Photo: Guido ten Brink / SB-Medien
The 86th edition of the Salon International de l’Automobile is where Kia presented the European version of the Niro, a model of two firsts for the South Korean manufacturer. One of them is eco-consciousness, and boy does the Niro promise as a hybrid vehicle.
Under the skin of this thing lies the first-ever dedicated eco platform from Kia, a vehicle architecture engineered independently of all existing platforms in the Kia stable. It is designed around a hybrid powertrain made up of a 1.56 lithium-ion polymer battery driving a 32 kW electric motor, a 1.6 GDI four-cylinder gasoline-fed powerplant, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The engine produces 105 PS and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft). As for total hybrid system output, you’re looking at a combined 141 PS and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque available in first gear. There’s no information available on how much eco-friendly this combo is, but Kia set a target of 89 grams of CO2 per kilometer. By comparison, the European version of the all-new Toyota Prius emits 76 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
After it goes on sale in select markets on the Old Continent in the third quarter of 2016, the South Korean automaker will offer an optional towing package for the Niro by the end of the year. Tick it off the options list and the Kia Niro becomes an instant hit with caravaners thanks to 1,300 kg (2,866 pounds) of towing capacity.
When it comes to exterior styling, the crossover-like body shell and quirky design cues are good enough in my book. The somewhat long wheelbase (2,700 mm) offers generous accommodation for four people and just enough space for five. The Niro slots under the Sportage in terms of size, though it has a larger footprint than that of a Cee’d hatchback.
Regarding the second of two firsts for the brand, the all-new Kia Niro is the model that introduces Android Auto to the Kia lineup. More information on this eco-friendly machine is available in the release below.
The engine produces 105 PS and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft). As for total hybrid system output, you’re looking at a combined 141 PS and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque available in first gear. There’s no information available on how much eco-friendly this combo is, but Kia set a target of 89 grams of CO2 per kilometer. By comparison, the European version of the all-new Toyota Prius emits 76 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
After it goes on sale in select markets on the Old Continent in the third quarter of 2016, the South Korean automaker will offer an optional towing package for the Niro by the end of the year. Tick it off the options list and the Kia Niro becomes an instant hit with caravaners thanks to 1,300 kg (2,866 pounds) of towing capacity.
When it comes to exterior styling, the crossover-like body shell and quirky design cues are good enough in my book. The somewhat long wheelbase (2,700 mm) offers generous accommodation for four people and just enough space for five. The Niro slots under the Sportage in terms of size, though it has a larger footprint than that of a Cee’d hatchback.
Regarding the second of two firsts for the brand, the all-new Kia Niro is the model that introduces Android Auto to the Kia lineup. More information on this eco-friendly machine is available in the release below.
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