In collaboration with Premier Taxis, around 700 Kia Niro Plus Hybrid SUVs will be run as taxis on Singapore’s road this year

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SINGAPORE

Kia Singapore has renewed its partnership for the third time with Singapore-based taxi operator, Premier and will introduce approximately 700 units of its Niro Plus Hybrid in 2023. These vehicles will be used for taxi and private hire vehicle services, and will not be on sale to the public. 

Kia previously had two of its models, the Magentis and the Optima sedans, operating as fleet vehicles in 2006 and 2013 respectively. The introduction of the Niro Plus Hybrid serves to replace the previous diesel engines with cleaner hybrid engines. 

The Niro Plus Hybrid is also Kia’s first Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV), coming with added utilities for optimum daily use of both passenger and driver. PBV is an approach introduced by parent company Hyundai Motor Group, which aims to create vehicles that are optimised for fleet or small business applications.

“The Niro Plus Hybrid is Kia’s first ‘purpose-built vehicle’, made for fleet operators to fulfil modern-day business demands, which often can be a mixed bag of delivery and logistics services and people mover purposes, including ride-hailing,” shares Dawn Pan, director of multi-franchise operations at Cycle & Carriage Singapore. 

Based on the facelifted outgoing Niro generation, the Niro Plus Hybrid fleet vehicles are 80mm taller and 10mm wider than before, providing ample space for passengers in the rear.

Door handles on the B pillars are also built in, making it easier for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle. Doors on the Niro Plus Hybrid are also wide-opening. 

Aircon vents are also available in the rear, along with USB ports allowing passengers a quick charge of their phones/devices. 

The Niro Plus Hybrid also features safety systems like Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Keep Assist System.

The vehicle’s boot is additionally spacious enough to store three large pieces of luggage, along with a folded wheelchair, providing space for all sorts of journeys.

Driving the Niro Plus Hybrid is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder direct injection hybrid engine, with a quoted efficiency of 5.3L/100km. 

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Ms Pan also notes that “As vehicles that undergo long mileage and heavy usage, taxis have to meet greater demands than ordinary cars. They must be safe and comfortable, should have extensive space to transport luggage and bulky items, and need to be both reliable and fuel-efficient to keep operating costs at a minimum.”

Cycle & Carriage aims to launch the Kia Niro Plus EV later this year, as part of its commitment to the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

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