Kia is expanding its UK range with the introduction of Niro, also a ticket that helps the brand enter the hybrid vehicles market. Priced from £21,295, Niro combines the styling of a compact crossover vehicle with the low emissions and high fuel economy of a hybrid car. It has CO2 emissions as low as 88g/km and fuel economy of up to 74.3 mpg.
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.
The 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.
Niro comes to the UK in a four-model line-up badged 1, 2, 3 and First Edition. 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.
Grade 2 adds a 7-inch touchscreen navigation system with European mapping, a Reversing Camera and Kia Connected Services linked to TomTom. 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 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.
