Revised versions of the Kia Niro have been revealed ahead of the 2019 Geneva motor show. The Hybrid and PHEV crossovers get a fresh design, new technology, along with uprated active safety systems from e-Niro.

Kia Niro 2019

Both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid Niro receive new front and rear bumpers inspired by the electric e-Niro, with new LED daytime running lights as standard and Kia's 'ice cube'-styled projection headlights. LED headlights and fog lights will be available as options. New paint colours and alloy wheel designs have also been added to the range.

Bigger changes can be found inside, where Kia has upgraded the dashboard with soft-touch materials, and added red-orange and plum colour trim packs. The manual handbrake has been replaced with an electronic parking brake, while the steering wheel gains paddle shifters to take manual control of the 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system can now be upgraded to a 10.25-inch widescreen, and the 4.2-inch instrument cluster can be exchanged for a larger 7.0-inch Supervision display. Kia's UVO Connect telematics system has also been added to the range, providing always-connected functionality such as live traffic information, fuel prices and charging station information through an integrated SIM card.

Pricing and feature details for the new Niro have not yet been released, but we expect it to be offered in a variety of styles for a broad range of budgets. Kia has indicated that a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid powertrain will continue to be offered, as well as a full EV model, but we review that one separately.

A more sculptural interior design creates a more contemporary feel inside the new Niro. Kia has used recycled materials and natural fibers such as eucalyptus leaves for the headliner and upholstery. Passenger space is expected to be roughly the same as the outgoing Niro, meaning it's not the most spacious SUV on the market, but should offer space for four adults and a cargo area big enough for a large grocery run. Ambient interior lighting lends an upscale touch and a rotary shift knob replaces the lever-style gear selector found on the current model.

With a bold new look, the 2023 Kia Niro is set to add a dose of cool to its eco-friendly image. Although we aren't sure on the specifics of the new Niro's powertrains, we know that both a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid model will be offered; the latter will likely have an electric-only range of between 25 and 30 miles per charge. The cabin, which is lined with sustainable materials, matches the extroverted exterior styling and looks fairly upscale for what will be one of Kia's entry-level models; it’ll be positioned next to the boxy Soul at the small end of the lineup. A novel 'Greenzone' drive mode will be standard and uses navigation data to automatically switch the Niro into EV mode when driving in neighborhoods, near schools and hospitals, and by frequently visited places such as a driver's office or home.

Kia has confirmed that the new Niro, like the current car, will be offered with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric powertrains. However, it will remain separate from the firm’s line of ‘EV’-badged bespoke electric cars and will not use the E-GMP platform reserved for those models. An evolution of the current e-Niro’s single-motor, front-wheel-drive powertrain is expected, although the shorter-range car could be discontinued in light of higher demand for the 454km, 64kWh battery option.

The updated Niro can also now be optioned with stop and go cruise control and active lane keep assist functionality for the first time.

Both Niro models are powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine, paired with a 1.56kWh battery pack in the hybrid and an 8.9kWh pack in the plug-in hybrid.

While Kia has not officially revealed plans to bring the Niro to India, the Korean brand had recently given the Niro to the Andhra Pradesh government in a bid to push for electric mobility. Kia is also gearing up to launch the production-spec SP2i concept SUV in the coming months; trial production for the new Hyundai Creta competitor has already begun.

Also see:

Kia all-electric performance car teased before Geneva debut

Kia Soluto sedan revealed

Kia Motors’ first India dealership opens in Noida

Top-spec Kia SP2i SUV likely to get 18-inch alloy wheels