Kia Niro
| Kia Niro | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Kia Motors |
| Production | 2016– |
| Model years | 2017– |
| 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) |
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] 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]
References
- ^ Meiners, Jens (August 29, 2013). "Kia Niro Concept". Car and Driver. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ Cupler, Justin (August 9, 2013). "2013 Kia Niro Concept". Top Speed. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ "2013 Niro Concept". Kia. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ Garlitos, Kirby (November 21, 2014). "2014 Kia KX3 Concept". Top Speed. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ Wendler, Andrew (February 11, 2016). "2017 Kia Niro Hybrid Debuts, Spearheading New Green Lineup". Car and Driver. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ Joseph, Noah (February 11, 2014). "Kia Niro crossover is the company's first dedicated hybrid". Autoblog. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ McCormick, John (February 11, 2014). "Green Day For Kia Niro, Optima Plug-In Hybrid". Forbes. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
- ^ Florea, Ciprian (February 11, 2016). "2017 Kia Niro". Top Speed. Retrieved February 14, 2016.