Kia’s all-new Niro crossover/compact SUV bows in hybrid form at the Chicago Auto Show.
The five-door hatchback – Kia calls it a ‘HUV’ (Hybrid Utility Vehicle) - would seem to be a ‘monty’ for Kia Australia but at this stage the Niro has only been confirmed for the North American market.
Kia says the hybrid Niro is part of its ‘Green Car Roadmap’.
Styling is pleasant if a little conservative and the result of collaboration between Kia’s Korean designers and those at its California studios in Irvine.
Likewise inside we see a modern look in black or white which is simple and uncluttered. And passengers enjoy a raised seating position not unlike the Kia Soul.
With a 2700 wheelbase, the Kia Niro will be one of the larger compact SUVs but of course that dimension does point to impressive interior space.
The 1.56-kWh Lithium Ion Polymer battery is cleverly stored under the rear seat in such a way that it doesn’t impinge on leg-room and the cargo area floor is flat.
Significant news under the bonnet in the form of Kia’s first ‘Atkinson Cycle’ engine – this case an all-new version of the 1.6-litre ‘Kappa’ engine which provides 76kW of power.
Combined with a 32kW electric motor mounted in the transmission, the Kia Niro has 109kW/264Nm on-tap and it all drives via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Kia Niro to be launched in North America boasts top-notch equipment levels including Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Advanced Smart Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Also included is ‘Predictive Energy Control’ which blends cruise control and satellite navigation data to anticipate topographical changes on the road ahead to actively manage energy flow – determining the best times to recharge the battery or expend stored energy.
