The Kia Niro is subcompact hybrid manufactured by Kia automobiles in production since 2016, United Kingdom introduced the plug in version in 2017 and United States of America launched the plug in version in 2018. It is a five door subcompact crossover with front engine and front wheel drive. The 2019 version of Kia Niro is much advanced with excellent fuel economy, comfortable seating, decent engine power and generous cargo space. It has been ranked number in Subcompact SUVs in USA.  The Kia Niro generates 139 hp, and offers a fuel economy of forty three to fifty miles per US gallon (5.5 to 4.7 L/100 km). Its battery has a capacity of 1.56 kilo WATS per hour, and a weight of 33 kg. As Kia is already engaged in introducing new models in Pakistan by assembling it locally in Pakistan. Kia is already selling Kia Grand Carnival and Kia frontier along with imported Kia Sportage and it is all ready to launch its Kia niro soon. Two models are expected to release including Kia Niro hybrid and plug-in-hybrid version. Both of the versions are powered by 1.6 liters petrol engine and electric motor. The 2019 model will be launched in United Kingdom in second half of this year and USA will launch it by the end of 2019. It will be introduced in the following trim levels:

Kia Niro LX: it offers a mileage of 49mpg and it is equipped with LED back combination lamps, roof rails, smart key button for engine start and stop, folding back seats with central armrest. It will have a price of 23,800 US dollars.

Kia Niro EX: it offers a mileage of 49mpg. Many advanced technology features and luxuries have been introduced in it including fog lights, heated side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, power windows, back vents, rear traffic alert, and blind spot detection, auto dimming rearview and lane change assist system. It will have a price of 26,000 US dollars.

Kia Niro Touring: it offers a mileage of 43mpg .it has been equipped with many advanced features including high intensity beam headlights, power sunroof, radiator grill with chrome trim implanted, smart cruise control, lane keep assist system, forward collision warning system, front and back parking assist and autonomous emergency lights. It will have a price of 32,150 US dollars.

Kia Niro FE: And another one is the Niro FE that offers a mileage of 50mpg. It has again many respectable features including projector headlights, rear windshield wipers, sound absorbing front screen, heated rear glass, keyless entry, and seven inch touch screen display with six speakers and rear view camera. It will have a price of 23,490 US dollars.

Kia Niro S: it offers a mileage of 43mpg.Available in the following exterior colors: Snow White Pearl and Aurora Black Pearl. It is equipped with black roof rails, eight speakers, rear vents, lane change assist system and blind spot detection system. It will have a price of 28,700 US dollars.

Exterior Photos of KIA Niro:

 

 Overall all the versions will have the following features and specifications:

Features

  • 6L Kappa Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) four-cylinder engine
  • Six-speed Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission.
  • Idle Stop and Go (ISG)
  • Active ECO System
  • Regenerative braking system
  • Horsepower of 139 and 264 Nm of torque.
  • 1579cc 1.6-Liter Engine

A crossover is essentially a car with two engines offering option of petrol and electric, alongside a battery pack. The Kia Niro Self-Charging Half breed can use either of its two motors alone or at a time to control the car within the most proficient way conceivable. The braking framework recuperates active vitality when abating down to regain the battery on the go. The 1.6 GDi petrol motor is one of the driving fuel-efficient motors combined with thirty two kilowatts electric engine and battery framework and progressed 6-speed DCT gearbox, the Kia Niro Cross breed is having modern vitality productive motoring. Working on Electric Mode speed of seventy five miles can be achieved per hour.

Exterior

  • Sixteen inches tires are available with wheel covers
  • Temporary spare tire is Optional
  • Bi-function projection headlights are present (Standard)
  • LED positioning headlights with light guide are present (Standard)
  • It is equipped with Auto Light Control headlights (Standard)
  • It has LED Daytime Running Light (DRL)
  • It has Rear LED combination lights (Standard)
  • It has LED High Mounted Stop Lamp (Standard)
  • It has Body-color power adjustable outside mirrors (Standard)
  • Acoustic windshield glass with shade band are available (Standard)
  • It gives you Solar control glass (windshield, front doors) (Standard)
  • Privacy glass option is also available (rear doors, rear quarter, back-lite) (Standard)

Interior

  • six-way adjustable driver’s seat is there with height adjuster (Standard)
  • six-way adjustable passenger seat is available with height adjuster (Standard)
  • Front passenger seatback has pocket (Standard)
  • 60/40 split-folding rear seats are there. (Standard)
  • Assist grips are available.
  • Woven and knit cloth seat trim (Standard)

Interior Photos of KIA Niro:

Comfort

  • Dual-zone automatic temperature control system is present with auto defog and cluster ionizer.
  • Air conditioning system.
  • back heating vent
  • UVO eservices Infotainment System comes with Android Auto and Apple Car Play smartphone integration
  • AM/FM/MP3/ audio system is available.
  • Seven inches LCD touchscreen color display with integrated rear camera and dynamic guidelines
  • Four speakers and two tweeters
  • Two front center fascia power outlets
  • Auxiliary cable and USB audio input jacket.
  • Steering wheel-mounted audio control system.
  • Traction control system.
  • Adaptive cruise control system along with forward collision warning and automatic brake system.

Technology and Safety:

The Niro Hybrid range offers Kia’s most advanced driving assistance systems. These are designed to improve security on the road by observing and controlling potential dangers, allowing you to fully enjoy the Niro Hybrid driving experience.

Highlights of the Kia Niro Self-Charging Hybrid range include:

  • Predictive-Energy Control and Coasting Guide to increase fuel economy
  • Adaptive Cruise Control system.
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking and Blind Spot Detection system for safety.
  • Lane Keep Assistance system
  • Incline start assistance system.
  • It offers driver’s knee protection air-bag too for safety.
  • Electronic Trajectory Control system provided with total of seven Airbags.

Major competitors

Kia niro will have to face a tough competition between other hybrids including 2019 Hyundai Ioniq, Honda HR-V, 2019 Fiat 500 liters,2019 Nissan Kick,2018 ford C-Max and Toyota CHR. Kia Sportage may also get a competition from Kia Niro because Niro is twice efficient in driving and mileage as compared to Sportage.

Expected price and date of launch in Pakistan

The price of Kia Niro worldwide starts at 24,430 US dollars and ending up to 33,000 US dollars so we expect the price in Pakistan somehow around these figures and it is expected that it will have a starting price around 35 to 37 lacs Pakistani rupees if manufactured in Pakistan and if imported than it can cost around 50-60 lacs. The expected launch of the car will be by the middle of this year.

Conclusion

Kia Niro is designed for fuel efficiency with stable and controlled driving. Though it can give noise over bumps and the acceleration will not be that much thrilling and with reduced cargo space it may not be a perfect vehicle in affordable rates as compared to its rivals but apart from all of these it give excellent mileage of fifty two mpg, stylish exterior, and it also offers advanced safety features and comfortable sitting that can make this counted in affordable price vehicles.

Â