The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid, the latest addition to the small crossover SUV segment, is a car worth looking into. It has ample cargo space, is fuel efficient, comes with a warranty, and is affordable, with the starting price set at a little over SGD 166,000. It also has a host of advanced features. Those considering buying this vehicle should consider what it has to offer to make an informed decision. 

Overview
The first Kia Niro was launched almost a decade ago. The car received its first facelift within a few years, which is also when it gained popularity. Aside from that, Niro’s affordable price point was one of the reasons it made it to the top.

The Kia Niro is a strong contender to the top Japanese hybrids ruling the segment. At first glance, the 2023 Niro Hybrid looks like a mainstream crossover car, but the two-tone paintwork sets it apart from its competitors.

Exterior
The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid is available in seven different colour options: aurora black pearl, cityscape green, interstellar grey, mineral blue, runaway red, snow white pearl, and steel ray. The Niro carries the signature Kia “tiger face,” which lends the car a sharp design and a dramatic style. 

Its C-pillar airflow design helps lower the vehicle’s static pressure and improve its speed.

The Niro’s back features a smart power tailgate, which can be customised according to the driver’s height. Individuals with digital keys will have the power to unlock the trunk of a car simply by standing behind the vehicle. This makes loading and unloading easier, especially if one has their hands full. 

Interior
When it comes to space efficiency, Niro’s front seats have hangers built in the back to keep the occupant’s coats or clothing wrinkle-free. Additionally, it serves as a convenient place to store hangers or shopping bags. This means there is enough legroom for occupants even if they return from a day’s shopping trip.

When it comes to sustainability, Kia’s dedication to being environmentally conscious is evident. The 2023 Kia Niro hybrid boasts bio-synthetic leather seats made from eucalyptus trees. They are luxurious to the touch, and it would be challenging to distinguish the bio-synthetic leather seats from the real ones, as they share a similar texture. The seats are soft and strong, ensuring the occupants have a comfortable drive. In addition to comfortable seats, the Niro features a wide tilt-sliding sunroof and ambient mood lighting, adding to its design. 

Technology
The car’s HD touchscreen displays centre infotainment data, navigation, and driving functions. The infotainment centre also skips the traditional buttons and knobs in favour of an LCD keyboard. It enables the driver to control the infotainment functions and climate control options. Plus, drivers can select the mode of air control they prefer with a single click. 

Another noteworthy feature of the 2023 Kia Niro hybrid is the wireless charging system located at the center console. The fast charging pad makes it easy to keep the devices charged. 

Variants
The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid is available in two variants—Niro EX and Niro SX. The Niro EX runs on both petrol and electric and comes with a 1.6 Smartstream Gamma Hybrid Engine, LED daytime lights, LED rear lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels, button start, and keyless entry. 

The Niro SX also uses petrol and electricity as fuel sources. In addition to the EX features, the SX has a sunroof, roof rack, rear air conditioning vent, heated and ventilated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, an advanced 8-airbag system, safe exit assist, and more. Both variants have an estimated fuel consumption of 4 litres per 100 km distance. The Kia Niro hybrid’s CO2 emission rate is 91 g/km. 

Safety
Kia is big on driver safety features, so it is no surprise that the Niro comes with a host of safety features. It has a lane-keeping Keeping Assist that ensures the car stays in the centre of the lane when running. It uses the lane markings or the car in front to guide it through its front view camera.

The Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist alerts the driver if the car is at risk of colliding with something or someone. If the car is at risk of colliding with a car behind it, it can automatically use the emergency braking system. Drivers can use this feature to detect the presence of a cyclist, pedestrian, or vehicle in front of them. In the event of a collision, the car automatically employs its emergency brakes. 

The Smart Cruise Control is another feature that allows drivers to drive at their desired speed safely. The function automatically stops and starts the car at a safe distance from the one in front. It also keeps the car running at a desired speed set by the driver.