Kia Niro

Kia Niro
Overview
Manufacturer	Kia Motors
Production	2016–present
Model years	2017–present
Body and chassis
Class	Subcompact crossover SUV
Body style	5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Related	Hyundai Ioniq
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L Kappa III I4 (103 hp)
Electric motor	Electric motor (43 hp)
Transmission	6-speed dual-clutch
Dimensions
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2,700.0 mm)
Length	171.5 in (4,356.1 mm)
Width	70.9 in (1,800.9 mm)
Height	60.4 in (1,534.2 mm)

The Kia Niro is a hybrid subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by Kia Motors since 2016.

Development

2013 concept

The Kia Niro concept debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The car, designed almost entirely by Peter Schreyer at Kia's Frankfurt studio, is a sporty 3-door subcompact crossover with butterfly doors that open into the roof panel.^[1] The front wheels are powered by the 1.6-liter Gamma inline-4 producing 160 hp mated with a 7-speed rotary-shifted^[2] dual-clutch transmission, while a 45-hp electric hybrid system powers the rear wheels when driving in rougher road conditions.^[3]

KX-3 concept

The Kia KX-3 concept followed at the 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show. Inspired by the earlier Niro concept, it has grown larger in size into a compact SUV, measuring 167.71 inches (4,260 mm) long and 69.48 inches (1,765 mm) wide. A turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivers power to all four wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.^[4]

Production version

The 2017 Kia Niro was unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. A subcompact "hybrid utility vehicle" positioned below the Kia Sportage, the Niro uses an all-new hybrid powertrain producing altogether 146 hp, and is expected to return a fuel economy of 50 miles per US gallon (4.7 L/100 km) thanks to its usage of lightweight materials such as high-strength steel and aluminum.^[5] Its battery has a capacity of 1.56 kWh and a weight of 33 kg.

The exterior design, described as "un-hybrid" by Kia,^[6] is more conventional compared to those of other hybrid cars, due to Kia's belief that a hybrid vehicle does not have to sacrifice attractive design for fuel efficiency, according to Kia Motors America vice president Orth Hedrick.^[7] A plug-in version will be offered later on as well.^[8]

The Kia Niro went on sale in South Korea on the 31st March 2016.^[9] In its first month on sale Niro hit an all-time sales record in South Korea's green car market, even beating Hyundai Ioniq.

References

1. Meiners, Jens (August 29, 2013). "Kia Niro Concept". Car and Driver. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
2. Cupler, Justin (August 9, 2013). "2013 Kia Niro Concept". Top Speed. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
3. "2013 Niro Concept". Kia. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
4. Garlitos, Kirby (November 21, 2014). "2014 Kia KX3 Concept". Top Speed. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
5. Wendler, Andrew (February 11, 2016). "2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Debuts, Spearheading New Green Lineup". Car and Driver. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
6. Joseph, Noah (February 11, 2014). "Kia Niro crossover is the company's first dedicated hybrid". Autoblog. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
7. McCormick, John (February 11, 2014). "Green Day For Kia Niro, Optima Plug-In Hybrid". Forbes. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
8. Florea, Ciprian (February 11, 2016). "2017 Kia Niro". Top Speed. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
9. "Kia Niro Officially Launched in Korea - Kia Niro Forums". www.niroforums.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-06-02.

External links

• Kia Niro official website