The Habaniro influence can be clearly seen front and back.
We are witness to this with these spy photos. Patience is often rewarded. The prototype for the next-generation Kia Niro prototype was captured in public testing, but the heavy camouflage around the nose was removed as the day turned into evening. The Niro’s front was being reworked by a spy photographer who was on duty.
This is not the first time that we have seen the face of the new Niro. However, these images offer the best view of the Habaniro-inspired headlights. Instead of having headlights as such, the concept featured prominent corner vents and zig-zag LED strips at its middle. This test vehicle’s bottom shows a similar shape to the original, but with traditional lights placed in the housing. We also know that Kia’s tiger nose design language will be replaced by a shark-themed form that is reminiscent of the Habaniro concept in 2019.
The rear is still hidden by heavy camouflage and fake panels. The test vehicle was captured by our photographer at the perfect angle. It shows the sharply angled rear window and boomerang taillights, which were also displayed on the Habaniro. Although it’s quite different from the current model in many ways, the lower fascia is more traditional with reflectors and reverse lights visible at the corners.
The Niro was launched in 2017 and Kia has a lot to do with it. As seen here, the automaker also tested its powertrain by towing a trailer that was heavy enough to cause the compact crossover to squat heavily at back. Although powertrain details have not yet been confirmed, reports suggest that the new Niro will continue to use its existing platform.
This would indicate that the four-cylinder hybrid 1.6-liter engine will continue to be used. It generates 139 horsepower combined for the current-day Niro. There is also a Plug-in version and the all-electric Niro , which we also saw in spy photos.
We originally thought that Kia would introduce the next Niro in 2022, but the North American website already lists 2022 Niros. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that we won’t see the new style before the end of next year. It will be available first in South Korea, and then it will arrive in the States as a model for 2023 early next year.