Kia Niro hybrid makes its European debut at Geneva

The new petrol-electric platform uses 55% of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), including reinforcement in the A- and B-pillars as well as the roof rails, to reduce weight and increase durability. AHSS was also used to engineer other elements, including the unusual lightweight seat frames.

Engineers brought down the overall weight by using aluminium for the bonnet, tailgate and several suspension elements including the front lower control arms, front and rear knuckles, and in the brake calipers.

Detail tweaks such as a parking brake pedal made from fibre-reinforced plastic contributes to the weight savings. Kia also eliminated the traditional 12-volt battery found in conventional cars to reduce weight, instead, utilising the 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.

The battery itself is situated underneath the rear seats to maximise cabin and cargo space and allow for a flat floor in the load bay. The Niro offers 421 litres of space with the rear seats in place. The fuel tank for the petrol engine has a 45-litre capacity.

Although the Niro sports a crossover body style, Kia said it was also designed “with aerodynamics in mind” and has a drag coefficient of 0.29.

The Niro will be introduced under Kia’s EcoDynamics sub-brand, the name of which appears on many of its most frugal models.

Like the rest of Kia’s lineup, the Niro will be offered with a suite of technology including blind spot detection; adaptive cruise control; lane departure warning and autonomous emergency braking.

The petrol-hybrid SUV was jointly designed by Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea. It will rival a disparate group of cars when it hits UK roads in early 2017, including the Toyota Prius.

Key design details include the relatively wide stance, which Kia says conveys “stability and a low centre of gravity” and the long wheelbase, which reduces the front and rear overhangs for a more dynamic look, while also allowing for maximised interior space.

At the front Kia’s signature grille is present, flanked by aggressively shaped headlights. It also gets the flared wheel arches, rocker cladding, roof rails and a rear skid plate that are de rigeur in the crossover segment.

Artur Martins, Kia’s European marketing director, explained why the Korean manufacturer had chosen a crossover design for the Niro: “Good design will be important if this segment is to grow to 700,000 vehicles in Europe by 2020 as we expect. The segment depends on good products; there’s a consensus that people like the idea of the powertrains but don’t feel the design of car fits in with these expectations. The powertrain is very futuristic, but the design is not.

“People still buy cars mainly for the design. This is a good combination of design and powertrain. I think we can be successful, and this is a good opportunity. At the moment the restrictions on hybrids being successful isn’t the powertrain, it’s the design.”

The interior features an elevated seating position similar to that of the Soul, with a minimalist cabin design in line with many modern hybrids. The interior will be a single-tone cabin, available either in black or dark grey, and upholstered in cloth, a mix of cloth and leather or full leather.

Kia says there is 1117mm of legroom for front passengers and 950mm in the rear, with a 1800mm-wide body providing occupants with 1423mm of shoulder room in the front and 1402mm in the rear. The manufacturer is also claiming “class-leading” headroom, with up to 1049mm in the front and 993mm in the rear.

There will be a choice of a 7in or 8in touchscreen infotainment system, with optional navigation. Both systems support Bluetooth smartphone and audio connectivity and DAB digital radio and are connected to a six-speaker audio system. There’s also an option of a 320-watt JBL eight-speaker audio system.

The new Niro will also be the latest model from the company to adopt Kia’s Connected Services. This new connectivity package offers drivers a wide range of up-to-date information, including live traffic updates, speed camera locations and alerts, local point-of-interest search and weather forecasts. Available in cars equipped with the optional navigation system, Kia’s Connected Services will be available free of charge for European buyers for seven years after the car’s purchase.