2023 Kia Niro EV launched in Malaysia; here’s all you need to know

Kia has expanded its fully-electric vehicle portfolio in Malaysia with the launch of the Niro EV. Currently in its second generation, the Kia Niro is a stylish and bold crossover electric car that offers an impressive drive range, advanced technology, and eco-friendly features. 

Here’s all you need to know about the latest Korean EV in town -

2023 Kia Niro EV price

The official distributor for Kia cars in Malaysia, Dinamikjaya Motors, retails the Niro in a single fully imported variant at RM 256,668 (on the road without insurance). Included in the price of a 5-year/150,00 km manufacturer warranty and an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.

2023 Kia Niro EV dimensions and storage capacity

Based on Kia’s third-generation “K” platform, the electric crossover measures 4,420 mm in length, 1,825 mm in width, and 1,570 mm in height. The wheelbase is measured at 2,720 mm.

When it comes to storage capacity, the EV can accommodate 475 litres of luggage with all the seats in the upright position. This is expandable up to 1,392 litres with the rear seats folded down. Other than that, the car also houses a 20-litre frunk under the bonnet, which can be used to keep the car’s charging cables as well as the Vehicle-to-Load adapter. The latter supplies up to 3.6kW of power.

2023 Kia Niro EV powertrain, range, and charging

Powering the Malaysia-spec Niro EV is a single FWD motor that delivers a maximum power of 201 hp and a peak torque of 255 Nm. The power is sent to the front wheels via a 1-speed e-shift transmission, enabling the EV to hit the century sprint in 7.8 seconds. The top speed of the EV is electronically limited to 167 kmph.

Also, part of the drivetrain system is a 64.8 kWh battery pack that lets the EV run for 460 km on a single charge (on the WLTP cycle).

The Kia Niro EV charging time is mentioned as follows - 

Type of charger	Charging time
11 kW AC	10-100% SoC in 6 hr 20 min
80 kW DC	10-80% SoC in 49 min

2023 Kia Niro EV exterior

Based on Kia’s “Opposites United” design concept, the Niro has a bold and dynamic appearance. The front fascia sports the ‘tiger nose’ and dual LED projector headlights along with striking daytime running lights. The grille houses an Active Air Flap that adds to the EV’s competitive drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. 

Other key highlights being a bold skid plate, wide Aero C-Pillar, boomerang-shaped rear tail lights, fog lights, heated side view mirrors, smart-powered tailgate, roof rails, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof.

2023 Kia Niro EV interior

The EV has a welcoming interior kitted with premium quality materials, textured surfaces, and new recycled materials. The latter comprises headlining made from recycled wallpaper, seats made up of Bio PU, and door panels sprayed with BTX-free paint. The tech goodies we can find inside the new Kia Niro EV are - 

• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.25-inch infotainment unit supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Multi-function steering wheel with tilt & telescopic adjustments
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
• Wireless charging pad
• 64 colour ambient mood lighting
• Power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment and heating and ventilation functions
• Premium Relaxation mode for the front seats
• Keyless entry and start 
• Electronic parking brake with auto brake hold
• 8-speaker sound system
• Reverse camera

2023 Kia Niro EV safety

The Korean EV is outfitted with a bag full of safety features, including both standard and advanced ones, which are designed to enhance driver convenience and mitigate potential risks. The list includes -

• 8 SRS airbags (front driver, front passenger, front side, side, curtain, and driver’s knee)
• Anti-Lock Braking System
• Electronic Brake-Force Distribution
• Safe Exit Assist
• Hill-start Assist Control
• Traction Control System
• Rear Occupant Alert 
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• High Beam Assist 
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist 
• Driver Attention Warning 
• Lane Following Assist
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Front and rear parking sensors

2023 Kia Niro EV colours

Dinamikjaya Motors offers the EV in three striking colour tones - Snow White Pearl, Mineral Blue, and Cityscape Green.

What are your views on the new Kia Niro EV? Let us know in the comments.

Also read: Check out this unique Kia EV6 made from 350,000 Legos