The All-New Kia Niro gets it's priving and specification announced for the UK Market.

• Kia’s first dedicated hybrid and first ever hybrid in the UK
• Low-cost, high-efficiency motoring in a crossover-style package
• Built on an all-new platform and featuring an all-new powertrain
• Fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg with CO₂ emissions from 88g/km
• Available with the latest connectivity and driver assistance features
• Four models with prices starting at £21,295

Kia today shakes up the staid world of hybrid vehicles with the launch of the all-new Niro, priced from just £21,295. Niro combines the in-demand styling of a compact crossover vehicle with the low emissions and high fuel economy of a hybrid car. 

With CO₂ emissions as low as 88g/km and fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg, Niro will make a significant contribution in helping Kia meet its pledge to reduce the average emissions of its range by 25 per cent before 2020.

Niro is not based on any other Kia but is a dedicated hybrid model with an all-new platform which will only ever be used for electrified vehicles. It also has an all-new powertrain featuring a 1.6-litre, 104bhp internal combustion engine and a 43.5bhp electric motor driving through a six-speed double-clutch automatic transmission.

With its crossover design it is anything but a run-of-the-mill hybrid, however. The sleek crossover profile has a class-leading low drag coefficient (Cd) of just 0.29, while extensive use of high-strength steel and aluminium in the body construction helps to keep down weight. Both are significant factors in Niro's impressively low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Its horizontally structured interior exhibits high-quality fit and finish, and includes the latest connectivity and active safety technologies, including Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom, wireless smartphone charging, autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control and lane-keeping, blind spot and rear cross traffic warning systems. In a first for Kia, it also offers Android Auto, which links Android smartphones to Google Maps navigation, Google Play music, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition via pre-downloaded apps.    

Niro in the UK

Niro comes to the UK in a four-model line-up badged ‘1’, ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘First Edition’. All are comprehensively equipped with comfort, luxury, connectivity and driver assistance features. Every version has a Lane Keep Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, Cruise Control and a Speed Limiter. Every Niro also has a DAB radio and is able to support Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and music streaming.

Niro is the first Kia with Android Auto, which works with Android smartphones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Android Auto connects the user's smartphone to the car's infotainment system and, through pre-downloaded apps, gives access to a variety of services such as Google Maps navigation, Google Play music, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition.

In addition to its connectivity and driver assistance systems, grade ‘1’ comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, a high-gloss black radiator grille with a black and chrome surround, dual automatic air conditioning, an automatic windscreen de-fogging system, LED daytime running lights and tail lights, a 3.5-inch TFT supervision cluster, all-round electric windows and electric exterior mirror adjustment, USB and AUX ports and a trip computer.

Grade ‘2’ adds a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system with European mapping, a Reversing Camera and Kia Connected Services linked to TomTom®. This provides up-to-the-minute information on traffic hold-ups, weather, speed camera locations and local points of interest. Kia Connected Services is free for seven years from the time the car is bought. Grade ‘2’'s extensive standard specification also introduces high-gloss black trim highlights and a leather-covered steering wheel and gearshifter, black cloth and leather upholstery, roof rails, privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate, chrome interior and exterior door handles, reversing sensors, an under-floor tray, rain-sensing wipers, a ventilation duct in the rear of the cabin and electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors with LED indicators.

Further additions for grade ‘3’ are an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system with European mapping, a wireless mobile phone charger and an eight-speaker ® Premium sound system with an external amplifier. The step up to grade ‘3’ also brings 18-inch alloy wheels, black leather upholstery, front parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver's seat plus powered lumbar adjustment and stainless steel scuff sill plates.

Meanwhile, the top-of-the-range ‘First Edition’ version adds Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection with a Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Cruise Control. This model is also distinguished by unique grey leather trim, white interior trim inserts, a smart key and engine start/stop button, heated outer rear seats, ventilated front seats and an electric tilting and sliding sunroof.

Autonomous Emergency Braking and Smart Cruise Control are optionally available on grades ‘1’, ‘2’ and ‘3’ in an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) package. With these features fitted, Niro has been awarded a five-star crash-test rating by Euro NCAP.

