Facelifted 2019 Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid now on sale

The facelifted 2019 Kia Niro hybrid is now available to buy. Changes include exterior and interior styling tweaks, and updated tech for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Prices start from £24,590, and top out at just under £32,000 for the plug-in hybrid.

The Niro remains a rival to the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Mini Countryman Cooper ALL4 hybrid, and will arrive in dealerships in the next couple of months.

Best 4x4s and SUVs to buy in 2019

Starting from £24,590, the Niro Hybrid in ‘2’ trim comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, sat nav, automatic headlights, part-leather upholstery and dual-zone automatic climate control. Above that, ‘3’ trim starts at £26,770 and includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Kia’s new UVO Connect system, heated power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, 18-inch alloy wheels, a JBL sound system, wireless phone-charging and front and rear parking sensors.

UVO Connect offers several new features, including live traffic updates, weather forecasts, local points of interest and the availability of parking nearby. The system incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but also comes with a UVO app, which includes remote features like the ability to send sat nav destinations to the car before you get into it.

The plug-In hybrid model is based on the ‘3’ trim but costs £31,945. It includes all of the ‘3’ equipment but adds a few chrome trim pieces and collision avoidance assistance. Range-topping ‘4’ trim offers heated outer rear seats and ventilated front seats, among other features, for £29,270.

Exterior changes as part of the Kia Niro Hybrid’s facelift consist of restyled front and rear bumpers, LED daytime running lights, revised halogen headlights and tail lights, plus some new 16-inch alloy wheels. Optional spec items include full LED headlights and fog lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the facelifted Niro receives two new interior colour schemes in either ‘Plum’ or ‘Red-Orange’, along with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters and a plusher interior featuring soft touch plastics. Optional tech updates include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and a new seven-inch digital dash display.

There are also updates to the Niro’s existing safety tech, with both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid receiving upgrades to the existing Smart Cruise Control with the addition of Stop & Go functionality. This automatically monitors the car in front, applying the brakes if it detects slowing traffic, before bringing the car up to speed as traffic begins moving. Also added is Lane Following Assist tech, which is capable of monitoring road markings to keep the car in lane, while automatically accelerating, braking and steering in traffic.

6

The engine range remains the same, with both the Niro plug-in and hybrid models using a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor. The plug-in model adds a larger battery for an electric-only range of 30 miles, with the hybrid model allows occasional electric running for much shorter periods.

Kia claims the Niro plug-in will achieve up to 217.3mpg while emitting 31.3g/km of CO2, with the hybrid variant emitting 99.8g/km of CO2.

See how the facelifted Kia Niro compares to the outgoing model by checking out our full review, or see how it compares to the best hybrid SUVs you can buy in 2019.