Kia keeps hitting homerun after homerun with the new models it has been releasing lately, but its newest addition will take the brand into a previously unexplored segment. When it comes to the red-hot subcompact crossover market, the Kia Soul is probably the closest thing Kia has to compete in, but a more traditional crossover is about to slot in below the compact Sportage. It goes by the name Niro and, more important, it’s a hybrid.
Previewed by the KX3 Concept that was unveiled at the 2014 Guangzhou Motor Show in China (itself inspired by the 2013 Kia Niro Concept), the Niro was unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show, where Kia showcased a range of green vehicles that also includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Optima. But unlike the four-door sedan, the Niro rides on the company’s first dedicated hybrid architecture, one that’s supposed to triple Kia’s global green car lineup by 2020.
"The Niro hits the sweet spot by offering the best combination of outstanding mpg, an engaging driving experience, utility, and most importantly, a stunning design that doesn’t shout ‘hybrid,’" said Orth Hedrick, vice president product planning KMA. “The subcompact CUV market continues to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, and the Niro offers a uniquely alluring yet practical package that consumers haven’t seen before.”
Granted, the Niro makes a lot of sense in today’s growing crossover market, but does it have what it takes to draw in customers from the established nameplates? Keep reading to find out more about that.
Updated 02/11/2016: Kia dropped the official details on the 2017 Niro at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show.
Continue reading to find out more about the Kia Niro.
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