Stand-out crossover styling comes to the world of hybrids

Until now, dedicated crossovers have largely been much of a muchness, shaped by aerodynamic considerations above style, practicality and desirability. But Kia does not do elevator music. When embarking on the Niro project it decided to go for a modern, attractive crossover body style with ample room for five people plus their luggage. One remarkable feat is that this has been achieved with a drag coefficient (Cd) of only 0.29, even on versions with roof rails.

The design features the subtly sculpted surfaces and sharp lines that instantly mark Niro out as a modern Kia, and includes the latest evolution of the brand's 'tiger-nose' grille as well as the familiar broad C-pillar. A wide stance gives pointers to the car's stability and low centre of gravity, while a long bonnet, short overhangs, elevated headlights and a rising shoulder line are other Kia hallmarks. The body tapers towards the rear, where bold wheel arches, a squared-off bumper with a diffuser section and high-mounted C-shaped tail lights emphasise Niro's crossover stance. There is body cladding beneath the front and rear bumpers, along the sides and around the wheel arches. A subtle roof spoiler aids the car's aerodynamics.

At 4,355mm long, 1,805mm wide and 1,535mm tall (1,545 with roof rails), the compact Niro sits between the cee'd hatchback and the all-new Sportage SUV in size. Yet with a 2,700mm wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs it provides generous interior space.

The styling of the high-quality interior features a wide dashboard set out on horizontal lines, with an upper display sector that houses the instrument panel and infotainment screen at the same height, separated by a cabin-wide trim line from the lower control area, where the heating and ventilation and driver assistance switches are located.

All-new hybrid powertrain promotes outstanding efficiency  

Niro's powertrain, like its design, marks it out as something different from the norm in dedicated hybrid vehicles. While it pairs a petrol engine with an electric motor like the majority of hybrids, drive to the front wheels is through a six-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox (6DCT) rather than the more commonly favoured continuously variable transmission (CVT). This gives more direct and immediate response with greater refinement, and incorporates a Manual Sports mode to allow keener drivers to select gears manually.   

The petrol engine is a new 1.6-litre direct-injection (GDI) unit, specifically engineered for use in hybrid cars. It develops 104bhp and 147Nm of torque, and conforms to Kia's policy of adopting high-efficiency downsized power units for all new models. The engine marks the first combination of an Atkinson combustion cycle, cooled exhaust gas recirculation, direct petrol injection and a long-stroke specification for maximum efficiency. The Atkinson cycle holds the intake valve open longer than in a normal Otto cycle engine and also reduces the compression ratio to extract a greater proportion of energy from the combustion process. Efficiency is further aided by an exhaust heat recovery system which speeds the engine warm-up process.   

The combustion engine is paired with a 32kW (43.5bhp) electric motor developing 170Nm of torque and powered by a 1.56kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Together, the two power units produce 139bhp, with 265Nm of torque available in first gear for rapid acceleration from standstill.

Niro is a parallel hybrid, which means that most of the time the petrol and electric power units work together. However, it can operate in all-electric mode for short distances when setting off, under gentle acceleration and when descending slopes or braking. A brake energy recovery system recoups energy normally dissipated as heat and stores it in the batteries for use later. The switch between all-electric, hybrid or petrol engine-only modes is seamless and varies according to the load being placed on the powertrain at any given time. This advanced powertrain ensures Niro is capable of up to 74.3mpg, with CO₂ emissions from only 88g/km.

The in-house 6DCT gearbox incorporates a new Transmission-Mounted Electric Device (TMED) which allows the full output of both power units to be transferred in parallel to the drive wheels, with minimal energy losses. This differs from the power-split system typical of CVT transmissions, which convert a portion of engine output for delivery through the electric motor, resulting in a loss of energy. TMED allows the hybrid system to access battery power directly at higher speeds for swifter response.

An all-new platform exclusively for electrified vehicles

There will be no combustion engine-only version of Niro. Its all-new platform has been engineered exclusively for electrified vehicles, and a plug-in hybrid version (PHEV) will be introduced for the 2017 model year. 

