Sharing the strategy of following a release triad, Kia is set to unleash the Niro hybrid to the market in three phases. Kia's bid to the automobile game already has confirmed a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid, with the battery electric version anticipated in 2018.
The COO of Kia Motors Europe, Michael Cole, confirmed to Hybrid Cars that the variant among the models of the Niro adopted the same technique as that of the Hyundai Ioniq Electric. He further added that the production of the Plug-In Hybrid starts in April this year while the electric Niro is to be launched in 2018.
The similarity does not end in the marketing strategy, the Niro all-electric is also expected to have the same motor as the Ioniq. In addition, both are even projected to have an upgrade to their battery ranges with Hyundai looking to last up to 200 miles.
It has been known that Hyundai Ioniq has been envisioned to match the efficiency of the Toyota Prius in the hybrid category while capitalizing on the utilitarian simplicity. Comparatively, Kia Niro is a subcompact crossover that is even pegged "un-hybrid". Car and Driver ranks it fourth among its kind. Notably, too, the Niro deviates from the aerodynamic efficiency focus and showcases roomier interior for passengers and cargo.
Like the Niro's almost sister, the Ioniq, it is priced in a way that appeals to practical car owners. At the same time, it does is does not attract too much attention to the design and the appeal is minimalistic and is not meant to stand out aesthetically. These aspects, including the fact that it has a high reaching seat for drivers
Kia Niro and Hyundai Ioniq are both have characteristics that can potentially convince consumers to convert to hybrids because of the build of the cars serve the purpose of everyday driving, economical, much friendlier to the environment and do not necessary scream "hybrid" to onlookers. With the all-electric models expected in 2018, it remains to be seen if the three-phased releases of these models pan out as planned.
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