Kia Niro Hybrid SUV: First look with a Niro design sketch

The first look at a new hybrid SUV from Kia – the Kia Niro – has been revealed ahead of an expected debut in early 2016, perhaps at the Detroit Motor Show.

The Kia Niro design sketch (above) may give us the first look at a new Kia Hybrid SUV/Crossover, but it looks to bear little resemblance to the Nissan Juke rivalling Niro Concept we saw a couple of years ago.

In fact, this Niro sketch – which previews a production model expected to debut in early 2016 – looks more akin to a Qashqai than a Juke.

Sitting on a new platform developed by Hyundai for hybrid models, the Niro is dubbed a Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) by Kia, and said to offer the practicality of a compact SUV with much improved economy and, at least according to Kia, ‘stand-out’ styling.

Whether the styling of the Niro is stand-out or not, it is clearly a Kia, with its Tiger nose grill and looks that owe more than a passing nod to the Sportage, a wide stance, short overhangs and decent room inside.

Powering the Niro will be Kia’s 1.6 litre Kappa petrol engine with 103bhp mated to an electric motor delivering another 43bhp driving through a six-speed double-clutch gearbox, with sub 90g/km emissions. Initially the setup will be a regular hybrid, but a plug-in version will arrive later.

Hyoung-Keun Lee, Kia CEO, said:

Our new model is designed to offer buyers everything they could want from a compact SUV in terms of practicality and styling, while providing the typically low running costs associated with a dedicated hybrid powertrain.
By encouraging our engineers to take a ‘blank canvas’ approach, we have tried to develop a car that will appeal to a broader range of consumers.

The Kia Nero will be revealed in production guise early in 2016, with a roll-out to global markets later in the year.