The platform has been designed to accommodate present and future electrical components within a compact vehicle footprint without intrusion into the spacious interior and luggage area. A slightly raised crossover-style seating position makes getting in and out easier and provides a superior view out.

The structure is particularly strong and includes 53 per cent advanced high-strength steel, which ensures that rigidity and safety do not compromise weight. This is aided by extensive use of aluminium for the bonnet, tailgate panel, front bumper back beam and several chassis elements, including the front knuckles, front lower arms and brake calipers. Even the parking brake pedal, which is made of fibre-reinforced plastic, contributes to the weight savings. To ensure body integrity and rigidity in critical areas, hot-stamped steel is used to reinforce the A- and B-pillars, roof rails and wheel arches.  

Thanks to the long, 2,700mm wheelbase there is generous space for five people plus 427 litres of luggage space (373 litres with luggage undertray), even with all five seats occupied, thanks to the location of the battery pack beneath the rear seat. This expands to 1,425 litres (1,371 with undertray) with the 60:40 split rear seats folded. The 45-litre fuel tank is located alongside the battery pack beneath the rear bench.

No compromise in comfort and refinement

By re-engineering certain existing components, Kia has been able to ensure that Niro has a unique chassis specifically designed for a hybrid while being the equal of the brand's other compact models for ride comfort, handling and refinement

Niro's road behaviour begins with fully independent suspension all round, based on MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement with dual lower arms at the rear. It has been tuned to deliver maximum on-centre steering feel, high-speed stability and immediate response to steering inputs.

Capitalising on the experience gained through the development of two generations of Optima hybrid (neither sold in the UK) plus the Soul EV, Kia has been able to give Niro consistent and linear deceleration characteristics and feel unusual in an electrified car. Electronic Stability Control and Vehicle Stability Management, which collectively control skids when cornering or accelerating on surfaces with uneven levels of grip from left to right, are standard.

Niro's exceptional refinement proved particularly challenging to perfect because of the hybrid powertrain. Contributing towards this are asymmetric engine mounts to minimise powertrain movements at the attachment points in the sub frame, high-density under-bonnet insulation, an acoustic shield with a special support structure to improve the sound of the combustion engine when accelerating in the most commonly used speed ranges, and the adoption of a 6DCT gearbox in place of a CVT.

Road noise is minimised by high-insulation rigid bushes in the front sub frame, high-strength steels in the rear wheel arches and additional insulation in the A- and B-pillars. The low drag co-efficient (Cd) of 0.29 contributes towards the suppression of wind noise, aided by laminated windscreen glass, a cowl over the front windscreen wipers, specially profiled door mirror casings and – as an example of the attention to detail of Kia's engineers – covers over the holes in the roof rack rails, which sit flush on the bodywork.

Market, warranty and after-care

Hybrid sales in the UK and mainland Europe have doubled over the past five years and are expected to reach 700,000 annually by the end of the decade. Niro ensures Kia is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this growing demand.

In keeping with every Kia, Niro comes with a unique-in-the-UK seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, subject to wear and tear conditions. The warranty – the best on any hybrid available in Britain – is fully transferable should the car be sold before the time or mileage limits have been reached.

Niro is available with Kia’s Care-3 and Care-3 Plus servicing packages, offering retail customers fixed-cost, inflation-proof servicing for three or five years. All work is carried out by trained technicians using genuine Kia replacement parts and specified oils. All packages cover the car, not the owner, so are transferable should the vehicle be sold.

UK Niro line-up

Model	Total power bhp	Total torque Nm	0–60 sec	Max speed mph	Average mpg	C02 g/km
‘1’ 1.6 GDi 1.57kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6DCT	139	265	11.1	101	74.3	88
‘2’ 1.6 GDi 1.57kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6DCT	139	265	11.1	101	74.3	88
‘3’ 1.6 GDi 1.57kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6DCT	139	265	11.1	101	64.2	101
‘First Edition’ 1.6 GDi 1.57kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6DCT	139	265	11.1	101	64.2	101

