Kia Niro Teaser Images Revealed

Kuala Lumpur: Skipping the Detroit Auto Show, Kia is all set to unveil its Kia Niro Hybrid at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show 2016. Recently Kia released two teaser images of this Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) which showed off its front and rear fascia. As told by the automaker, HUV basically means an SUV or crossover which is offered only as a hybrid. This marks as company's entry into the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles market. Earlier in November, Kia also announced that it would be launching a new Optima 'EcoPlugin' and 'EcoHybrid' by the second half of 2016, which will be based on eco-car platform

Under the hood, it gets a dedicated hybrid powertrain which consists of a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine which churns out a maximum power of 105 hp along with a peak torque of 146 Nm. Moreover, it also gets a 47 hp electric motor along with a 1.56 kWh battery. Further, it is mated to a six-speed dual clutch transmission as well. The carbon emissions of this hybrid car would come to 90 g per km.

Moving towards the exterior, it was crafted at Kia's design centres in California, USA and Namyang, South Korea. This Kia HUV gets a sleek and aerodynamic body along with the practicality of an SUV. Towards the front fascia, it gets company's very own tiger nose grille along with peeled-back headlights. At the rear end, it gets defined haunches and high-mounted LED taillights. Kia Niro is also set to be Kia's first model to be based on the eco-car platform.

Apart from these specs, nothing much has been revealed. To get up-close and personal we would have to wait until it gets revealed at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show 2016. Additionally, Kia has also launched its Telluride SUV concept, Forte and Forte5 at the recent Detroit Auto Show. Looks like this South Korean automaker has plans of holding an extensive model lineup in future.

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