Kia Niro Hybrid SUV Coming in Early 2016

Kia Motors releases sketches and general details of its Niro hybrid utility vehicle (HUV), a new SUV engineered from the ground-up as a stand-alone vehicle outside of existing models.

According to Kia Vice Chairman and CEO Hyoung-Keun Lee, designers took a fresh approach aiming to appeal to a broader range of buyers.

“The compact SUV market remains one of the fastest-growing segments around the world, and by offering a handsome, modern appearance, high practicality and extraordinary fuel economy, Kia’s new Niro hybrid utility vehicle will be the most appealing and desirable car in its class,” he says during a news conference in Seoul.

The Niro will be powered by a 1.6L Kappa GDI 105 hp engine, supplemented by a 32 kW electric motor and 1.56 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack. Power will be delivered through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Niro will launch in Korea next year from the automaker’s Hwasung plant. Production for the U.S. and other overseas markets is slated for “late 2016,” the automaker says.