James Wong
Kia Niro facing the axe in Australia
The Kia Niro could be on the chopping block once the brand introduces the Sportage Hybrid and electric EV5 to Australia next year.
1 Year Ago
About the Kia Niro
Last updated Dec 18, 2024The 2023 Kia Niro is back for a second generation in Australia, and we’re not years behind relative to the rest of the world this time around.
The new Niro hybrid (HEV) and electric vehicle (EV) are touching down in Australia hot on the heels of their launches in Europe and Korea, with a new look, new interior technology, and revised powertrains.
It’s also the first car to feature the Kia Connect suite of connected services.
We won’t be getting the plug-in hybrid at launch, with Kia instead focusing on the more popular hybrid (which will take on the Toyota Corolla Cross) and the electric vehicle (which will help ease demand on the EV6).
The electric variant also crosses over on price with the bigger, higher-tech EV6.
Pros
Cons
Kia Niro Rating
Kia Niro News
2023 Kia Niro Reviews
2023 Kia Niro Price
Base
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.6L, 6 sp automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Hatchback | $41,710 |
| Automatic Electric FWD 5d Hatchback | $64,450 |
GT-Line
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.6L, 6 sp automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Hatchback | $50,030 |
| Automatic Electric FWD 5d Hatchback | $72,100 |
S
| Configuration | Price From* |
|---|---|
| 1.6L, 6 sp automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Hatchback | $44,380 |
| Automatic Electric FWD 5d Hatchback | $65,300 |
*excl. on-roads
All Kia Niro Pricing
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2023 Kia Niro Dimensions
1630mm
1805mm
4385mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model.
See all 2023 Kia Niro Dimensions2023 Kia Niro Boot Space
Boot space in the HEV is 425L with the rear seats in place due to the standard space saver spare wheel, while the EV has 475L in the rear and a further 20L under the bonnet.
2023 Kia Niro Gallery
CarExpert High Resolution Photos of the Kia Niro
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2023 Kia Niro Exterior
The old model was as vanilla as it gets, whereas this new version has a better stance, more aggressive nose, bolder high-mounted rear lights shaped like a boomerang, and contrasted body cladding.
From the side profile it’s much more hatchback than SUV. For a little context it’s not all that much longer or wider than a Hyundai i30 or Toyota Corolla, and has a limited 160mm of ground clearance.
2023 Kia Niro Interior
The process of getting into and starting the Niro S requires you to fish the key fob from your pocket and press a button, and starting (in silence due to the e-motor) requires you twist the key in an ignition barrel – feels a bit old hat in 2023!
At least the side mirrors automatically fold in and out when you lock and unlock.
The cloth and synthetic leather seats struck me as flat in the base and therefore lacking thigh support in corners, although they do move electrically, and alongside the telescopic wheel column allow people of most shapes and sizes to find an ergonomically friendly position.
The design is quite interesting, making use of angles and interesting shapes – exemplified in no greater fashion than the unusual two-spoke steering wheel with Kia’s swish new branding, which also happens to be made of rental-spec polyurethane rather than wrapped in leather.
Behind this sits a crisp, basic digital cluster that changes colour when you adjust the driving mode between Eco and Sport. The speed and tacho flank a central display that shows you trip data, tells you what the hybrid system is up to, and shows a live animation of the lane-keeping aid.
Left of this is a slab of drab plastic, with the 8.0-inch touchscreen appearing quite small in this context.
2023 Kia Niro Infotainment
It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which work wirelessly (though there’s no charging pad), digital radio, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, and both USB and USB-C ports. The wireless CarPlay glitched a few times and displayed an error message.
You know you’re in the base version, when you consider the fact the Niro GT-Line adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen that supports satellite navigation, embedded AI voice command functions, and Kia Connect telematics including remote vehicle monitoring and eCalling.
Below the screen and slim horizontal air vents is a slim touchscreen fascia that cleverly shortcuts you to various climate control functions, or media control shortcuts. Car brands put too many functions into screens these days, but Kia’s execution felt intuitive.
2023 Kia Niro Safety Rating
The new Niro hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP, but Kia says it’s likely to be put through its paces during the third quarter of 2023.
The brand is naturally targeting a five-star rating for both models.
Standard equipment on both the S and GT-Line atop eight airbags includes:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Junction AEB (prevents driver from pulling into traffic if it detects a t-bone accident)
- Lane-keep assist with active lane-centring
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Blind-spot assist
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Driver attention monitoring
Moving to the GT-Line brings:
- Safe exit warning
- Front parking sensors
- Reverse AEB
- Emergency calling (through Kia Connect, in case of an accident)
2023 Kia Niro Fuel Economy
Claimed fuel economy in the Niro HEV is 4.0 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, and the Niro has a 42L fuel tank that drinks regular unleaded.
Claimed range in the Niro EV is 460km on the WLTP test cycle, equivalent to energy consumption of 16.2kWh per 100km. The car is capable of 11kW AC charging, or 80kW plugged into a DC public fast charger.
| Kia Niro | Fuel Type | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6L, 6 sp automatic Unleaded FWD 5d Hatchback | Unleaded | 4.3 L/100km |
| Automatic Electric FWD 5d Hatchback | Electric | - |
Cost of ownership
What are the running and servicing costs of a Kia Niro?
How does the 2023 Kia Niro drive?
Our expert take on Kia Niro drivability.
Power in the Kia Niro HEV comes from a 1.6-litre petrol engine backed by a transmission-mounted electric motor.
The e-motor makes 32kW and 170Nm, while the petrol engine pumps out 77kW and 144Nm. Peak combined power is 104kW and peak combined torque is 265Nm.
It’s front-wheel drive, and puts its torque to the road through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The transmission is lighter than before because it no longer has a reverse gear, instead using the electric motor.
The 1.32kWh battery beneath the rear seats doesn’t store enough energy to offer a meaningful electric range like a PHEV or EV, but the electric motor can power the car for short periods, or provide a performance boost.
The EV packs a 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack, mated with a front-mounted motor making 150kW and 255Nm.
2023 Kia Niro Colours
What colours are available for the Kia Niro
2023 Kia Niro Warranty
The Kia Niro is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the high-voltage parts are covered by a seven-year, 150,000 kilometre warranty.
Maintenance is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
In the EV, the first seven services will cost a combined $1754. In the HEV they’ll set you back $4010.
Prepaid service plans are also offered for the EV, priced at $621 for three years, $1187 for five years, and $1754 for seven.
Should you buy the 2023 Kia Niro
Is this the right car for you? Out experts buy or not guide.
Kia Niro FAQs
The cheapest Kia Niro is the PLUS HEV that starts from $41,710.
The most expensive Kia Niro is the PLUS EV that starts from $64,450.
The best towing capacity of a Kia Niro is 1300 kg offered by the following variants: PLUS HEV, HEV S (HYBRID), HEV GT-LINE BLK C PILLAR (HYB) and HEV GT-LINE BODY C PILL (HYB).
The largest Kia Niro is the PLUS EV which measures 1805mm wide, 4385mm in length and sits 1640mm tall.
The most powerful Kia Niro is the PLUS EV which has 150kW of power from its ELECTRIC engine.
The Kia Niro is built in Korea and shipped to Australia.
The heaviest Kia Niro is the PLUS EV which weighs 2230 kg (kerb weight).
The Kia Niro may use different fuel/energy types based on the variant which includes Electric or Unleaded Petrol-Electric Hybrid.