(February 9, 2014) CHICAGO — Kia’s dramatic and modern Niro urban lifestyle concept vehicle, which was unveiled last September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, last week made its U.S. debut at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show.  The Niro hints at a possible future B-segment contender ready to take on the city environment with style and fun-to-drive attitude, featuring a mix of contrasting materials and compact, purposeful dimensions. 

The rally raid-like Niro also expands on Kia’s alternative propulsion story with its hybrid electric powertrain working through an advanced four-wheel drive system.

Born out of Kia’s ambition to seek new automotive solutions for the discerning and individualistic, the Niro features intriguing elements not often associated with smaller cars.  Conceived at Kia’s Frankfurt, Germany, design studio, the Niro displays an athletic stance that promises a readiness for action and a flare for adventure.

“Ten years ago people wanted understated style in the SUV market, but increasingly, as more people migrate to the B-segment, they are looking for strong character and individuality,” said Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer, Kia Design Center Europe. 

“It may have the looks of a Dakar [Rally] contender, but Niro has a strong premium feel thanks to our innovative use of advanced and modern materials that mix brawn with spirit to deliver a playful vehicle ready to be part of anyone’s active lifestyle.”

Although Niro presents a sturdy and muscular outline, it has relatively compact dimensions on its all-new B-segment platform.  The design team started with the intention of creating a strong and purposeful outline with a startling two-tone exterior look.  Its 164.8-inch overall length, 72.8-inch width and 61.3-inch height place it firmly in the city car bracket.

The menacingly dark “Nightfall” exterior paint is sharply offset by a brushed, stainless-steel roof enveloping the entire cabin.  This two-finish construction gives a unique and high-tech edge to Niro’s outward appearance.  Also adding a feel that the car is virtually bursting out of its skin are running-board-type “blades” above the lower side-sills – echoed by similar creases in the front and rear lower valances.  Furthermore, the concept’s firmly planted stance is defined by a 102-inch wheelbase and a 64.2-inch track.

Niro may be a designers’ eye view of a future B-segment contender, but that doesn’t mean it is a pure flight of fancy.  This concept comes with a variant of Kia’s turbocharged 1.6-liter "Gamma
 engine, capable of 160 smile-inducing horsepower. The engine and a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission serve the front wheels while an electric hybrid system powered by regenerative braking delivers up to 45 horsepower to the rear wheels when road conditions require extra grip.