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Spy Video: 2016 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV Testing at Nurburgring

Today, we spotted the test prototype of the 2016 Kia Niro for the first time. This is a brand new type of car from Korea that targets a segment that isn't even defined yet: small hybrid crossover SUVs.
2016 Kia Niro Hybrid SUV 26 photos
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
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While Hyundai is working on a direct rival for the Prius in the same shape as the Toyota icon, Kia is targeting the people who would otherwise buy a Renault Captur or even their own Kia Soul model.

Our cameras caught the small soft-roader rolling onto the green hell itself, but also around Kia's R&D center close to this location. At one point, an electric mode was even used. The "GG HY 255" number plates have been registered as a hybrid, but we don't know which type of engine or drive is used.

The Niro is, however, developed on a proprietary Kia platform and may be built in Korea using input gathered from Soul EV customers. At launch, it will be 100% hybrid, but after a few years a larger battery will be used to introduce the PHEV chargeable model.

It will be quite interesting to see how Kia manages to combine practicality and style. Unlike on the original Niro concept, the greenhouse is tall to provide maximum visibility. However, front end design is very aggressive and distinctive.

Everybody knows that the Prius is as interesting to look at as a potato, especially the older models. That's why Kia wants to offer something that's funky and distinctive, not just economical.

As far as the size, the Niro will fit between the FWD-only Soul and the Sportage. Measuring about 4,350mm in total, it may compete with the sporty-looking Mazda CX-3 and its new 1.5-liter diesel engine. Expect a full unveil to happen in early 2016.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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