Kia Motors has unveiled the 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle, a compact crossover that the Korean brand says will target 50 miles per gallon.
DETROIT, MI - Kia Motors has unveiled the 2017 Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle, a compact crossover that the Korean brand says will target 50 miles per gallon.
The new CUV, making its official debut Thursday at the Chicago Auto Show, has not yet had its fuel economy rated by the EPA.
It follows in the fuel-efficient footsteps of the Optima Hybrid and Soul EV, but will be the first Kia to use an all-new, dedicated eco-car platform.
The 2017 Kia Niro has a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine that produces 103 horsepower, and it's combined with a 43-hp tractive motor that boosts total horsepower to 146 hp, along with 195 lb.-ft. of torque. That's mated with a dual-clutch transmission.
The Niro has a 1.56-kWh Lithium Ion Polymer batter underneath the rear seat, providing electric juice to its hybrid powertrain.
Details on pricing and a release date have not been announced.
The Niro was designed at Kia's Irvine, Calif. studio and at a site in Namyang, Korea.
Press preview days for the 2016 Chicago Auto Show are Thursday and Friday. The show, at Chicago's McCormick Place, is open to the public Feb. 13-21. More info: www.chicagoautoshow.com.
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com, follow him on Twitter or find him on Facebook.