THE second generation of the multi-powertrain Kia Niro crossover has been unveiled and as before it will be available with three power options including fully electric.

The new Niro is due for release later in the year and builds on the original model which has become a trailblazer for Kia's electrification plans.

With a choice of zero emission battery electric models, plug-in hybrid variants and mild-hybrid engines the newcomer is moving upmarket with high-tech driver assistance features and environmentally-friendly trims.

Prices are still to be announced but can be expected to start from around £27,000 with the fully electric Niro available from around £35,000.

The Niro EV - which replaces the previous e-Niro - will have a range of up to 290 miles on a full charge and with a fast charging ability can be recharged to 80 per cent capacity in some 43 minutes from a fast charger.

It has a top speed of 104mph and a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 7.8 seconds - similar to the current battery-electric e-Niro.

The plug-in hybrid model has a zero emission range of up to 40 miles and the powertrain develops 183ps compared to the 141ps from the mild-hybrid model.

Both are fitted with Kia's 1.6-litre Smartstream petrol engine mated to a six-speed DCT semi-automatic transmission which comes with a reverse gear as a weight saving measure.

The electric motor powers the car when going backwards which eliminates exhaust emissions.

The two hybrids are also fitted with what Kia calls its Green Zone Drive Mode which uses navigation data to drive on electric power when in low emission areas.

At 4,420mm long, 1,825mm wide, and up to 1,570 high and with a wheelbase of 2,720mm the new model is bigger than before with cargo space of 475 litres on the EV which also has an extra 20 litres of luggage room in a ‘frunk' under the bonnet. Maximum capacity on the EV is 1,392 litres.

Boot space on the mild-hybrid version is 451 litres extending to 1,445 litres while the PHEV comes in at 348 litres to accommodate its electric components. Maximum space on the plug-in is 1,342 litres.

Inside, the new Niro has a double-screen display featuring two 10.25 inch panels similar to those on Kia's new Sorento and Sportage SUVs.

A head-up display is fitted on all models as well as the brand's new DriveWise Advanced Driver Assistance Systems which operate to avoid potential hazards.

It includes a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist which warns and can stop the vehicle should there be a risk of an incident with other road users or pedestrians, while a Junction Turning and Junction Crossing function provides safety when negotiating turns.

It can also stop the vehicle when there is crossing traffic from left or right.

Other high-tech features include remote control parking and Kia's V2L system as used on the company's all-electric EV6 flagship which uses unused battery power to run external devices such as a laptop computer or portable fridge.

On the styling front, the new Niro debuts Kia's latest Tiger Face design which is larger than before while the EV model has a two-tone closed grille as well as a lower grille and a different bumper design.

The plug-in charging port for the EV model is positioned in the centre of the front grille for ease of use.

Kia says the new Niro is intrinsic to its growing eco-friendly line-up which will include 14 BEV models by 2027.