8/15/2023 0 Comments Hybrid crossover 2017![]() Its lines split the difference between those of a conventional wagon and a genuine utility vehicle. The shape of the Niro isn't as tall, bluff, and slab-sided as the very popular Kia Soul tall wagon, which occupies roughly the same footprint. Kia quotes combined power output at 146 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque.Ī 1.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery sits under the rear seat, sending energy to the motor to power the Niro-whether by itself or in combination with the engine-as well as storing otherwise wasted energy captured through regenerative braking. In between those two components, a 32-kilowatt (43-hp) electric motor contributes its own torque and can propel the car on its own under some driving conditions. The Kia Niro is powered by a 103-horsepower direct-injected 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, running on the ultra-efficient Atkinson cycle, combined with the company's own six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The added weight would likely cut the combined fuel economy rating to less than the benchmark 50 mpg, but if AWD proves to be a market necessity, we predict Kia will add it.ĪLSO SEE: 2017 Hyundai Ioniq: Dark-Horse Competitor For Prius AND Bolt EV? That AWD system used a separate electric motor on the rear axle to supplement the hybrid powertrain driving the front wheels. Kia hasn't specified whether all-wheel drive will be available, usually a requirement in cold-weather states-although we expect an electric AWD system to be offered in the future, likely based on the system shown in Kia Soul-based Trail'ster concept shown at last year's Chicago Show. Still, the Niro isn't quite a full crossover utility vehicle. Kia is targeting an EPA rating of 50 mpg combined, an aggressive figure for a vehicle with more crossover looks and capabilities than your average hatchback. The Niro is said to offer quick responses and low, sporty roadholding for the category. The company focused on its driving pleasure and "normal" character, versus some of the stereotypical hybrid attributes that set them apart visually from other cars, as well as behind the wheel. Given that the larger, heavier Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid also launched today is close to the top of its class in all-electric range, at 27 miles, that leads to interesting speculation about the future plug-in version of the smaller Niro.īut here's what we know as of today's launch: Much of Kia's presentation centered on differentiating the Niro from "typical" hybrids. While dedicated hybrids have traditionally been hatchbacks-think Honda Insight, Toyota Prius, even the plug-in hybrid Chevrolet Volt-none have yet been designed as crossover utility vehicles.Įven better, Kia promises that there's a Niro plug-in hybrid version coming after the conventional hybrid launches late this year.ĭON'T MISS: 2017 Kia Optima Hybrids: Details On 27-Mile Plug-In Hybrid Under the hood, the Niro boasts a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine coupled to an electric motor powered by a 1.56-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion polymer battery.The 2017 Kia Niro "hybrid utility vehicle" revealed this morning at the Chicago Auto Show marks the South Korean brand's ambitious entry into dedicated hybrids. The drivetrain's ample power of 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque keeps things entertaining. Turn in is quick, while the suspension keeps things buckled down, minimizing roll through corners. It doesn't take long to realize the Niro handles nothing like the poster child for hybrid vehicles, the Toyota Prius. The road features gradual and tight bends featuring elevation changes that really give the chassis a workout. Nudging the center console shifter to the left summons the hybrid crossover's Sport mode, dialing in tighter steering with more aggressive throttle mapping and transmission shift behavior, proving helpful as I give chase to the Niro driver in front who has the same idea of testing the car's chops. The stretch of pavement proves to be a perfect opportunity to see if the 2017 Kia Niro handles as dynamically as the Korean automaker claims. Forty-five minutes outside of San Antonio, Texas, a yellow sign sits on the side of a country road with a curvy arrow warning of the not-so-straight path ahead.
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