is quite user-friendly and customizable. The passenger cabin has gratifying premium materials and textured surfaces, to give a richer look and feel.

The Niro hybrid comes standard with the proven 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, generating some 139 horsepower, and is matched with a six-speed automatic transmission. It further achieves "real-world" fuel economy, with an EPA estimate of 49 mpg combined city/highway numbers. And the plug-in hybrid achieves some 53-miles per gallon and will generally operate on just battery power for up to 33 miles.

During my road test, I spent seat time with the full battery/electric rendering of the 2023 model. The silent electric drive motor produces 201-horsepower resulting in its quick acceleration. The EV is sold in two trim levels. More exactly, the factory attributes the standard enactment as their "Wind" model. Their "Wave" variant of Niro includes additional creature comforts.

With a full charge, the EV's driving distance, with outside ambient temperatures above freezing, (temperature is a major factor in battery-powered vehicles, impacting their intended driving range) would achieve just over 230 miles. With a level two charger (220 AC volts) it took over six hours to get the battery pack up to a full charge. Plugged into a Level 3 fast charger, the Niro EV can replenish most of its charge, generally under one hour. An optional heat pump and battery warmer help extend the range in cold climates.

Niro also comes with class-leading, standard active safety equipment. This includes automatic forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, helping to detect lane markings and provides steering input. The driver attention warning system seamlessly analyzes the driver attention level and provides a warning if a break is recommended. Also included is their blind spot collision warning and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist. Safe exit warning provides an alert warning while someone is exiting the vehicle in traffic, coupled with rear occupant alert.

Pricing of the Niro's product line start out at $26,590. The EV model has a 10-year/100,000mile battery pack warranty. Kia Motors USA has some 750 dealers nationwide.