Hybrid crossover takes sting out of rising gas prices
Road Test: 2017 Kia Niro
Roman Emperor Nero is infamous for playing his lyre as Rome burned in 64 AD, an all-too apt metaphor in these days of climate change skepticism. And while the name of Kia’s all-new hybrid crossover differs in spelling, it is designed to do its small part in quelling our warming planet.
Slotting into Kia’s 2017 CUV lineup under the full-size Sorento and mid-size Sportage, the subcompact Niro enters the conversation for young, active families looking for an economical way to get around.
With prices ranging from $24,995 to $32,995 across the trim levels — L, EX, EX Premium and SX Touring — the 2017 Niro is an affordable option, though it must be said the subcompact CUV segment is one of the most competitive in Canada, with a handful of great, well established vehicles at similar prices.
The Niro separates itself from the pack, however, with its hybrid powertrain and combined fuels economy rating of 5.4 L/100 km. And, as my Driving colleague Graeme Fletcher pointed out while covering the world launch of the Niro in Texas, Kia engineers have designed the new green CUV to be fun to drive, unlike your garden-variety hybrid.
I’ve just spent five days living with and driving an SX Touring model all over Metro Vancouver, and have arrived at the same conclusion as Fletcher — it succeeds. Better still, that stingy hybrid engine package gave me relief at the pump, which can’t be said about most SUVs.
In terms of exterior styling, there’s not too much to get excited about (translation: The new Niro looks like pretty much every other subcompact CUV in existence). The front “tiger-nose” grille does provide some unique attributes, and integrates nicely with the HID headlights to give the Niro a bit of a distinctive face. Likewise, the SX Touring’s 18-inch wheels work well with the long wheelbase and short overhangs to give the vehicle a sporty, almost aggressive stance.
Inside, however, is where the Niro really left an impression. That long wheelbase provides a surprisingly spacious cabin, particularly in the rear seat and cargo areas, without infringing on the driver’s cockpit.
Unlike hybrids of just a few years ago, battery packs these days are typically positioned under the rear seats, therefore not taking up valuable cargo space.
One would expect a high level of comfort, style and technology in any model’s top-of-the-line trim, but the Niro SX Touring ’s in-cabin accoutrements are impressive nevertheless, particularly at its price point. Not only is the laundry list of tech features thorough, their execution is first rate. I particularly liked the back-lit driving gauges, which are among the cleanest and easiest to read I’ve seen in years. The dash-mounted infotainment screen is a pleasing blend of easy-to-read optics and easy-to-operate functions; if only other manufacturers would heed this call.
The sole gasoline engine available in all trims is an all-new 1.6-L four specifically engineered for hybrid systems. Its admittedly low horsepower rating of 109 does get a boost to a respectable 139 once the electric motor comes online. The motor gets its juice from a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery, and boosts the torque level to a very respectable 195 poundfeet.
I drove the Niro all over the Lower Mainland, from downtown city streets, through quiet parkland and onto fast-moving highways. For the most part I found the Niro to be an able, and very quiet, performer. However, if you’re like me and expect some quick jump when you press the accelerator, the Niro disappoints, at least for the first couple of seconds, as the 139-hp engine just doesn’t have the ponies to giddy up and go off the line.
However, with nearly 200 lb-ft of torque, once you do get a move on, the accelerator response improves drastically, which was evident in the solid highway attributes of the Niro.
What makes the drive even better is the six-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, a slick box that harnesses that big torque number in much better fashion than a CVT would. Likewise, the manumatic function on the centre-console shifter gives you more control, with manual up- and downshifts, which anyone who enjoys driving relishes.
Anyone who has driven a hybrid with regenerative braking knows all too well the feel of lifting off the accelerator. Jarring is perhaps too strong a way to describe the deceleration, and once you apply the brake pedal, that feeling only increases. Kia engineers, with millions of kilometres of real-world experience from their stable of Optima hybrids and Soul EVs, set out to improve this aspect of regen braking in the Niro. They pulled it off by blending the regen system with hydraulic friction braking to create consistent and much more linear slowing than in hybrids of the past.
Steering is crisp and sure, aided by the electric power steering system, and the EX Touring’s meaty, leather-wrapped steering wheel certainly aided this cause.
The 2017 Kia Niro Hybrid isn’t the first “green” vehicle to achieve what was once the holy grail — great fuel economy, low emissions, but still fun to drive — nor will it be the last. Yet, in a number of ways, it points us to a cooler future.