2022 Kia Niro: Electrified SUV rendered from spy pics

The 2022 Kia Niro is edging closer to its official unveiling, with the vehicle snapped in various states of camouflage in recent months.

Before Kia pulls the wraps off the second-generation Niro, we asked artist Theottle to digitally strip back the camo and provide a glimpse of what we can expect when the model eventually arrives.

Borrowing some design cues from Kia’s latest models, the new Niro draws most of its looks from the HabaNiro concept of 2019 – with a strong but unconventional front-end and boomerang-shaped LED tail-lights.

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While some spy pics show an unusual contrast colour at the D-pillar – a visual feature of the HabaNiro concept – we expect most buyers will opt for a single exterior paint.

To reduce drag and improve range, a set of aerodynamic alloy wheels have been fitted to the small electrified SUV.

Earlier reports suggest the new-generation Niro will use updated powertrains found in the current model, with improved efficiencies to deliver a great driving range (up from the current 455 kilometre maximum) from the battery-powered EV.

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The plug-in hybrid Niro is also expected to see some slight improvements to its 58km electric driving range, while petrol-hybrid models could see a minor power bump too.

For those wondering why we’re already seeing a new Niro so soon after the vehicle was launched, the current model has been on sale in overseas markets since 2016, but was only introduced in Australia in May 2021.

There’s no official word yet on when we can expect the 2022 Kia Niro to be revealed, but we do know the model will arrive into showrooms in the second half of next year.

Below: The current first-generation Kia Niro

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