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

More by Tyler Wooley

Comments

Join the conversation

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.

Like Reply
- See 1 previous
- 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.
  
  Like
- 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...
  
  Like
Higheriq on Mar 08, 2017

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

Like Reply

Recent Comments

Dwford Ford's management change their plans like they change their underwear. Where were all the prototypes of the larger EVs that were supposed to come out next year? Or for the next gen EV truck? Nowhere to be seen. Now those vaporware models are on the back burner to pursue cheaper models. Yeah, ok.
Wjtinfwb My comment about "missing the mark" was directed at, of the mentioned cars, none created huge demand or excitement once they were introduced. All three had some cool aspects; Thunderbird was pretty good exterior, let down by the Lincoln LS dash and the fairly weak 3.9L V8 at launch. The Prowler was super cool and unique, only the little nerf bumpers spoiled the exterior and of course the V6 was a huge letdown. SSR had the beans, but in my opinion was spoiled by the tonneau cover over the bed. Remove the cover, finish the bed with some teak or walnut and I think it could have been more appealing. All three were targeting a very small market (expensive 2-seaters without a prestige badge) which probably contributed. The PT Cruiser succeeded in this space by being both more practical and cheap. Of the three, I'd still like to have a Thunderbird in my garage in a classic color like the silver/green metallic offered in the later years.
D Screw Tesla. There are millions of affordable EVs already in use and widely available. Commonly seen in Peachtree City, GA, and The Villages, FL, they are cheap, convenient, and fun. We just need more municipalities to accept them. If they'll allow AVs on the road, why not golf cars?
ChristianWimmer Best-looking current BMW in my opinion.
Analoggrotto Looks like a cheap Hyundai.