UK Niro pricing

Model	Insurance	Price
‘1’ 1.6 GDi 1.57kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6DCT	12	£21,295
‘2’ 1.6 GDi 1.57kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6DCT	12	£22,795
‘3’ 1.6 GDi 1.57kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6DCT	14	£24,695
‘First Edition’ 1.6 GDi 1.57kWh lithium-ion 139bhp 6DCT	12	£26,995

Optional metallic paint is chargeable at £545 (inc VAT)

Optional Advanced Driving Assistance Pack (ADAP) is chargeable at £350 (inc VAT). ADAP is standard on ‘First Edition’

The All-new Kia Niro to make European debut at 2016, 86th Geneva International Motor Show.

• All-new Kia Niro to make European debut at 2016 Geneva Motor Show
• Stand-out crossover design for the hybrid car market
• Dedicated hybrid powertrain specifically developed for all-new model
• Engineers targeting 89 g/km CO₂ emissions
• Predictive driving assistance maximises efficiency in all driving conditions
• Lightweight, high-strength steel and aluminium body for maximum safety and low NVH
• Infotainment options include Kia Connected Services and Android Auto™
• On-sale in Europe from Q3 2016

The all-new Kia Niro will make its European debut at the 2016 Geneva International Motor Show (86 Salon International de l’Automobile) on 1 March. An all-new low-emissions hybrid crossover, the Niro marks the development of Kia’s first dedicated eco-car platform.

The Kia Niro will offer the practicality and kerbside appeal of a spacious crossover, together with the high fuel efficiency of an advanced hybrid powertrain. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle, its attractive, modern design will help the car stand out among conservatively-styled hybrid rivals.

The Niro’s all-new platform has been engineered in isolation from existing Kia models, and is designed to accommodate a specific set of environmentally-conscious technologies and next-generation powertrains. While the Niro’s hybrid powertrain – made up of a 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine, lithium-ion polymer battery pack, 32 kW electric motor and six-speed double-clutch transmission – is under development, Kia’s engineers are targeting CO₂ emissions of 89 g/km*.

Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe, commented, “The Kia Niro will offer buyers a compelling blend of crossover practicality with the cool, modern styling for which Kia is famous, and an efficient new hybrid powertrain to keep running costs down. The Niro fills a gap in the market for a crossover with typically low hybrid emissions, and will appeal to a broad range of European buyers.”

Cole added: “Hybrid sales have more than doubled in Europe over the last five years, and are forecast to account for around 700,000 sales in Europe by 2020. The Niro will allow Kia to meet this growing demand for alternatively-fuelled vehicles, and help us meet our 2020 global target to improve average fleet fuel efficiency by 25% over 2014 levels.”

Stand-out crossover styling for the hybrid car market

An all-new addition to Kia’s design-led product range, and without precedent in the Kia line-up, the Kia Niro is distinguished by a brand new form. The styling of the Niro was led by Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea and incorporates the practicality and aesthetic allure of a compact crossover, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and subtly sculptured surfaces.

With its aerodynamic, crossover-inspired silhouette, subtly sculptured surfaces and sharp, modern lines, the Niro is nevertheless instantly recognisable as a Kia. The new model bears the latest evolution of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, as well as the brand’s characteristically wide C-pillar and a series of other signature design cues.

Sporting a compact SUV shape, the Niro features smooth, sleek proportions, while its relatively wide stance portrays stability and a low centreof gravity. With a relatively long bonnet, short overhangs, elevated headlamps and rising shoulder line, the Niro’s athletic crossover stance represents a shift away from other hybrid cars on the market today. The Niro’s silhouette tapers slightly towards the rear of the vehicle, ending in a subtle rear roof spoiler, elevated tail-lamps and a wide, squared-off rear bumper. Combined with bold wheel arches, the design places greater visual volume over the rear haunches.

Designed principally for efficient aerodynamic performance, the Niro’s body allows for a low drag coefficient of just 0.29 Cd – making it more aerodynamic than many other hybrid rivals. Its relatively long wheelbase (2,700 mm) and short front and rear overhangs (870 and 785 mm, respectively) also ensure occupants enjoy generous interior space.

