Kia launches new compact Niro SUV

Kia Motors President Park Han-woo, second from right, and Vice President Kim Chang-sik, second from left, pose during the company’s compact SUV Niro’s launch event at the W Hotel in Gwangjin-gu, eastern Seoul, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Kia Motors

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Kia Motors has launched its new compact hybrid SUV Niro, seeking to maintain its leading position in the country’s recreational vehicle market.

During a launch event at the W Hotel in Gwangjin-gu, eastern Seoul, Tuesday, Kia’s domestic marketing director Seo Bo-won said that the Niro will dominate its three major compact SUV rivals in Korea ― SsangYong’s Tivoli, Renault Samsung’s QM3 and GM Korea’s Chevrolet Trax.

“The Niro has a better fuel efficiency of 19.5 kilometers per liter, the best mileage in the country’s compact SUV sector,” Seo said.

“Taking account of the government’s subsidy for eco-friendly vehicles, the compact hybrid SUV will also be sold at a lower price than its rival models.”

With a government’s grant of 4.4 million won ($3,781) for eco-friendly cars, the Niro is expected to be sold at a price range between 22.35 million and 26.55 million won.

The model’s name coming from “Near Zero,” meaning zero defects, the Niro offers the most dynamic power train system in its segment with the new-generation Kappa 1.6-liter GDI engine combined with a 32 kW electric motor. The engine and motor jointly produce a maximum 141 horsepower with torque of 27 kgf-m, Seo added.

Placing its battery not in the trunk but underneath the rear seat, the SUV’s trunk can hold up to 1,425 liters of cargo with the rear seat folded.

The Niro’s exterior also uses advanced high strength steel twice the strength of common steel plate; and it has a seven-way airbag system to secure driver and passenger safety in the event of a collision.

The nation’s second-largest carmaker is expected to carry out various sales promotions including a lifetime battery warranty and 10-year or 200,000-kilometer motor warranty.

“The Niro is the company’s first compact hybrid SUV, suggesting a new standard in its segment,” said a Kia Motors official.

“Some 1,500 cars have already been preordered, and the company aims to sell a total of 18,000 cars this year.”

An official added that Kia Motors is also expected to launch an electric-only model later this year.