KUALA LUMPUR: The electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia just got a little bigger.
Kia distributor Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd today launched the fully imported Niro EV here, priced at RM256,668 (on-the-road without insurance).
The Niro arrives wearing new Kia badging on the front grille, the tailgate, the steering wheel hub and wheel centre caps.
Inside and out, the Niro presents a bold design inspired by Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy that infuses inspiration from nature with aerodynamic refinement.
The second-generation model retains a compact footprint but is larger than the vehicle it replaces.
The front end features Kia’s signature “Tiger Face” that extends from the bonnet to the fender below.
Striking daytime running lights (DRLs) known as the “heartbeat” adds to the contemporary look, while the bold skid plate and cladding further enhances the vehicle’s ruggedness.
The stylish side profile comprises a high-tech two-tone body with a wide Aero C-Pillar at the rear, enhancing air flow to improve aerodynamics, that blends into a boomerang-shaped rear taillights for a sporty flourish.
A subtle feature that incorporates seamlessly with the exterior design is the active air flap within the grille which contributes to the new Niro’s competitive 0.29 drag co-efficient (Cd).
Panoramic, dual 10.25-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system and an eight-speaker sound system add premium touches to the interior.
The cabin comes with ambient mood lighting, available in a choice of 64 colours.
The Niro's 10.25-inch infotainment system supports Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and smartphone wireless charging.
The front passenger seat can recline to a comfortable angle at the touch of a button. USB-C ports are incorporated on the sides of the front seats and storage pockets cater to rear-seat passengers, while the slim headrests also act as jacket hangers.
Black leatherette seats are standard, while recycled materials are used in the cabin. The headliner is created out of recycled wallpaper, and the seats are made from Bio Polyurethane with Tencel from eucalyptus leaves. In addition, BTX-free paint is used on its door panels to minimise environmental impact and reduce waste.
Powered by a 64.8kWh battery and a 150kW (201hp/255Nm) motor with DC fast-charging compatibility as standard, the Niro is rated at a WLTP range of 460km.
It has a top speed of 167kph and a 0-100kph sprint in 7.8s.
When connected to a fast charger, the Niro can charge from 10% to 80% state of charge in 43 minutes, at a maximum charging speed of 85kW.
The Niro is based on Kia’s third-generation “K” platform, which is not an all-electric base.
Boot space is 475 litres and can be expanded to 1,392 litres with rear seats folded down. The EV has a frunk, like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, to store the vehicle’s charging cable and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) adapter as its location is close to its charging port at the front of the vehicle.
Kia’s Smart Regeneration braking system allows the driver to choose from a series of regeneration levels to slow the car down quickly and allows it to recuperate its kinetic energy to maximise the driving range.
This system can calculate the amount of regeneration required using its radar and road gradient information. It also allows the car to produce maximum energy from its brakes while bringing the vehicle to a gentle halt.
The compact SUV is equipped with a new suspension and steering system that has been improved to deliver an enjoyable and responsive driving experience. It gets a Macpherson strut-type suspension at the front, while the rear gets a four-link type set-up.
Both its front and rear geometry are said to have been tuned for improved responsiveness, stability and ride comfort, with an optimised steering gear ratio and a new tilt-type strut bearing that reduces friction to improve its steering feel.
Other additional convenience features include the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality which is capable of discharging energy from the vehicle battery and is capable of operating lifestyle electronic accessories. The V2L function can supply up to 3.6 kWh of power.
The standard safety features of the Niro include seven airbags (front driver & passengers, front sides, curtain and driver’s knee), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) and Safe Exit Assist (SEA) system which automatically provides a warning if a vehicle is approaching from the rear side is detected within the blind-spot.
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Traction Control System (TCS), ISOFIX child restraint anchor points and Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) are other standard features.
In terms of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, the Niro is equipped with High Beam Assist (HBA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA), which detects oncoming vehicles approaching from either side when reversing out of a tight parking spot.
In addition, there is also the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Junction Turning, which provides preventive safety when navigating through junctions. Completing the ADAS features are the Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).
Colour line-up are Snow White Pearl, Mineral Blue and Cityscape Green.
The Niro is backed by a 5-year manufacturer warranty or 150,000km, whichever comes first. The battery gets an 8-year warranty or 160,000km on, whichever comes first.
The Niro EV sits alongside the EV6 in Kia's line-up in Malaysia. Globally, Kia plans to offer a line-up of 14 EVs by 2027. Its latest production EV rollout is the EV9.
Kia Niro EV FAQ