The Kia Niro occupies a new space within the brand’s model line-up in terms of its size. The Niro is 4,355 mm in length, 1,800 mm wide and 1,535 mm tall, making it smaller overall than the all-new Kia Sportage, though occupying a larger footprint than the cee’d hatchback.

For Europe, the Kia Niro will be available with a choice of seven colours, and buyers can choose from a selection of 16- or 18-inch alloy wheel designs.

Modern, horizontal dashboard emphasises cabin space

The all-new cabin of the Kia Niro has been designed to give an impression of space and modernity, with a wide dashboard and defined horizontal lines. The Niro follows the most recent Kia models in offering high quality, soft-touch materials throughout the interior.

Clear lines running the width of the cabin separate the different areas of the dashboard, with the instrument binnacle and HMI (human-machine interface) system situated along the same parallel, and a column of controls located beneath, incorporating heating and ventilation and switches for key driver assistive systems. The horizontal layout of the dashboard serves to draw the viewers’ eyes along the width of the cabin, for a greater impression of spaciousness, while the ergonomic centre console is angled slightly towards the driver.

The Kia Niro will be available with a single-tone cabin, available either in black or dark grey, and upholstered in cloth, cloth and leather or full genuine leather.

Engineers targeting 89 g/km CO₂ emissions from advanced hybrid powertrain

In developing the Kia Niro HEV, engineering teams’ efforts have been principally focused on delivering class-leading fuel economy in the compact crossover segment. The Kia Niro combines its stylish design with low emissions and high fuel economy, with a target CO₂ emissions rating of 89 g/km (combined, based on Kia internal testing).

Conceived as a dedicated hybrid model, the Kia Niro HEV will achieve its ultra-low emissions levels and impressive fuel economy with a downsized hybrid powertrain. Kia’s 1.6-litre ‘Kappa’ GDI engine – producing 105 ps and 147 Nm torque – is paired with a 32 kW electric motor and a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. The powertrain’s combined 141 ps power output is applied to the road through a highly-efficient six-speed double-clutch transmission (6DCT), with a maximum 264 Nm (195 lb ft) torque available in first gear for decisive off-the-line acceleration.

The new engine marks the first combination of the Atkinson combustion cycle, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), petrol direct injection and a long-stroke-narrow-bore specification to maximise efficiency. Efficiency and emissions are further improved via the Niro’s exhaust heat recovery system, which speeds engine warm-up by routing coolant to a heat exchanger in the exhaust system

The transmission is the latest version of Kia’s 6DCT, based on the same architecture as Kia’s efficient new 7DCT, developed in-house for the recently-upgraded Kia cee’d. The 6DCT has been re-engineered specifically for use with the Niro’s advanced hybrid powertrain, delivering a more direct and immediate response – and a more entertaining drive – than a traditional continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The Niro’s 6DCT is able to shift gears automatically, while keener drivers can pull the gear lever towards them to put the car into Manual Sports mode and allow manual shifting.

For the 6DCT’s application in the Niro, the layout and gear train have been redesigned for light weight and compact size. New low-friction bearings and low-viscosity transmission fluid help reduce mechanical friction for quicker reaction times, while also reducing mechanical noise.

Kia has engineered a new Transmission-Mounted Electric Device (TMED) to allow the DCT to work best with the hybrid powertrain. The TMED allows the full output of both the engine and electric motor to be transferred in parallel through the transmission, with minimal loss of energy. This differs from a power-split system, which converts a portion of engine output for delivery through the electric motor, resulting in a loss from energy conversion, as is typical of a CVT-based hybrid. The application of the new TMED also allows the hybrid system to access the battery’s power directly at higher speeds, for more immediate accelerative response.

Advanced battery pack with energy-saving and harvesting technologies

The 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack is the lightest and most efficient pack used by Kia to date, with up to 50% higher energy density and 13% greater energy efficiency than the battery packs found in key rivals. Weighing just 33 kg, the Niro’s battery pack – with an advanced power relay – allows the battery to regenerate electrical energy under deceleration.

