Kia Australia has hinted at the demise of its electrified Niro small SUV, following the launch of the all-new EV3 and ahead of a rumoured hybrid version of the next-generation Seltos.
Speaking with CarExpert at the launch of the new EV3, general manager for product at Kia Australia, Roland Rivero, said the Niro will remain on sale Down Under for the time being, but the Korean brand’s new and upcoming products could see it rendered obsolete in the near future.
“Niro’s price position, particularly now, comparing now to an EV3 is a little bit out of whack. So the hybrid is probably the one that still has some life in it yet,” Mr Rivero said.
“Niro was great for us to plan, prepare and to train our dealer network, and prepare Kia Australia for electrification, but in essence, it was never really for Australia”.
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Niro EV
“We had to ask kindly of headquarters to allow us to have it, and as a result the price is the price because its main intent was for the European market, because of their CO2 regulations – they had to make up certain dollars as a result.
“Not everyone wants a medium-sized [vehicle], the size of the Niro might be more ideal for certain customers. So at least in the hybrid guise, there might still be a little bit of life in Niro yet in Australia, but from a global standpoint it’s still a big seller in Europe and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon for [that region].”
Mr Rivero also indicated the Niro Hybrid could be replaced in Australia by an unnamed new small SUV with hybrid power – likely the rumoured next-generation Seltos – which would likely supplant the Niro’s position in the local market.
“On the EV front, the EV3 has taken over the full electric front, but there could be something on the horizon that takes over the small hybrid SUV front, and therefore it may then deem the Niro is no longer necessary for our market.”
CarExpert understands the second-generation Niro is due for its mid-life facelift in the next 12 or so months.
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EV3 -
Next-gen Seltos
Despite being an all-new product on a more sophisticated dedicated electric vehicle platform, the new Kia EV3 arrives in Australia from $48,990 drive-away (in all jurisdictions except Western Australia) – in excess of $20,000 less than the base drive-away price for the cheapest Niro EV.
The EV3 packs more equipment and Kia’s latest technologies to boot, such as standard LED headlights, the brand’s newest ccNC infotainment system, and a full suite of driver assistance features.
While Kia doesn’t currently offer a small hybrid SUV, sister brand Hyundai offers the Kona Hybrid which utilises the same platform and powertrains as the existing Niro Hybrid (or HEV), again for less money.
The cheapest Kona Hybrid starts from $36,500 before on-road costs, nearly $10,000 less than the cheapest Niro HEV. Like the EV3, the Kona features higher levels of standard equipment than the Kia, despite the cheaper entry point.
Photographers have spied what is believed to the the next-generation Kia Seltos (pictured above), which is understood to be scheduled for reveal early next year and packing the option of a hybrid drivetrain similar to the one used in the Niro and Kona.
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Niro HEV
Despite being an electrified option in a key segment, the Niro has remained a niche seller in Australia.
In 2024, there were 1455 examples delivered across the HEV and EV ranges, down 20.3 per cent on the year prior. The Niro was outgunned by the larger EV6 (1785 deliveries) and paled next to the Seltos’ 7777 deliveries for the year.
Perhaps more telling of the Niro’s missed opportunity in Australia is the volume of the related Hyundai Kona, which offers HEV and EV versions admittedly alongside petrol options, but returned 17,374 registrations for the year.
That said, Kia Australia has struggled to secure more supply of its hybrid and electric models across the board due to Australia’s lagging emissions regulations, though the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) will change that.
Mr Rivero has previously confirmed with CarExpert the facelifted Sportage, as well as the existing Sorento and Carnival ranges, will see an increase in hybrid availability with an expanded range of variants and higher monthly allocations from factory.
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