Is this another compact SUV?
No, Kia describes it as a Hybrid Utility Vehicle or HUV; it's called the Kia Niro and it will launch officially at the Chicago Auto Show in February. It is the first model to use Kia's new eco-car platform and uses a petrol-electric drivetrain. No technical details have been revealed but the Niro is expected to achieve a sub-90g/km CO2 emissions rating.
What can you tell me?
The Niro is the work of Kia's design studios in California, USA and Namyang, Korea. In the teaser photos it is difficult to make out too much detail but the stylists have gone for clean lines that emphasise the Niro's 'muscular wheel arches'.
Rumours are that a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 104hp will be under the bonnet, combined with a 32kW electric motor, driving the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. A four-wheel drive version is possible, as is a plug-in variant; although neither is likely to be offered when production starts in the autumn. UK deliveries are expected early in 2017.
John Lambert - 13 Jan 2016