High stability and engaging handling from fully-independent suspension

The Kia Niro has been engineered independently to other Kia models, with a significantly re-engineered version of existing Kia platform hardware. This platform has been designed to accommodate the Niro’s specific set of hybrid powertrain technologies, while its global development and evaluation programme ensures it offers buyers the smooth ride, engaging handling and high stability expected of a modern Kia model.

The Kia Niro is equipped with fully-independent MacPherson strut front suspension, tuned to offer maximum on-centre steering feel, immediate reactions to steering inputs and high-speed stability.

The Niro also adopts fully-independent multi-link rear suspension with dual lower arms. The result is a comfortable ride under all conditions, with each rear wheel able to absorb bumps and shocks independently, while ensuring high agility and stability with a larger tyre contact patch under cornering than a traditional torsion beam suspension setup, common among many models in the compact crossover and hybrid segments.

Special attention was also paid to brake feel. Applying lessons learned through development of two generations of the Optima Hybrid as well as the fully-electric Soul EV, Kia engineers designed the Niro’s regenerative system to seamlessly blend in hydraulic friction braking. Consequently, deceleration feels more consistent and linear than other hybrids.

The Niro also features the latest electronic driver aids, including Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management and Electronic Stability Control, to provide stability, traction and safety in all conditions.

NVH countermeasures ensure refinement in all-electric or hybrid driving modes

A series of measures have been adopted in the all-new Kia Niro to ensure low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). A particular challenge for the Niro, Kia engineers sought to ensure the car remained as quiet and refined as possible.

As a parallel hybrid, it is important that the Niro remains as refined as possible when the 1.6-litre GDI engine is running. The all-new model therefore features a range of measures to reduce the penetration of engine noise into the cabin. These include specially-designed asymmetric engine mounts to manage powertrain movements at each point in the front subframe, high density under-bonnet insulation, and a sound-deadening acoustic shield with a special support structure to improve the sound of the engine accelerating across the most used range of engine speeds.

Reducing road noise was particularly important in order for engineering teams to minimise NVH in the cabin. Road noise is minimised and made as consistent as possible on different road surfaces with the adoption of high-insulation, rigid bushings in the front subframe. Additional insulation has also been applied around the base of the A- and B-pillars, while the rear wheel arch has been made stiffer with high-strength steels to minimise the transfer of road noise and vibrations from the rear of the car.

Suppression of wind noise was equally important, particularly at higher speeds. The Kia Niro therefore employs acoustic windshield glass and features a cowl over the windscreen wipers to reduce air turbulence at the base of the windscreen. Wind roar and ‘whistling’ is also minimised with carefully profiled door mirrors and – in its capacity as a practical crossover – any holes in the roof rack (to support cross bars) are covered.

High practicality with crossover platform engineered to accommodate hybrid system

The Niro hybrid crossover is designed to offer high levels of practicality and comfortable interior dimensions despite the compact on-road footprint.

Its relatively long wheelbase – 2,700 mm – contributes to generous interior proportions for all occupants, with up to 1,117 mm and 950 mm of legroom for front and rear passengers respectively. Its 1,800 mm-wide body provides occupants with plenty of shoulder room – 1,423 mm in the front and 1,402 mm in the rear. Headroom for all passengers is class-leading, with up to 1,049 mm in the front and 993 mm in the rear – even greater space than most C-SUVs.

For all occupants, the Niro’s crossover stance results in a slightly raised seating position and higher ground clearance compared to its hybrid and hatchback rivals, making ingress and egress easier, and resulting in a relaxed, comfortable driving position.

With plenty of space in the cabin, Kia’s engineering and design teams have created a new front seat design for the Niro. The new seat is 1.3 kg lighter than existing Kia seats, yet is designed to absorb greater levels of vibration with higher density cushioning and high-strength steel frames, minimising fatigue on longer journeys. Reprofiled springs and pads result in high levels of thigh, hip and side support.

The platform underpinning the all-new Kia Niro has been engineered to ensure no compromise in storage capacity due to the location of the hybrid powertrain. The Niro offers 421 litres (VDA) of cargo capacity, with no intrusion into boot space from the battery pack. The battery itself is located beneath the rear passenger bench, allowing the maximum possible boot space within its compact overall dimensions. The Niro’s boot is also of a sufficient shape and size to offer a full-size spare wheel beneath the boot floor (depending on market).

