Hyundai and Kia set to bring vehicle smartphone apps to Australian customers this year
Kia and Hyundai’s Australian arms have both announced connected smartphone apps will debut in late 2022, and eventually roll out to their full model ranges.
Hyundai’s Bluelink app will debut on the Palisade later this year, before being rolled out to electric models. Images: Hyundai Australia
Welcome news this week as both Hyundai and Kia have announced Australian customers will soon have access to smartphone apps with connected car services, allowing owners to connect to their respective vehicles and even remotely set functions for battery electric models. This functionality — or lack thereof —has been a sore point for many Australian buyers investing in the Korean brands’ latest models, with the feature available on Tesla, Volvo and Polestar models.
Hyundai’s Bluelink app will debut alongside the 2023 Palisade in the second half of this year, before “gradually rolling out across the Hyundai model range”. Hyundai Australia hasn’t stated just when (or if) owners of current MY22 IONIQ 5 electric vehicles will be able to use the app with their vehicles.
According to Hyundai, The Hyundai Bluelink app lets users find their car, or search for a destination, parking space, service station or restaurant on their smartphone, and then send the location straight to the in-car navigation system.
In the event of an accident that causes the airbags to deploy, the vehicle will automatically call for help, with emergency assistance also available by pressing the SOS button 24/7, 365 days a year.
Bluelink also brings quick access to important data such as driving information records, as well as letting users keep an eye on key parts of their Hyundai including tyres, brakes, airbags and other safety and security features. Last Mile Navigation lets users continue the in-car route guidance on their smartphone after parking, all the way to their desired destination.
The Bluelink app will give Hyundai drivers access to vehicle controls and more.
EV specific features of Bluelink
EV models take this remote-control functionality even further, allowing users to schedule cabin heating and cooling. Scheduled charging can also be controlled remotely, to capture off-peak electricity rates and manage charging for battery life.
Kia’s app, dubbed Kia Connect, provides customer benefits in safety and security, control, connectivity, and LIVE services by using telematics to transfer real time data such as weather and traffic information, charging station information and more. Kia’s Voice Car Control system featuring Natural Voice Recognition technology allows occupants to control key vehicle systems such as temperature and audio settings.
Kia Connect will debut in Australia on the MY23 Niro HEV and EV GT-Line models. Image: Kia Motors
Kia Connect to debut with the 2023 Niro HEV and EV GT-Line
The Kia Connect smartphone app will also allow users to connect with their vehicle remotely. Drivers can sync calendars, plan journeys with online navigation and access onboard features including live traffic alerts and real-time weather forecasts. An End Destination Guidance feature helps customers navigate to their destination on foot once their all-new Niro is parked using Google Maps and augmented reality (AR) technology. Valet Mode enables customers to monitor their vehicle remotely when it is being driven by another user, providing added peace of mind.
Kia Connect will debut on the new Niro HEV and EV in GT-Line trims when the vehicle debuts in Australia next month. Functionality will include:
A screenshot from our first experience with Volvo’s smartphone app
Remote engine start
Remote climate control
Remote door lock/unlock
Remote seat heating/ventilation control
Check vehicle status
Valet Parking mode
Kia Connect Live Services
Emergency call (Safety and Security)
Vehicle Tracking (Safety and Security)
Stolen Vehicle Ignition Control (Safety and Security)
Send Destination 2 Car (from Smartphone)
Local Search
Voice Control (eg.Temperature/Weather info/Handsfree call)
Integrate personal calendar and show calendar events
EV Charging Station locations
Many manufacturers claim advancements in connectivity and voice recognition systems, but we still find that Google is the leader in this field, and Polestar’s full integration of Google’s Android Automotive system is the best in the business. It makes us wonder why OEMs continue to invest in in-house systems.
While Tesla’s app connectivity is still the benchmark in terms of the user interface and experience, offering full remote control of the vehicle’s charging, climate, lights, storage compartments and “summon” driving on some models, other brands are cottoning on pretty quickly. Volvo and Polestar now offer connected smartphone apps, as do BMW, Ford and Mercedes-Benz in some markets.
Kia Niro EV set for sale in 50 US states from fall 2023, offering a 253 mile (407km) range
Kia America has pulled the covers off the 2023 Niro range, and the headlining battery-only variant includes a 253 mile (407km) range, and is eligible for the USD $7,500 federal tax credit when it launches in Q3 2022.
Kia’s Niro EV adds more interior space, more tech for 2023. Images: Kia
64.8 kWh battery mated to a 150 kW (201hp) front-mounted motor
85 kW DC fast charging, replenishing the battery in 45 minutes (10-80%)
Targeted range of 407 km or 253 miles (EPA range still to be confirmed)
Heat pump and battery warmer optional in North American markets
On sale in all 50 states from Q3 2022
Fully electric Niro qualifies for USD $7,500 federal tax credit
Kia’s newest Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) — the Niro EV — will go on sale in all US states in the second half of 2022 as a 2023 model. Available as hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and all-electric (BEV) variants, we are obviously going to focus on the latter.
