Kia has determined to discontinue its modern Niro electrical SUV in Australia. Whereas the hybrid variant will stay accessible for now, it’s anticipated to be succeeded by a petrol-electric model of the next-generation Seltos compact SUV, anticipated to land in Australia by 2027.
The Niro was Kia’s first electrical car to launch in Australia, but it surely has struggled as a consequence of its excessive worth in comparison with the newly launched Kia EV3 compact SUV, which is presently accessible for buy beginning at $48,990 drive-away for the entry-level Air Normal Vary mannequin.
In distinction, the Niro’s lowest-priced electrical variant, the S, begins at $66,590 plus on-road prices, with the GT-Line model priced at $72,360. Moreover, the bigger Kia EV5, launched final 12 months, can also be affecting the Niro’s market presence by beginning at $56,770 drive-away.
Studies indicated that the Niro’s future in Australia was already in jeopardy when Kia Australia adjusted pricing for the EV3 and EV5. Kia Australia’s managing director, Damien Meredith, expressed reluctance to regulate the Niro’s pricing, fearing it could hurt the resale worth for present house owners.
Regardless of this, Kia has quietly made the choice to finish native gross sales of the Niro EV. Kia Australia product planning chief Roland Rivero confirmed that the final manufacturing run occurred late final 12 months, indicating {that a} restricted quantity of Niro inventory stays accessible, and the hybrid model continues to promote.
The petrol-electric Niro Hybrid S begins at $45,000 plus on-road prices, whereas the GT-Line variant reaches $50,650. Rivero talked about {that a} hybrid model of the forthcoming Seltos could finally substitute the Niro hybrid. He beforehand said {that a} hybrid possibility was not deliberate for the present Seltos technology, however future concerns are being explored.
The unique Niro launched in Australia in Could 2021, accessible as an electrical, plug-in hybrid, and hybrid car. The second-generation Niro debuted in July 2022, omitting the PHEV possibility. When it comes to gross sales, Kia reported 1,455 Niros bought in 2024 and 1,826 in 2023, though each figures have been decrease than the gross sales of the bigger, dearer Kia EV6 throughout the identical interval.
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