The fuel tank is located alongside the battery pack beneath the rear bench, with a 45-litre capacity.

From Q4 2016, the new Niro will be available with optional towing functionality – rare amongst cars in the hybrid class – allowing owners to tow braked loads of up to 1,300 kg.

Infotainment includes Kia Connected Services and Android Auto™

The new Kia Niro features a number of on-board technologies to improve comfort and convenience for buyers.

At the heart of the dashboard is Kia’s latest Human Machine Interface (HMI) and a large 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with optional navigation. Both systems support Bluetooth smartphone and audio connectivity and DAB digital radio, which is available across a number of European markets, and are connected to a six-speaker audio system. Music lovers can also specify new eight-speaker audio from JBL®, with a powerful 320 watt output, external amplifier.

The new Niro will also be the latest model from the company to adopt Kia’s Connected Services, powered by TomTom®. 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 navigation Kia’s Connected Services will be available free of charge for European buyers for seven years after the car’s purchase.

**Legal restrictions to these services may apply depending on country usage

The Niro will additionally be the first Kia model to feature Android Auto™, designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Available from launch, Android Auto™ connects to the user’s phone and lets them access smartphone apps and functions through the in-car infotainment system, such as voice-guided Google Maps navigation, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition. Android Auto™ also lets users stream music from Google Play Music™. In the Niro, the system has been designed to minimise distractions, and allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road ahead at all times.

Meeting a trend for ever-increasing smartphone use, the Kia Niro is available with a new wireless charger for mobile devices, enabling users to charge a mobile device on the move, without the need for a wire connection. With ‘foreign object detection’, the 5W charging system activates when a compatible device is placed on the pad – situated at the base of the centre console – and warns owners when they’ve left a phone on the charger when they leave the vehicle. The system displays the phone’s charging condition, and features a safety system to prevent overheating while in use.

High-strength steel body combined with range of active safety technologies

The Niro builds on Kia’s legacy of developing some of the safest vehicles on the road, offering high standards for occupant and pedestrian crash safety. Engineered to meet the demands of the toughest and most demanding crash safety tests around the world, the Niro features a strong bodyshell and a wide array of passive safety equipment, as well as the latest active safety and autonomous hazard avoidance technologies.

The Kia Niro’s structure is particularly strong, with its bespoke new platform made up of a significant proportion of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). Part of a wider effort by Kia, the extended use of AHSS will help Kia reach its target of a 5% reduction in the average weight of new car bodies by 2020 compared to 2014 levels, while enabling greater safety and security.

53% of the body is made out of strong, light AHSS, while aluminium is used for the bonnet, tailgate panel assembly, front bumper back beam and several chassis elements, including front knuckles, front lower arms and brake calipers. Even the parking brake pedal contributes to the weight savings through the use of a Fibre-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) construction. These weight-saving measures contribute both to safety and the car’s class-leading fuel efficiency.

Strengthened hot-stamped steel is also used to reinforce the cabin, particularly for the A- and B-pillars, roof rails and wheel arches. These materials mean the Niro has a high level of torsional rigidity and can effectively distribute impact forces around the body for maximum occupant safety.

The Niro is fitted as standard with seven airbags for optimum passive occupant safety, with airbags for driver and front passenger, driver knee, first row side airbags, and first and second row curtain airbags. ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points are fitted as standard to the second row of seats, to safely secure children.

The new Niro is expected to perform strongly in the Euro NCAP’s increasingly-important Safety Assist category, which analyses the latest driver assistance technologies engineered to avoid accidents and mitigate the effect of a collision.

Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, fitted as standard to the all-new car, helps ensure stability under braking and cornering by carefully controlling the vehicle’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and electric motor-driven power steering. If the system detects a loss of traction, VSM helps the driver to remain safely in control of the vehicle.

