November 27th 2021
It won’t be wrong to say that the Kia Niro isn’t as bold as other small crossovers. However, that’s going to change soon as the South Korean automaker has revealed the all-new 2023 Kia Niro. When we say all-new, it means totally new. While redesigning it, Kia made sure they don’t even pick a single thing from the old model. So, everything you see inside and out is different from the ongoing model.
Is it a good thing or not? Well, most automakers play it cool and doesn’t change much in the overhaul because loyal customers of a marquee not always like radical variations. Either you like the new design or not, one thing is sure that you won’t be totally disappointed. The 2023 Kia Niro follows the footsteps of its bigger sibling – The Sportage.
By seeing the pictures here, if you find the design familiar, you are not alone. It takes it design cues from the HabaNiro concept, unveiled in 2019. The LED daytime running light signature, the contrasting rear pillar to two-tone alloy wheels with the “Y” spoke styling, come from the concept.
Seeing the rear, we don’t like the wide C-pillar because it could pose difficulties backing out of a parking spot. Not all things are similar to the HabaNiro. The 2023 Kia Niro will have typical front doors and mirrors instead of scissor doors and cameras.
Not only the exterior, but the interior has also received a complete redesign. It appears more luxurious than before thanks to its similarity with the Sportage again. It has the Kia’s side-by-side displays with the infotainment getting a few detached controls to set the climate and other functions. It is nice to have separate controls without navigating the menus on the touchscreen.
In the centre area, we find a smoother rotary knob instead of a solid gear lever, freeing up area in the lower section for extra physical buttons. You can use them to switch on and off the heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, auto hold function, and parking assistance system.
Remarkably, Kia has used recycled materials, Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus leaves for seats, and coated the door panels with BTX.
The 2023 Kia Niro was introduced during the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show with no technical details. We understand it will come in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric guises. Expect it to launch anytime next year.
Source and Images: Motor1