Exterior design of the 2023 Kia Niro EV
We’re fans of the current Niro EV (read our full review here), but that vehicle came to the EV party late in Australia, and never had the chance to properly compete with established models. Set for a US launch in fall this year — and in Australia shortly after — this new model adopts the Korean brand’s ‘tiger nose’ design philosophy with ‘heartbeat’ daytime running lights, and an interior that is quite similar to the new EV6 and Sportage.
Kia’s “Opposites United” design language is certainly bold, and while not immediately attractive, is purposeful and arresting. Prominent lighting elements, curved, aerodynamic panels mixed with harsh angles, and contrasting colour schemes ensures this Kia stands out. There’s a unique “sideblade”, reminiscent of Audi’s original R8 coupe from 2006.
A modest size increase should make for a roomier cabin, with the Niro EV stretching its wheelbase in extra 2cm (0.8 inch), to 2,720mm (107.1 inches)
2023 Kia Niro EV image gallery
Kia Niro EV interior design
On the inside, there’s a dual 10.25-inch screen setup like the EV6, sans the curved panel. Cabin plastics and general material quality appears to be elevated over the current car, and Kia’s multi-purpose control panel for climate control and multimedia appears to have made it over from the EV6/Sportage. The central drive controller returns as a rotary dial, which Kia’s infotainment system appears unchanged from current-gen models.
Kia spruiks sustainability as a core feature of the interior, and there are animal-free textiles, recycled wallpaper used in the headliner (presumably recycled PET plastics) and bio-polyurethane in the seats.
Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) with Pedestrian detection capability: Warns if there is risk of a collision with a pedestrian in front of the vehicle while driving and may automatically assist with braking
Kia is making a big deal about its advanced safety systems, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the 2023 Niro EV features the follow as standard:
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps detect lane markings and provides steering inputs to help prevent the vehicle from leaving the lane while driving
Lane Following Assist (LFA): Helps detect lane markings and vehicles ahead and provides steering inputs to help center the vehicle in the lane
Driver Attention Warning (DAW)7: Analyzes the driver attention level and provides a warning if a break is recommended. It may also provide a leading vehicle departure alert if the leading vehicle departs from a stop and the driver does not react within a certain time period
Blind Spot Collision Avoidance (BCA) with Parallel Exit: May help avoid collisions with rear-side vehicles when exiting a parallel parking spot by automatically assisting with braking
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist (RCCA): Helps detect approaching cross traffic when in reverse. When approaching cross traffic is detected, the system alerts the driver and may apply brakes
Safe Exit Warning (SEW)8: Provides a warning when a vehicle is approaching from the rear-side while someone is exiting the vehicle
Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)9: Provides a warning to the driver to check the rear seat before exiting the vehicle
Optional features for US market Kia Niro EVs
Buyers can option an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon premium sound system, heated and ventilated front seats, memory functions for the front seats, a Head-Up Display (HUD) to projects directions, active safety warnings, vehicle speed, and current infotainment, and a wireless phone charger.
Standard features include Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, ambient mood lighting, active sound design allowing the driver to select from digital motor sounds, LED lighting, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability.
Vehicle to load (V2L) functionality is available on the Niro EV for the first time.
Charging the 2023 Kia Niro EV
Speaking of power, the 2023 Kia Niro EV retains a battery that is essentially the same capacity as in the outgoing model, with a 64.8 kWh gross capacity. There’s a somewhat disappointing maximum charging speed of 85 kW via a DC fast charger, topping up the Niro EV from 10-80% in around 43 mins. It would take 7 hours to perform this on an 11kW AC home charger. Prospective buyers hoping for some EV6 technology to trickle down to the Niro EV will be disappointed; as it isn’t based on the E-GMP platform architecture, the Niro EV misses out on 800V charging at 220+kW.
While pricing hasn’t been announced, expect it to remain close — if not slightly more than — the current car’s USD $39,990 price tag.
The 2022 Kia Niro EV receives new logo design and upgraded infotainment in the US
Kia makes minor changes to the Niro EV in North America for the 2022 model year, with an upgraded infotainment system, and the addition of Kia’s new corporate logo.
The 2022 Kia Niro EV in US specification. Image: Kia North America
Kia’s Niro EV receives some small changes for the 2022 model year; likely its last in this guise before the model range heads off into the sunset. As Kia prepares to launch a range of electric vehicles based on the E-GMP modular platform, we can expect to see the EV6 come to market first in 2022, followed by a next generation Niro replacement sometime in 2023.
Kia’s new branding will appear on the front grille, tailgate and steering wheel hub, differentiating it from the most recent Australian Niro EV which we reviewed here.
Over to the interior, and customers will be pleased to find an upgraded 10.25-inch touchscreen is standard. Navigation3, UVO link and Sirius XM4 satellite radio along with the premium Harmon/Kardon5 sound system are included, as are wired Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
The 10.25 inch touchscreen on a right hand drive Australian model. Image: EV Brief
Trim Levels/Pricing – MSRP (excludes $1,175 destination)
EX: $39,990
EX Premium: $44,650
Powertrain:
64 kWh battery and 201-horsepower electric motor
Range1:
EPA-estimated All Electric Range: 239 miles
Fuel Economy. MPGe: (city/highway/combined):
MPGe: 105 (Combined)
Kia’s new logo sits prominently on the rear tailgate of the Niro EV.
