Attention taxi and ride-share operators! The larger Kia Niro Plus is here and it's cheaper than the regular versions
Kia has entered the ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV) market in Australia by launching the Niro Plus PBV in limited numbers.
The Niro Plus ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV) has landed in Australia, but rather than being based on the current second-generation Niro that launched earlier this year, it is a version of the first-gen Niro SUV.
The original Niro eco car was offered with a choice of three powertrains, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric, but the Niro Plus is available in hybrid and EV only – much like the new Niro.
Pricing is $41,710 before on-road costs for the Plus hybrid, which is actually $2670 cheaper than a Niro S hybrid.
The Niro Electric Plus costs $64,450, which is $850 less than a new-gen Niro S Electric.
The Niro Plus differs from the regular previous-gen Niro by adding 10mm of length and 80mm to the vehicle’s height, liberating more space inside the cabin.
Kia has also trimmed down some interior elements compared with the regular Niro, like the seats and door trims, to ensure a more spacious cabin. It will also feature assist handles inside and door reflectors for extra safety.
According to Kia Motors Australia, the Niro Plus will be available in limited numbers, and while private buyers can purchase one, the majority of sales will be fleet.
The company spokesperson said initial interest has been strong, with the early examples already snapped up by fleet operators. Obvious targets for this sort of vehicle are taxi, hire car and ride share operators.
One scenario Kia sees is where the Niro Plus is used for business purposes during the week, for example, then it becomes a private family vehicle on the weekends.
Powering the hybrid Niro is a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine, paired with an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for combined outputs of 104kW/265Nm.
Under the skin of the electric version is a 150kW/395Nm electric motor on the front axle, teamed with a 64kWh battery for a driving range of 455km on the WLTP test cycle.
