Kia Niro


The Kia Niro is a hybrid subcompact crossover manufactured by Kia Motors since 2016. A plug in version was launched in the United Kingdom in the end of 2017, and in the United States in the beginning of 2018, with an electric version launched in 2018.

Development

Concept (2013)

The Kia Niro concept debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show. The car, designed almost entirely by Peter Schreyer at Kia's Frankfurt studio, is a sporty three door subcompact crossover, with butterfly doors that open into the roof panel.
The front wheels are powered by the 1.6 litre Gamma inline-4 producing mated with a seven speed rotary-shifted dual-clutch transmission, while a 45 hp electric hybrid system powers the rear wheels when driving in rougher road conditions.

KX–3 Concept

The Kia KX–3 concept followed at the November 2014 Guangzhou Auto Show. Inspired by the earlier Niro concept, it has grown larger in size into a compact SUV, measuring long and wide. A turbocharged 1.6 litre engine delivers power to all four wheels via a seven speed dual clutch transmission.

Production version

The 2017 Kia Niro was unveiled at the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. A subcompact hybrid utility vehicle, the model's exterior design is marketed as "un hybrid", saying it is more conventional than other hybrid cars.
The Niro uses a hybrid powertrain producing altogether 139 hp, and returns a fuel economy of by also using lightweight materials, including high strength steel and aluminium. Its battery has a capacity of 1.56 kWh, and a weight of 33 kg.
A plug in version is offered as well since September 2018, featuring an 8.9 kWh battery. The Kia Niro and Niro Plug in Hybrid form part of Kia hybrid range, that also includes the Optima Plug-in Hybrid and Optima Sportswagon Plug-in Hybrid. The Kia Niro went on sale in South Korea on 31 March 2016. In its first month on sale, the Niro hit an all time sales record in the green car market in South Korea, even beating the Hyundai Ioniq.

Engine

Kia Niro EV (electric">electric car">electric version)

An all electric version of the Niro was launched in 2018 at International Electric Vehicle Expo in Korea, named Niro EV in Asia and North America and e-Niro in Europe.
It shares powertrain and battery configuration with the Hyundai Kona Electric. Niro EV is available in two battery versions: 39,2 kWh and 64 kWh. The batteries are liquid-cooled lithium ion polymer. Batteries are manufactured/supplied by SK Innovation, which is different than the Kona Electric.
The 39,2 kWh version is propelled by 100 kW permanent-magnet electric motor with 395 Nm of torque and can travel up to 288 km on one charge according to WLTP, while the 64 kWh version offers 455 km of WLTP range and has a more powerful 150 kW motor producing the same amount of torque. Both cars are front-wheel drive. In the US, the Niro EV has an official EPA range of 239 miles on a full charge.
Both versions have a CCS charge port which enables DC fast charging at up to 100 kW. The on board charger power is 7.2 kW or optionally 11 kW.

Safety

;Euro NCAP
Euro NCAP test results for a LHD variant on a registration from 2016:
TestScorePoints
Overall:
Adult occupant:83%31.8
Child occupant:80%39.6
Pedestrian:57%24.3
Safety assist:59%7.1

2016 Guinness World Record

In December 2016, the Niro officially received a Guinness World Records title for the lowest fuel consumption by a hybrid vehicle, as it traveled from Los Angeles to New York City with a fuel consumption record of 76.6 mpg. This record had last been held by the Kia Optima Hybrid in 2011, with a fuel consumption average of 64.55 mpg.

Reception

Popular Mechanics named the 2019 Kia Niro EV as its 2019 Car of the Year, praising it for its normal looks, 239 miles range, and that it can use Volkswagen Group of America's Electrify America chargers to allow the car to be used on long car trips.

Sales