Kia may be relatively young automobile company, but they are working very fast to catch the biggest automotive names. The carmaker plans to add one more crossover SUV that will be slatted between Soul and Sportage models. However, the new vehicle won’t just the ordinary and traditional SUV, but an amazing hybrid crossover, which will be named the 2017 Kia Niro.
2017 Kia Niro: Styling and Features
Compact SUV category is actually the fastest-growing vehicle segment at the moment, but the hybridization and electrification of vehicles is absolutely the main goal of all car manufacturers. At the moment, the 2017 Kia Niro may be just the new Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV), but since the crossover offers some great features, there is a big chance to become world-popular. The 2017 Niro will likely get pretty the same exterior styling as the KX3 Concept. It means that the compact body features sporty, aggressive and smooth lines at the same time. The front end looks really powerful and aerodynamic, and the SUV’s “tiger-nose” grille slowly becomes carmakers trademark.
2017 Niro: Drivetrain Specs
The wide hood and the low center of gravity provide a mighty feel, which will be followed by a strong engine. The drivetrain will combine a 1.6-liter “Kappa” four-cylinder engine rated at 104 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque and an electric motor with 32 KW. The motor will be paired to a 1.56-kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, while the powertrain sends the power to all four wheels through six-speed, double-clutch transmission. The carmaker said that the 2017 Kia Niro will use a new ultra-light and ultra-strong platform, which will make the crossover highly efficient and environmentally friendly.
Price and Arrival
Kia’s new crossover SUV will come sometime next year, and the first speculations indicate that the price almost certainly starts under $20,000, which will be absolutely fantastic.
Updated 01/13/2016: Kia’s Niro hybrid crossover will make its debut at the upcoming 2016 Chicago Auto Show, but before the official presentation, the car manufacturer has released a few teaser shots.
