Kia has provide first look at the Kia Niro concept which will be officially unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show as the automaker’s possible future B-segment contender.
Kia says the Niro will preview “an innovative new powertrain”, suggesting we could see an evolution of the ‘Smart-4WD-Hybrid’ system previewed in the Provo concept, which featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter GDI engine driving the front wheels and an 33kW electric motor at the rear for a total of 246 hp and on-demand four-wheel drive.
The Kia Niro was designed at company’s Frankfurt design studio – less than a kilometer away from the IAA – under the direction of Gregory Guillaume, Chief Designer Europe.
Designed specifically for the European market, the Niro concept combines a mischievous character in a clearly robust and substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials – including stainless steel elements – in compact, purposeful dimensions.
Kia Niro features a slim tiger-nose grille, wide-set headlights and cube-shaped LED running lights taken from the Cee’d GT. At the rear twin exhausts, LED taillights and a pair of tow hooks create a sporty and rugged look. Supercar-style scissor doors swing open to reveal a striking interior that combines a single moulding for front seats and center console.
Niro’s unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show will be used to gauge potential customer response for future showroom models.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
