Think the Chicago auto show is all about trucks and SUVs? Think again. Kia plans to show off its eco-friendly Niro hybrid on Thursday. The Niro will be Kia’s first dedicated-hybrid vehicle, and it aims to take on the likes of the Toyota Prius
We had the opportunity to drive a prototype Kia Niro hybrid earlier this year, and found that the car points toward a promising new hybrid model. Though we’ll have more details when the car is fully revealed in Chicago, the Kia Niro prototype we drove married a 103-hp, 1.6-liter inline-four gasoline engine with a 32-kWh electric motor and a 1.56-kWh lithium-ion battery. Kia expects the Niro to achieve as much as 50 mpg combined when it reaches our shores.
Kia Niro teaser image.
Kia Motors America has partnered with TEN: The Enthusiast Network to offer live streaming of today’s Chicago Auto Show press conference. The Windy City is the backdrop for the global unveiling of the all-new Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV). Joining the Niro on stage will be the completely redesigned Optima Hybrid along with the Optima Plug-in Hybrid.
