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2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Unveiled with 1.6L Engine and 50 MPG Combined Estimate

After taking a long, hard look at the hybrid car market, Kia believes it can do things better than the competition. The 2017 Niro is green, but not in the same sense as a Toyota Prius.
2017 Kia Niro Hybrid 25 photos
Photo: Kia
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The model unveiled today at the Chicago Auto Show is Kia's first to be built on a dedicated hybrid car platform. It's directly related to the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid and also shares its powertrain. Under the hood sits the new 1.6-liter Kappa GDi making 103 horsepower and running on the more efficient Atkinson Cycle. Between it and the six-speed twin-clutch transmission lies a 43 hp electric motor, which Kia calls a transmission-mounted electric device (TMED).

Together, they deliver a maximum output of 146 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque (264 Nm). That's decent, considering the 2016 Prius offers similar numbers while using a bigger 1.8-liter. Kia says that it chose to match a dual-clutch gearbox to the motor because it leverages the narrow optimum range of operation over multiple gear ratios.

While the 1.6-liter Kappa engine is not as powerful as what you find on the Rio, it knows some tricks. Engineers have fitted it with an exhaust gas recirculation system as well as an exhaust heat recovery system to deal with cold starts faster. For now, we only have one mile per gallon number, the estimated 50 mpg target.

Of course, the engine isn't the only clever bit that helps reduce your fuel bills. The Niro is built differently from all the other Kias. While it falls under the EcoDynamics sub-brand, it's the first bespoke car and uses 53% high-strength steel. The Niro also has an aluminum hood, tailgate, front control arms, front and rear knuckles. The unique platform also allows Kia to make a plug-in hybrid version that should arrive next year.

But the design of the car is the most difficult to explain. While the all-new Prius is a crazy mixture of lines, the Niro is very conservative. Not only that, but it takes the shape of a crossover, a subcompact one at that. Designed in Irvine, California, and Hwaseong, South Korea, the Noro has a definite resemblance to the Soul and the Sportage (from the back). Inside, it looks like Kia tried to combine existing switches and buttons with a minimalist appearance. Wireless charging and an array of safety systems will make it one of the most technologically advanced cars in this segment.

“The Niro hits the sweet spot by offering the best combination of outstanding mpg, an engaging driving experience, utility, and most importantly, a stunning design that doesn’t shout ‘hybrid,’,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president product planning KMA. “The subcompact CUV market continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, and the Niro offers a uniquely alluring yet practical package that consumers haven’t seen before.”
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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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