DriveWise Features:
Forward Collision Warning
Std: EX, EX Premium
Forward Collision-Avoidance-Assist (FCA-Ped & Cycle) with camera and radar (car, pedestrian and cyclist detection)
Std: EX, EX Premium
Blindspot Collision Warning (BCW) with Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
Std: EX, EX Premium
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Std: EX, EX Premium
Lane Following Assist (LFA)
Std: EX, EX Premium
Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC w/S&G)
Std: EX, EX Premium
Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control - Curve with Stop and Go (NSCC-C)
Std: EX, EX Premium
Highway Driving Assist (HDA)
Std: EX, EX Premium
High Beam Assist (HBA)
Std: EX, EX Premium
Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Lead Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
Std: EX, EX Premium
Parking Distance Warning – Reverse
Std: EX Premium
Dimensions:
Overall Length: 172.2 in., overall Width: 71.1 in., Overall Height: 61.8 in. (with standard roof rails), Wheelbase: 106.3 in., Cargo Capacity: 18.5 cu.-ft. (rear seats upright, with luggage under tray), 53.0 cu.-ft. (rear seats folded, with luggage under tray), 99.6 cu.-ft. (passenger volume), Curb Weight, min: 3,854 lbs. (no options)
Kia’s 2022 Niro EV in White.
Kia to expand Australian model range with the launch of Niro EV electric SUV
Kia Australia has finally announced that the Niro EV (known as the e-Niro in overseas markets) will be available in Oz, priced from $62,590 for the entry-level EV S specification, and $65,990 for the better-equipped EV Sport specification.
Niro EV to feature 64 kWh battery with 77 kW DC charging
WLTP Energy consumption figures of 455km 158 Wh/km
0-100km/h figure of 7.8 seconds, 167 km/h top speed (overseas figures)
EV S priced from $62,590, EV Sport priced from $65,990
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models also available
Kia Australia has finally announced that the Niro EV (known as the e-Niro in overseas markets) will be available in Oz, priced from $62,590 for the entry-level EV S specification, and $65,990 for the better-equipped EV Sport specification.
This places the pricing of the Niro EV very close to sister-brand Hyundai’s Kona Electric sibling, with which the Niro EV shares a battery and electric motor. The Kona Electric range is priced from $62,000 for the Elite and $65,990 for the Highlander specification. Both models have a power output of 150 kW, and produce 395 Nm of torque.
Offering a 64 kWh Li-ion Polymer battery and a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, the Niro EV can cover 455 kilometres on a single charge according to the WLTP combined testing cycle, and can reach 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.
Inclusions
The EV S model features an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay, Digital radio, 7-inch digital driver’s instrument panel, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, 17” aerodynamic alloy wheels, automatic climate control, and a cloth/leather black upholstery.
In addition, the Sport model adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation, full LED headlights, a premium 8-speaker JBL audio system, aluminium sports pedals, and Kia’s Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Both models will feature brake regeneration control via paddle-shifters, a virtual engine sound system, rear-view camera, seven airbags, Autonomous Emergency Braking (car/pedestrian/cyclist), Lane Keep Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Driver Attention Alert. We think it’s disappointing that Kia Australia chose to differentiate the entry-level EV S by excluding Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert; we always believe all available safety technology should be standard.
Charging
Like Hyundai’s Kona Electric, the Niro EV features 7.2 kW Type-2 AC charging, and 100 kW CCS2 DC fast charging. Kia claims nine hours and 35 minutes are required to charge the Niro EV to 80% via an AC connection, and 54 minutes when plugged into a 100 kW DC fast charger.
Fastned’s graph below shows the Niro EV charging at a maximum of 77 kW from 0 to 40 percent on a DC network, dropping to 55 kW at a 55 percent state of charge (SOC), before tailing down to just 25 kW at an 80 percent SOC. Fastned achieved a maximum power figure of 77 kW, and an average of 64 kW, and beat Kia’s time of 44 minutes for a 10-80 percent charge.
Fastned’s charging curve for the Kia Niro EV (tested on European model)
Sport variants include three levels of regenerative braking, selectable through the steering wheel paddles; the left paddle increases regenerative braking and deceleration while the right paddle decreases it.
One Pedal Braking is also included, which is activated by holding the left paddle in for more than half a second while coasting. Continuing to hold the paddle will bring the car to a halt.
Six colours will be available at launch; Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Silky Silver, Runway Red and Yacht Blue. All but Clear White will attract a premium paint surcharge of $520.
Kia will also offer a hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the Niro, starting from $39,990 and $46,590 respectively. The PHEV variant includes an 8.9 kWh battery, and achieves a combined-cycle fuel efficiency figure of 1/3 l/100km.
We’ll keep you updated on the Niro EV’s availability and delivery timings when we findout more.
