Goes on sale in Europe in Q3 2016.
Following its world premiere at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show last month, the Kia Niro has made its European debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It's the company's first dedicated hybrid vehicle.
Featuring the signature 'tiger-nose' grille, characteristically wide C-pillar and a very familiar yet distinctive design, the Kia Niro measures 4,355 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,535 mm in height. Thanks to short front and rear overhangs (870 and 785 mm, respectively), the crossover offers a 2,700 mm long wheelbase. In Europe, the Kia Niro will be available with a choice of seven colours, and an option of 16- or 18-inch alloy wheel design.
The interior will be available with a single-tone look in either black or dark grey, and upholstery in cloth, cloth and leather, or full genuine leather. Noteworthy technology features include 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with optional navigation, Human Machine Interface (HMI) functions, Android Auto smartphone integration compatibility and six-speaker audio system (8-speaker JBL audio system optional).
The Kia Niro's hybrid powertrain comprises of the 1.6-litre Kappa GDI four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 105 PS (77 kW) and 147 Nm (108 lb.-ft.) of torque and an electric motor that generates 44 PS (32 kW) and 170 Nm (125 lb.-ft.) of torque. Both energy sources together produce 141 PS (104 kW). The electric motor gets its power from a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission which is based on the same architecture as the company's new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission featured in the facelifted Kia cee'd that was introduced last year. Performance and fuel economy figures were not announced.
The Kia Niro will go on sale in Europe in Q3 2016. It will be manufactured at the company's plant in Hwasung, South Korea starting May 2016.
