CarTell.tv’s Jenny introduces the all-new 2023 Kia Niro in this review. The new model comes in both a hybrid and a full EV, but the plug-in hybrid option is no longer available. Jenny reviews the full EV Niro in the top GT-Line trim, but she also discusses the specs of both options. The new Niro is a big deal, not only because of its striking new design and improvements in drive and tech, but also because of the all-new KIA Connect system.
Jenny begins by describing the new design of the 2023 Kia Niro. The front features KIA’s new tiger face design with a sleek grille and heartbeat monitor style LEDs. The EV has a door upfront for charging, and there is a dark pattern that symbolizes the essence of a grille. The side of the Niro has 17-inch alloys on all EV variants, while the hybrids come with either 16 or 18-inch wheels depending on the trim. The side also has an aero c-pillar that optimizes the airflow around the Niro. There are eight colors to choose from across the range. The back of the Niro has more cladding and boomerang rear tail lights.
Jenny moves on to discuss the motors. Both the full EV and hybrid are front-wheel drive. The hybrid has a Smartstream 1.6-liter petrol engine paired with a 32kw electric motor, producing 104kw of power and 265nm of torque. It has a new lighter 6-speed DCT that increases efficiency, and it can consume as little as 4.0 liters/100kms combined fuel. The EV has a 64.8kWh electric motor paired with a single-speed transmission, producing 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque. It has a driving range of 460 kilometers (WLTP). The Niro EV can be charged using a 50kw charger, which takes just over an hour to charge from 10% to 80%, while a 350kw DC rapid charger takes just 43 minutes to reach the same level.
Jenny goes on to describe the driving experience of the 2023 Kia Niro. It has a smooth and cushioned drive, with a suspension that is tuned to suit Australian roads. The Niro EV is also super quiet, with less road noise compared to the hybrid GT-Line, due to its smaller 17-inch wheels. One of Jenny’s favorite features is the regen braking, which can be adjusted using the paddle shifters. The adaptive cruise control can automatically apply regen braking. The Niro EV’s braked towing capacity is 750kg, a significant improvement over the outgoing Niro’s 300kg capacity.
Jenny moves on to the interior of the 2023 Kia Niro, which has a more modern look. There are no analog components across the range, and everything is digital. The GT-Line trims come with a massive 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital display cluster that sit inline with each other, giving the driver a panoramic viewing experience. The high-resolution screens look crisp compared to other screens.
In conclusion, the 2023 Kia Niro is a big deal, with its striking new design and improvements in drive and tech. It comes in both a hybrid and a full EV, and the Niro EV has a driving range of 460 kilometers (WLTP). The Niro has a smooth and cushioned drive, with a suspension tuned to suit Australian roads.
