Kia Niro Hybrid Crossover Spotted In India

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Kia Niro is the automaker’s first dedicated hybrid; could be a future offering in the domestic market

Hyundai owned Kia Motors is going to enter the Indian auto market soon and the brand ready to commence production in 2019 at its presently under construction plant in Andhra Pradesh. Before that, the automaker is currently in process to set up dealership network and garnering attention of the buyers across the country. Meanwhile, the Niro crossover of the brand has been spotted here.

The Kia Niro was displayed at the Kia Dealer Roadshow event in August 2017 alongside other models. The latest model spotted gets the same paint scheme as the model displayed at the August event. In that case, it could be the same Niro crossover in transit to the next Kia Dealer Roadshow venue.

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Also read: Kia Rio Sedan’s India Launch Likely in 2019 – All You Need to Know

While the car manufacturer is showing this car here, the Niro is highly unlikely to be launched anytime soon. Considering the fact that Kia Niro is the brand’s first dedicated hybrid car and such vehicles have become much pricier under the new tax structure, Kia might not introduce it here keeping the profitability in mind. However, its other sibling Sportage is among the India bound models. Interestingly, Kia Sportage has been spied testing on Indian soil couple of times. This muscular looking SUV will lock horns with tough rival like Mahindra XUV500.

While the tax amount for the Kia Niro will be certainly a concern for the brand if it arrives here, the car could be an interesting model in the domestic market. This compact crossover bears the signature Kia design language. It features swept back headlamps with projector lamps and butterfly pattern front grille. A chunky and muscular front bumper is there with uniquely shaped fog lamps.

Kia Niro India Launch, Price, Engine, Specs, Features, InteriorAlso read: Kia Optima Sedan (Toyota Corolla Rival) – All You Need To Know

At the side profile, the crossover boasts sporty alloy wheels, sleek black cladding, blackened glass area with chrome trim around it, turn indicator integrated ORVMs. If you look at the rear profile, the taillamps remind us of Hyundai Elite i20 and the tailgate comes with slight similarity to the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. An integrated roof spoiler is there.

Not only exterior, inside the cabin too this model appears very stylish and appealing with a sporty all-black colour theme, multifunction steering wheel, analog and digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system with several connectivity options at centre console.

Kia Niro India Launch, Price, Engine, Specs, Features, Interior 6Also read: Upcoming Kia Cerato Sedan – All You Need To Know

On the powertrain front, Kia Niro uses a 1.6-litre inline-four cylinder GDI petrol engine coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. There is an electric battery pack combined with the petrol engine. The battery pack delivers energy to the 43 hp electric motor and the hybrid powertrain is capable of churning out 139 hp of peak power at 5,700 rpm and 264 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

Kia Niro Crossover Images

Source: Bunnypunia.com