Geneva 2017: Kia Reveals the Niro PHEV, a Greener Car for Those Who Don't Like Flaunting It

by Tyler Wooley

Published: March 7th, 2017

geneva 2017 kia reveals the niro phev a greener car for those who don t like

Kia’s new Niro lineup will get another teammate this summer — a plug-in hybrid, which the Korean automaker revealed today at the Geneva Motor Show.

The PHEV, offered first in Europe, utilizes a 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder, electric motor and 8.9 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack to attain its green credentials. Kia claims the new hardware will deliver more than 35 miles of all-electric range.

The battery pack, a step up from the 1.56 kWh battery used in the regular hybrid, powers a 44.5 kW electric motor. Paired with the 104-horsepower GDI engine, the subcompact crossover has a total output of 139 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

A six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission helps the greenest Niro achieve 62 miles per hour in 10.8 seconds, but it’s doubtful that performance will be a high priority for buyers.

The plug-in hybrid will feature Eco-DAS (Driver Assistant System), which informs the driver on how to drive with maximum efficiency. Predictive Energy Control gathers information from the vehicle’s navigation and cruise control systems to tell the driver when to let off the throttle, allowing the battery to recharge through regenerative braking. It also lets you know when your gas-free range will come to an end.

Autonomous emergency braking with forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning are some of the notable safety features on the PHEV.

Exterior differences are purely cosmetic. The front and rear bumper receive blue accents, along with a satin chrome grille surround, 16-inch alloy wheels, all-LED headlights, and special badging.

The blue accents continue inside, appearing on the air vents, and there is a choice of black leather or two-tone gray and black leather with blue stitching on both. An eight-inch infotainment touchscreen joins a seven-inch full-TFT instrument cluster.

While we won’t get the PHEV when it goes on sale this summer, we will see it eventually. According to Motor1, we could see it brought over as soon as October 2017. Steve Kosowski, Niro project manager, told Autoblog that it could be 2018 or later.

We also expect a Niro EV in the future.

[Source: Auto Express] [Images: Kia Motors]

#ElectricRange #Hybrid #Kia #KiaNiroPhev #NewCars #Niro #PHEV

Tyler Wooley

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4 of 15 comments

Golden2husky on Mar 07, 2017

"It is doubtful that performance will be a high priority to buyers" I wish people would stop saying stuff like that. Even if you are interested in mileage as your first priority, who doesn't like good performance? Same with lousy handling hybrids like the Prius. I want my efficiency and a high fun-to-drive quotient.

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- JohnTaurus on Mar 07, 2017
  
  Honda built Hybrids with manuals, they handled good (compared to a Prius lol) even one that was a two seater sporty little hatch. Everyone p¡§§ed on them. Ford's C-Max handles well. But a Miata or Mustang it is not. I would personally choose a Fiesta EcoBoost 1.0L for a fun to drive gas saving wonder. Pretty good MPG, not as much as a Hybrid but it's got personality and character in spades. I wish our managing editor would give us an update on his.
  
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- TonyJZX on Mar 08, 2017
  
  @JohnTaurus The Prius sells exceedingly well for a car that handles no better than a golf cart. I have to ask though... who's going to bother to charge at home for a paltry 35 miles... I mean...
  
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Higheriq on Mar 08, 2017

Add TTAC to the list of car sites which has bought into "the Kia Niro is a crossover" fallacy.

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