We already suspected that the Kia Niro would follow the Hyundai IONIQ’s example – by offering three different powertrains -, it just wasn’t clear which variant would come next. Now we know.
Michael Cole, COO (Chief Operating Officer) at Kia Motors Europe just confirmed to AutoRAI.nl that the Kia Niro PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is just around the corner – with production starting next month. The all electric BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) variant will come next year.
If you think that the Hyundai IONIQ is great but due to its aerodynamic design has very limited headspace for passengers, the Kia Niro might be the perfect car for you. Just think of the Kia Niro as a taller Hyundai IONIQ.
Cole said this about it:
“The model variant gets the same technique as the Hyundai Ioniq Electric. Across the range, we can announce anything yet”.
The confirmation of Kia and Hyundai embracing electric cars is very good news. These South Korean automakers are very hard to beat when it comes to value for money. They build very reliable cars with great warranty which don’t cost an arm and leg. They also proved that they can make very efficient powertrains.
It’s yet to be known if Kia will maintain SK innovation as its battery cell supplier or if LG Chem can make them change their minds. Since the PHEV variant is coming really soon we don’t have to wait much longer to find out.
What do you think? Can the Kia Niro EV get as much praise as the Hyundai IONIQ Electric is getting?
