The all-new Kia Niro will make its European debut at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show (86 Salon International de l’Automobile) on 1 March.
An all-new low-emissions hybrid crossover, the Niro marks the development of Kia’s first dedicated eco-car platform.
The Kia Niro will offer the practicality and kerbside appeal of a spacious crossover, together with the high fuel efficiency of an advanced hybrid powertrain. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle, its attractive, modern design will help the car stand out among conservatively-styled hybrid rivals.
The Niro’s all-new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains. While the Niro’s hybrid powertrain – made up of a 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine, lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 32 kW electric motor and six-speed double-clutch transmission – is under development, Kia’s engineers are targeting CO2 emissions of 89 g/km*.
An all-new addition to Kia’s design-led product range, and without precedent in the Kia line-up, the Kia Niro is distinguished by a brand new form. The styling of the Niro was led by Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea and incorporates the practicality and aesthetic allure of a compact crossover, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and subtly sculptured surfaces.
With its aerodynamic, crossover-inspired silhouette, subtly sculptured surfaces and sharp, modern lines, the Niro is nevertheless instantly recognisable as a Kia. The new model bears the latest evolution of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as the brand’s characteristically wide C-pillar and a series of other signature design cues.
Sporting a compact SUV shape, the Niro features smooth, sleek proportions, while its relatively wide stance portrays stability and a low centreof gravity. With a relatively long bonnet, short overhangs, elevated headlamps and rising shoulder line, the Niro’s athletic crossover stance represents a shift away from other hybrid cars on the market today. The Niro’s silhouette tapers slightly towards the rear of the vehicle, ending in a subtle rear roof spoiler, elevated tail-lamps and a wide, squared-off rear bumper. Combined with bold wheel arches, the design places greater visual volume over the rear haunches.
Designed principally for efficient aerodynamic performance, the Niro’s body allows for a low drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd – making it more aerodynamic than many other hybrid rivals. Its relatively long wheelbase (2,700 mm) and short front and rear overhangs (870 and 785 mm, respectively) also ensure occupants enjoy generous interior space.
The Kia Niro occupies a new space within the brand’s model line-up in terms of its size. The Niro is 4,355 mm in length, 1,800 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall, making it smaller overall than the all-new Kia Sportage, though occupying a larger footprint than the cee’d hatchback.
For Europe, the Kia Niro will be available with a choice of seven colours, and buyers can choose from a selection of 16- or 18-inch alloy wheel designs.
The all-new cabin of the Kia Niro has been designed to give an impression of space and modernity, with a wide dashboard and defined horizontal lines. The Niro follows the most recent Kia models in offering high quality, soft-touch materials throughout the interior.
Clear lines running the width of the cabin separate the different areas of the dashboard, with the instrument binnacle and HMI (human-machine interface) system situated along the same parallel, and a column of controls located beneath, incorporating heating and ventilation and switches for key driver assistive systems. The horizontal layout of the dashboard serves to draw the viewers’ eyes along the width of the cabin, for a greater impression of spaciousness, while the ergonomic centre console is angled slightly towards the driver.
The Kia Niro will be available with a single-tone cabin, available either in black or dark grey, and upholstered in cloth, cloth and leather or full genuine leather.
