Kia is stepping up it’s tech game with the all-new Kia Niro electric car making it’s local appearance in Australia later this month, as well as being the first car to introduce the new Kia Connect high-tech connectivity feature.
“All-new Niro is a substantial step forward over the outgoing generation and an accurate representation of how far the Kia brand has evolved in just a few years” said Kia Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Damien Meredith.
“The past year has been an exciting time for Kia in Australia, particularly when it comes to electric vehicles, with electrified variants being added to our Large SUV Sorento range and the recent introduction of EV6 which is proving to be more popular than we could have ever imagined. I am looking forward to what Kia will be bringing to the table over the next 12 months, starting with Niro.”
Just like the last Niro, there will be both a hybrid and full-electric version of the new Kia Niro with both coming in two trim options the base model S, and the flagship GT-Line.
The fully-electric version has a 64.8kWh battery with a driving range of 460km.
It’s larger than the previous model, by 65mm in length and 20mm in width, adding occupant space.
There’s also a bunch of additional safety features coming to Niro including Blind Spot assist, rear cross-traffic alerts and intelligent speed limit assistance.
Perhaps most importantly, the Niro represents the launch vehicle for the new Kia Connect system which puts a bunch of power and control into your smartphone.
This also includes on-board connectivity for real-time traffic, weather and charging station information.
With your smartphone you can also sync your calendar, plan journeys and monitor the car when it’s being driven by someone else.
The key remote features from the smartphone are remote start, climate control, lock and unlock and heat seating – so you’re comfortable when you set off on a drive.
No word yet on the pricing, but expect it to be in the 70k range like the previous model – this one though looks a huge amount better.
Trev is a Technology Commentator, Dad, Speaker and Rev Head.
He produces and hosts two popular podcasts, EFTM and Two Blokes Talking Tech. He also appears on over 50 radio stations across Australia weekly, and is the resident Tech Expert on Channel 9’s Today Show each day and appears regularly on A Current Affair.
Father of three, he is often found down in his Man Cave.
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