The all-new Niro is available with many of the latest active hazard avoidance technologies, depending on market. Available systems will include:

• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)* with pedestrian detection, employing a radar detection system to detect potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians and help bring the car to a halt
• Smart Cruise Control (SCC), which automatically adjusts the Niro’s speed to maintain a safe distance from vehicles in front
• Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) – fitted as standard to all Niro models in Europe – emits an audible alert when the driver strays from the current lane without using the indicators
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) – also fitted as standard – detects the position of the Niro in relation to lane markings and takes automatic action to correct the steering line if it senses the car starting to draft without the use of indicators
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD) which monitors cars behind the Niro and provides the driver with a visual warning in the door mirror when another car enters the driver’s blind spot
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), which warns against other cars driving behind the Niro in car parks while reversing.

Kia targeting 25% fuel economy improvement by 2020 compared to 2014

The development of the all-new Niro, with an all-new platform and bespoke powertrain, will contribute to Kia’s ambition to becoming a leader in the low emissions car market by 2020. In the next five years, Kia will expand its current green car line-up from the four current models to 11 – starting with the Niro hybrid and Optima plug-in hybrid – and is targeting a 25% global improvement to average fleet fuel efficiency over 2014 levels.

This expanded range of low-emissions vehicles will encompass a wide range of advanced powertrains, from hybrids and plug-in hybrids to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). The Niro is among the first of Kia’s new models to be designed, engineered and produced as part of this plan.

As well as investment in advanced propulsion technologies, by 2020 Kia will also replace seven out of its 10 current engine ranges with next-generation petrol and diesel units, while increasing the number of turbocharged engines. Higher-efficiency, multi-speed transmissions are also planned, while Kia engineers are targeting a 5% reduction in in the average weight of new car bodies through greater application of ultra-high strength steel.

On sale in Europe during Q3 2016

Following its European debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the all-new Kia Niro is due to enter full series production at Kia’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hwasung, Korea in May 2016.

The Kia Niro will go on sale across Europe towards the end of Q3 2016, and – as with every Kia sold in Europe – will come with the brand’s unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty.

ALL NEW KIA NIRO – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (EUROPE)

Body and chassis

Five-door, five-seater hybrid crossover, with steel and aluminium unitary construction bodyshell. Petrol four-cylinder engines and parallel hybrid system driving the front wheels via six-speed double-clutch transmission.

Engines

1.6-litre / 105 ps GDI Type Capacity Max power Max torque Valves Fuel system Emissions class	DOHC, four cylinder in-line 1.6-litres 105 ps (77 kW) 147 Nm (108 lb ft) 16 (four per cylinder) Petrol direct injection Euro Stage 6b
Battery and electric motor
Battery type Voltage Energy Max power (motor) Max torque	Lithium-ion polymer 240 V 1.56 kWh 44 ps (32 kW) 170 Nm (125 lb ft)
Combined hybrid system
Total power	141 ps (104 kW)

Transmissions

Six-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT)

Suspension and damping

Front                         Fully-independent by subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers, with anti-roll stabiliser bar

Rear                          Fully-independent by subframe-mounted double wishbones, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers, with anti-roll stabiliser bar

Steering

Type                         Electric motor-driven rack-and-pinion power steering

Brakes

Front                         15-inch discs

Rear                          14-inch discs

Wheels and tyres

Standard                    Alloy 16-inch

Optional                     Alloy 18-inch

Dimensions (mm)

Exterior

Overall length             4,355                  Overall width*          1,800

Overall height             1,535                  Wheelbase              2,700

Front overhang          870                      Rear overhang        785

*excluding door mirrors

Interior

                                   1^st row          2^nd row

Head room              1,049            993

Leg room                 1,117            950

Shoulder room       1,423            1,402

Capacities

Fuel tank                          45 litres

Luggage (VDA)                421 litres

Tow capacity, braked      1,300*

*available as an option from Q4 2016

Performance

Top speed (kph)      TBC

0-100 kph (secs)    TBC

Economy (litres / 100 km)

Combined               TBC

CO₂ (g/km)               89*

*development target

*All technical data contained in this press release and technical specification are expected targets, pending further development and homologation. All figures are subject to change.