Photo: Kia
Only a couple of weeks after making its global debut in Chicago, the Kia Niro is going to appear at the Geneva Motor Show 2016 in front of its first European customers. Considering demand for hybrids is growing faster in the UK, Germany or France than it is in the United States, the Niro could feel right at home.
We've already detailed the Niro in a previous article, so we'll quickly examine the specs. This is Kia's first subcompact crossover that's powered by a hybrid engine. Think of it as a Nissan Juke crossed with a Prius and you'll have a clear picture. Under its hood is a 1.6-liter engine rated at just over 100 horsepower, a 32 kW electric motor and a six-speed double-clutch transmission, not a typical CVT.
By itself, the 1.6-liter generates 105 PS and 147 Nm of torque. But when the electric motor is energized by the 1.56 kWh battery, the total output rides to 141 PS and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. We don't have any performance numbers, but expect 0 to 100 km/h in around 9 seconds and a top speed that's close to 190 km/h (118 mph).
The Niro is based on the first eco-car platform developed by Hyundai and Kia. It shares several components with the Ioniq, including the engine and battery. The crossover's hood, tailgate, front control arms, front and rear knuckles are all made from aluminum, while over half of the body is made of high-strength steel. The engine runs the Atkinson cycle for better efficiency and features exhaust gas recirculation. This helps reduce emissions to 89 grams per kilometer (estimated), which is not as good as the Prius, but still very impressive.
We don't have the weight of the vehicle yet, but some dimensions have just become available. At 4,355mm long, the Kia Niro is about the size of a VW Golf and its wheelbase of 2,700mm is also typical of a compact hatchback. The ground clearance looks adequate and independent suspension at all corners should make it composed and comfortable.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “The Kia Niro will offer buyers a compelling blend of crossover practicality with the cool, modern styling for which Kia is famous, and an efficient new hybrid powertrain to keep running costs down. The Niro fills a gap in the market for a crossover with typically low hybrid emissions, and will appeal to a broad range of European buyers.”
By itself, the 1.6-liter generates 105 PS and 147 Nm of torque. But when the electric motor is energized by the 1.56 kWh battery, the total output rides to 141 PS and 264 Nm (195 lb-ft) of torque. We don't have any performance numbers, but expect 0 to 100 km/h in around 9 seconds and a top speed that's close to 190 km/h (118 mph).
The Niro is based on the first eco-car platform developed by Hyundai and Kia. It shares several components with the Ioniq, including the engine and battery. The crossover's hood, tailgate, front control arms, front and rear knuckles are all made from aluminum, while over half of the body is made of high-strength steel. The engine runs the Atkinson cycle for better efficiency and features exhaust gas recirculation. This helps reduce emissions to 89 grams per kilometer (estimated), which is not as good as the Prius, but still very impressive.
We don't have the weight of the vehicle yet, but some dimensions have just become available. At 4,355mm long, the Kia Niro is about the size of a VW Golf and its wheelbase of 2,700mm is also typical of a compact hatchback. The ground clearance looks adequate and independent suspension at all corners should make it composed and comfortable.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “The Kia Niro will offer buyers a compelling blend of crossover practicality with the cool, modern styling for which Kia is famous, and an efficient new hybrid powertrain to keep running costs down. The Niro fills a gap in the market for a crossover with typically low hybrid emissions, and will appeal to a broad range of European buyers.”
Google News