The team at Kia have been busy working away on a new hybrid crossover. It’s called the Niro, and here is our first glimpse of what it might look like.
Previewed in this pair of teaser renderings, Kia says the Niro will be a dedicated hybrid crossover, powered by an engine based on Hyundai’s 1.6L ‘Kappa’ engine, producing 78kW (105hp) and 146Nm (108lb-ft) of torque. Such a small amount of power, but it will at least be paired to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission to help make good use of every last bit of it, plus it’ll also have an electric motor – good for another 35kW (47 hp) which itself is powered by a 1.56-kWh battery pack.
If the design sketches are anything to go by, the Niro could potentially be a very sleek looking vehicle. Up front, you’ll see the brand’s signature tiger-nose grille, angular headlights, sculpted flanks, a relatively high belt line, and an aggressive rear end. But you can expect the wheels and tyres on the final vehicle to be a bit smaller and narrower, to reduce rolling resistance.
The Niro name was previously applied to a more rounded crossover concept unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The production model with its hybrid powertrain will form part of Hyundai-Kia’s endeavour to reduce its average fleet fuel consumption by 25 percent by 2020. It’s slated to launch in some markets in the first half of next year.