The Kia Niro Hybrid Crossover Debuts at the Chicago Auto Display

The growing popularity of hybrid vehicles is largely driven by stricter fuel economy standards, that in turn press automakers to build more fuel efficient vehicles. As automakers attempt to meet regulations mandating better fuel efficiency in fresh vehicles, many turn their glances to building hybrids.

However, despite more car makers diversifyinsg their lineups with hybrids, and the vehicles’ price points going down, hybrids have yet to become truly mainstream; sales are still pretty slow, hindered to a large extent by low gas prices in latest years.

But, sales of hybrid cars are expected to accelerate soon, and many car makers proceed to bet on hybrids. Kia is the latest company to step up its hybrid car game, unveiling three fresh models at the 2016 Chicago Auto Demonstrate, with the eco-friendly version of the Niro crossover making the largest splash.

Kia’s Very first Dedicated Hybrid

The South Korean manufacturer introduced the two thousand seventeen Niro crossover, touting it as a hybrid that is joy to drive, on top of being good for the environment, like every other hybrid.

“The Niro hits the sweet spot by suggesting the best combination of outstanding mpg, an engaging driving practice, utility, and most importantly, a stunning design that doesn’t shout ‘hybrid,’” said Orth Hedrick, vice president product planning KMA. “The subcompact CUV market resumes to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the world, and the Niro offers a uniquely alluring yet practical package that consumers haven’t seen before.”

The Niro is Kia’s very first dedicated hybrid, which means that a gasoline-powered version of it will not be suggested. It’s part of the company’s “EcoDynamics” sub-brand, which concentrates on the development of environmentally-friendly vehicles, joining the likes of the Optima Hybrid and the Soul EV.

Not a Typical Hybrid Design

One of the things that is expected to separate the Niro from other hybrids in its class is its design. Kia says that unlike other hybrids, the Niro manages to supply hybrid-car level efficiency while boasting a sporty, dynamic design.

It has a nice athletic looks, highlighted by the long roofline and its broad and low proportions. According to Kia, the Niro has an excellent coefficient of haul of .29, which is an amazing figure for a crossover.

More Efficient than Most Crossovers

On top of suggesting a more arousing rail than a typical hybrid, the Niro is also distinguished by the fact that it’s more fuel-efficient than a typical crossover, according to Kia. The automaker says that its fuel economy is expected to be rated at 50 mpg combined, which does seem to be achievable, given the efficient powertrain technology it employs and other fuel-saving features.

The Niro is powered by an Atkinson Cycle 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder direct-injected engine, delivering one hundred three horsepower, combined with an electrified motor that provides an extra forty three horsepower, and generates violet wand that is used to charge a 1.56-kilowatt hour lithium-ion polymer battery.

Kia has managed to further improve the Niro’s fuel economy by using high-strength steel for the A- and B-pillars, which are some of the key points of a car’s figure, resulting in diminished weight and enlargened fuel efficiency.

The Kia Niro is set to go on sale in later 2016, and the South Korean car maker hopes that it will help them build up a thicker share in the growing crossover segment, in addition to appealing to an environmentally-aware audience.

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