2017 Kia Niro First Review: The First of its Kind

It is now Kia’s turn to garner loads of attention for their latest new product. Despite uncertain environmental policies in the US, car manufacturers are maintaining their goals of offering a wider array of choices where eco-friendly vehicles are concerned.

2017 Kia Niro First Review: The First of its Kind

The 2017 Kia Niro is a compact hybrid crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that expertly blends versatility and technology. It will arrive in dealerships at the end of March and the entry-level L will be priced at $24,995. Despite being an innovative product, Kia has not set aside one of strongest traits, one on which it built its reputation: Value.

At this price, the Niro is laden with kit starting with heated front seats and steering wheel, front dual-zone climate control, Satellite radio, a 7” touchscreen display and Bluetooth wireless connectivity. And let’s not forget that this hybrid is expected to consume roughly 5 liters of petrol per 100 km! Is this the ideal vehicle?

Just the way we like them: Handsome and solid

Let’s begin with the Niro’s styling. What we really like about it is how Kia’s design team worked hard at making it fit within the ranks of the brand’s line-up all the while giving it a distinct look. The front Tiger-nose grille and a few other cues link it to Peter Schreyer’s reinvented Kia. Even so, it will never be mistaken for the Sportage as it has more in common with the likes of the MINI Countryman and Infiniti EX35 shape-wise than an SUV.

Among the unique details, we find many functional aerodynamic add-ons that blend in perfectly with the tall belt-line and deep skirt kit. The SX rolls on 18” wheels that not only fill the gaps but also give the vehicle an appreciable stance. Don’t get too excited about the big wheels though as the trims with 16” wheels are better suited for the daily grind.

The Niro is assembled on a unique and dedicated platform made of in-house developed 53% high-strength steel. This means that the chassis is solid, and safe. On top of that, NVH levels are brought down to near-luxury car levels.

On this platform, Kia’s installed their latest hybrid powertrain. It features a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 42 kW electric motor. Together, they generate 139-horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. This power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission.

In the name of fuel economy

To test drive the Niro is to understand its true reason for being and that is fuel frugality. Despite Kia expecting the Niro to consume roughly 5 litres per 100 km, we averaged 6.5 litres on test day at the wheel of an SX. These two letters are important to note as this trim is burdened by an extra 270 kg (600 lbs.) of weight over the L. This supplemental girth is obvious under acceleration and through passing maneuvers. Comparatively speaking, the briefly driven L was quicker and more responsive than the SX. This in part explains the observed fuel numbers.

If the engine’s accomplishments are no better than average, the Niro’s ride and handling are stellar. The suspension is tuned for a comfortable ride without negatively impacting road-holding abilities. The standard Michelin tires play an important role regardless of their dimensions.

The Niro’s steering assistance is well judged however the brakes lack in both bite and responsiveness. Under hard braking, the binders seem to take their sweet time in getting the job done.

When the topic of safety comes up, the Niro’s got you covered. It features numerous airbags, stability control and in higher-end versions, intelligent cruise control to go along with a lane departure warning system.

The 2017 Niro’s cabin is wonderfully spacious thanks in large part to the vehicle’s long wheelbase. Second-row passengers find loads of space for all their appendages while up front, the SX’ cooled seats will only increase the sense of wellbeing.

The trunk is capacious but is only about 75% as big as the Sportage – something to think about if this is an important criterion. In spite of that, and thanks to the rear multilink suspension setup, there’s sufficient cargo space to fit two golf bags. In other words, the boot will handle a medium sized stroller and a few day bags.

Now that we’ve driven the Niro and studied its specs, it would seem that it has but one potential weakness (if it is one at all) and it is that AWD is not an option. In the end though, this KIA CUV is exceptional in its adeptness at answering nearly all needs posed by a typical family all the while limiting trips to the old gas station.

Images 2017 Kia Niro 2017