The Kia Niro concept that bowed in Frankfurt way back in 2013 has spawned a production model, which has been teased at the Detroit auto show. The new vehicle, which Kia calls a Hybrid Utility Vehicle or HUV, will feature a dedicated hybrid powertrain developed specifically for the Niro. There’s a very good chance the U.S. will get the Niro as well, given that the model makes its debut in Chicago next month.
The vehicle in the teaser shots bears little resemblance to the butterfly-door-equipped concept, but does resemble the sketch we saw late last year. Kia’s design language can be seen throughout the small crossover’s body, from the “tiger nose” front grille to the distinctively Kia-esque taillights. The styling is the result of a collaboration between Kia’s design centers in California and Namyang, South Korea.
Kia hasn’t given any details on the powertrain, but says it utilizes an all-new downsized gas-electric hybrid system. We’d speculate that the Niro shares some hybrid components with the recently unveiled Hyundai Ioniq, but given that Kia says the drivetrain was developed specifically for the crossover, we’re not so sure. We’ll have to wait and see what Kia has in store when it debuts the production Niro at the 2016 Chicago auto show in February.
Source: Kia
The post Kia Teases Production Niro Hybrid CUV Ahead of Chicago Debut appeared first on Motor Trend.
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