Kia Niro: driving test and video
Posted on 30-05-2016 to 16:00 by CasperH – 53 Comments”
Kia is working to capture market share. The latest player in that game is de Niro, a hybrid crossover. Or as Kia calls it Hybrid Utility Vehicle.
[ First look, then read? Watch the video HERE! ]
At no time, let Kia have the chance unexploited to recall that they are a European product would deliver. Their design centre is in Frankfurt, the development takes largely place at the Nürburgring and the benchmarks are the successful models in Europe. Until now meant that a range of reasonably safe products: SUVS, hatchbacks and stations in the popular segments.
De Niro is a remarkable move of the Koreans: they tackle a mix of successful concepts in Europe to try something new. To start with the body style: a crossover-like carriage with a lot of interior space. It does, perhaps most of all think of the segment of the 2 Series Active Tourer. This, incidentally, was a car that Kia, the benchmark used. Another car, the benchmark gold is the Volkswagen Golf GTE, but in particular because of the powertrain.
Although there is still no plug-in version is available in the introduction, that there come. Until then, we have to make do with a hybrid powertrain without stekkermogelijkheid. The engine is a 105 hp 1.6 GDI petrol engine, supplemented with an electric motor. The total system power is therefore 141 hp.
A top speed of 162 kilometers per hour and a sprint to 100 in 11,5 seconds are no values to which we here at Autoblog are very awake. But by acting of the electric motor if the car responds relatively smoothly. Quickly, it is not, but the question is whether the audience is therefore gives.
The row properties are, however, surprising. Apart from a relatively silent cabin, is de Niro, a car that really is a great handling exhibits. I would almost playful call. Steering is particularly precise and the chassis is comfortable, but at the same time not soft. In fact, on the 18 inch wheels of our testauto tends to “sporty”. Nice side effect is that the people at Kia are so wise to not for a CVT to choose, because that gives you is rarely the idea that with a hybrid car on the road. Actually, you will notice less than when you make use of the electric motor, and when the internal combustion engine appeals to. The row properties to surprise me in a pleasant way.
And also the look of the Niro is not wrong. It’s not the easiest car on pictures, but in reality to see de Niro was very good. Also for the design used Kia like the term “European” and they go maybe even a little too far. If you have the black trim above the rear lights red makes you have a Volvo rear lamp. Moreover, the design thinking to all kinds of other European cars, but de Niro still a real own identity, helped by the Tiger Nose grille, of course.
The interior is also perfectly in order. It’s not all premium, but there are no ugly plastics used, the design is calm and clear, and the multimedia system also does just what it should do. Once again, no unpleasant surprises to discern, it starts a trend.
And that brings us to the conclusion. If Kia the car competitive, to know prices, this is once again a successful attack on the establishment. Sure is that the car with a 21% tax on the market beginning this summer. It is an interesting car for business drivers, but that is not all. The type of car is also very popular with the average Nordic Walker. And Nordic Walkers to the nature and now for the first time a Prius-competitor drive that is not hondslelijk is with a design to the loudest screams that it is a hybrid. The prices for the Niro are at the time of writing not yet known, but will very soon be revealed. Movie!
UPDATE: the prices are in, which you can read HERE.
Gallery: Kia Niro 2016
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