CHICAGO MOTOR SHOW: Kia Niro hybrid SUV unveiled

UPDATE 10:00am 12/12/2016: The Kia Niro hybrid you see here is unrelated to the Niro compact SUV concept seen previously. This is a hybrid-only mid-size SUV similar in size to the Sportage and, although it will be produced in right-hand drive, is unlikely for Australian release. An all-new compact SUV to position beneath the Sportage -- as previewed by the original Niro concept -- is yet to be revealed and is almost certain to eventually be released Down Under.

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Kia has unveiled its Niro petrol-electric hybrid compact SUV that it hopes buyers will choose over a Toyota Prius.

Described as a “Hybrid Utility Vehicle”, the new Niro is part of a plan by the Korean car-maker to increase its green car line-up from four cars to 11 by the end of this decade.

Based on the all-new platform that also underpins the Hyundai IONIQ hybrid, size-wise the new hybrid SUV is said to fill the gap between the current Soul and Sportage.

Under its bonnet is a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor that, combined, makes 107kW and 265Nm.

It feeds power to the front wheels using a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic. Fuel economy and emissions have yet to have been officially tested but engineers are aiming for around 89g/km of CO2 for the Niro -- the same figure as the current Prius.

To help boost efficiency the direct-injection 1.6-litre petrol combines Atkinson Cycle combustion with cooled exhaust gas recirculation and has a long-stoke/narrow-bore design. The Kia also boasts a novel heat recovery system to rapidly warm the engine up from cold.

The system works by using circulating the engine’s coolant system through a heat exchanger in the exhaust. This claws back heat to heat the coolant that warms the engine block and quickens the time it takes for the engine to warm up.

Unlike the Prius, the new Niro also uses lightweight 1.56kWh lithium-ion batteries instead of the Toyota’s less efficient nickel metal hydride cells.

Like the Hyundai IONIQ, the Niro will benefit from a new platform that is both lightweight and immensely strong. Further weight-saving to boost performance include a bonnet, tailgate and suspension components made of aluminium.

Even the traditional 12-volt battery has been junked for lightweight lithium-ion cells.

Kia hasn’t quoted how fast the new Niro will be but has said that behind the wheel of the new SUV will be a “very un-hybrid-like driving experience”.

Engineers have also worked hard to nail brake feel, using two generations of the Optima hybrid and pure-electric Soul EV as benchmarks.

Refinement too, has been a priority with the Niro, with the SUV receiving specially designed engine mounts that filter out any vibration.

Equal-length drive shafts and special dampers, meanwhile, cut harshness felt through the steering wheel, while plenty of sound insulation used under the carpet and bonnet is said to significantly reduce noise intrusion to the cabin.

As well as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane change assist and active cruise control, Kia says it will also offer Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System) that helps coach the driver when to coast and when to brake to maximise efficiency.

Set to go on sale in the UK late this year in right-hand drive, a four-wheel drive version of the SUV hybrid is also believed to be in development.

It’s not known how the availability of a right-hand drive Niro will boost the Efficient Kia’s chances of being sold in Australia.

Speaking to motoring.com.au earlier this year Kia Australia’s PR boss, Kevin Hepworth, admitted that without any government incentives to make hybrid cars more appealing, it’s difficult to make a case to import them, but did add:

“If the Niro is smaller than Sportage and is available without hybrid, we’re absolutely interested,” said Hepworth. “There’s a spot in our garage for an SUV of that size.”