The Kia Niro, Kia's answer to rivals like the Nissan Juke, has received its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Kia says that the Niro compact crossover previews an 'urban future B-segment' contender. It's also claimed that the new concept features 'intriguing elements' that aren't typically associated with smaller cars.
Read our full Kia Niro review here
The car uses a 158bhp 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine to drive the front wheels, while a 44bhp electric motor drives the rear wheels. Kia is also reportedly considering offering a lower-powered 118bhp petrol unit for its B-segment models in the future, but stresses that the Niro is not that car. That said, the company also confirmed that a production crossover is expected within two years.
Designers at Kia's studio in Frankfurt penned the Niro under the direction of chief designer for Europe Gregory Guillaume. The manufacturer says the Niro has been created 'in Europe with European tastes and expectations very much in mind.'
Kia will be using the show to assess customer response in order to help design future showroom vehicles.
Click here for more Frankfurt Motor Show news.
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"New compact Kia concept sets
"New compact Kia concept sets out to offer a stylish and rugged car for dealing with urban environments"
Who would've thought it. In the Niro, Kia may have produced a car that can apprehend mobile phone thieves and maybe even knock you up a bacon and egg sarnie after a night out! Either that or they're a bit late to the party as I'm guessing that most small/medium cars have been, ahem, "dealing with urban environments" for the last 100+ years....
Photogenic
Kia's design language has come a long way from the days of yore - thanks primarily to Peter Schreyer.
I saw Kia Pro'Ceed GT the other day and its a handsome car. But I must say it looks even better in photos.
WOW! Clearly the styling of
WOW! Clearly the styling of the nose has been inspired by a Peter Bowles moustache.