Built to be a hybrid crossover from day one, Kia's engineers designed the Niro in such a way that unwanted noises and vibrations are avoided through means of many changes to the structure of the car including thick insulation under the bonnet. The energy regeneration system is integrated more closely into the braking system in order to make the crossover perform more like a conventional car.
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| Kia Niro Concept, 2013 |
The 102 bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine is paired with a transmission-mounted electric motor to produce a complete output of 144 bhp and 264 Nm. On the subject of transmission, Kia has steered clear of the whining continuously variable transmission (CVT) in favour of a more familiar 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which gives the driver a sense of freedom, particularly when it comes to getting the power to the road through the front wheels.
The Niro is to be seen more as a useable, everyday hybrid with pleasantly surprising running costs, such as CO2 emissions of 89 g/km and an estimated 60+ mpg.
The 1.56 kWh battery pack is stored under the rear seats which results in a very practical flat floor for loading items into the rear of the car. The 2.7 metre wheelbase is 12 cm longer than that of the Škoda Yeti and 16 cm longer than the Peugeot 2008's. It even trumps the Nissan Qashqai with an additional 5 cm. What this should mean in the real world is an impressive amount of legroom for rear seat occupants.
Up front, the simple and uncluttered design makes information easily obtainable by the driver. Dense seat cushioning helps provide a more pleasant journey, combined with a Kia Soul-like high driving position, making the driver feel like he or she is looking down over the rest of the traffic.
The iconic tiger-nose grille and sharp headlights make it an obvious addition to the Kia lineup. It's almost as if the recently released Sportage shows what's possible and the Niro cools it off and brings it back down to earth. Its wide and low stance and exaggerated roofline make it almost a competitor of the Infiniti QX50.
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| Infiniti QX50 |
The Niro will be available with a 7-inch touchscreen complete with Android Auto and CarPlay, but more sophisticated technology includes a blind spot monitoring system, lane changing assist and departure warning, autonomous emergency breaking and a smart cruise control system.
The Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System) comprises of a Coasting Guide and Predictive Energy Control, which utilise satellite navigation-based information usually reserved for higher end brands in order to monitor changes in the terrain, all with the aim of achieving the best fuel efficiency.
Although smaller than the Sportage, the Niro is expected to sit between the Sportage and Sorento when it comes to price as the hybrid technology inevitably comes at a premium - think £24-26,000.
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