Well it's quite a different looking Niro this time around, the major talking point being the coloured blade which covers the C-pillar. It's actually not just there for fashion (though can be colour-coded); it stands proud of the bodywork, supposedly improving aerodynamic efficiency. At 4,420mm long, 1,825mm wide, and up to 1,570 high, the clean-sheet redesign of this MK2 Niro is formulated on Kia's third-generation 'K3' platform. The front end takes up the styling theme already established by the current Sportage. And in profile, the effect of that larger chassis becomes obvious, extending the length by 65mm. The EV version is distinguished from the PHEV and HEV models by a two-tone closed grille and unique steel grey side cladding. The Niro EV has also received a dedicated lower grille and bumper treatment in addition to model-specific 17-inch alloys.
Inside, the dash gets twin 10.25-inch displays and a multi-function panel on the fascia allowing you to flick between infotainment and heating controls. Premium-effect recycled materials adorn the cabin, to augment the interior space and underline Niro's sustainable credentials. Thanks to 20mm more wheelbase length, there's now space in the rear for a couple of six footers. And you get more boot space; 348-litres in the PHEV, 451-litres in the HEV Hybrid and 495-litres in the Niro EV. The full-EV variant also gains a 20-litre front 'frunk' compartment, which would be useful for the storage of wet charging leads.
