Kia has released the first images of its new hybrid crossover.
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Although the Niro will be hybrid-only in its home market of South Korea, expect traditional petrol and diesel powertrains to be offered as well elsewhere, as well as a plug-in hybrid later on as part of the company’s goal to improve its corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) by over 25% by the year 2020.
Like Toyota, Kia has always been without compact SUV to rival popular new models such as the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.
Kia calls it “practicality and aesthetic allure”, in a new model the carmaker prefers to label a “Hybrid Utility Vehicle” (HUV) over the more common “SUV” tag. The company delivered some sketches a few months back but now the teaser photos shed more light on the body – we can clearly see we’re dealing with a compact crossover that has taken the DNA of the 2017 Sportage. The Niro name has also been employed previously by the carmaker on a concept dating from 2013.
They did not mention the powertrain details but rumors suggest that it will be coming in with a 1.6 liter four cylinder engine that will come paired with a 47hp electric motor. It’s pitched to achieve a sub-90g/km Carbon dioxide emissions rating.
The USA’s biggest motor show, the North American International Auto Show, was the event of choice for Kia to “tease” its latest world-beater, the all-new Niro compact SUV.
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Kia intends to reach this feat thanks to the car’s gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. Let us know in the comments section below…
