Wonderfull Hybrid Moments

For the gasoline-burning part of the Niro’s powertrain, Kia cooked up a new 103-hp 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine specifically for duty in hybrid vehicles. Officially called the Kappa 1.6-liter GDI, the engine is optimized for efficiency, combining Atkinson-cycle operation with a cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system, direct injection, and long-stroke/narrow-bore dimensions. According to Kia, it’s the first time these technologies have been combined in a production engine. Efficiency and emissions also are improved via the Niro’s exhaust-heat recovery system, which quickens engine warm-up—engines are more efficient when they’re warm—by routing coolant through a heat exchanger in the exhaust system.

The electric portion of the powertrain centers on a 43-hp electric motor integrated with the transmission. Electrical energy is stored in a compact and lightweight 1.56-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, and total combined output for the hybrid powertrain is 146 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Expect a plug-in version to become available later in the Niro’s life cycle.

Power is funneled through a new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is said to aid the pursuit of an enjoyable driving experience. According to Kia, the transmission provides smooth and speedy gear swaps, imparting a “natural and spirited feel” that hybrids equipped with CVTs can’t match. To that end, Kia also spent a fair amount of time addressing hybrid vehicles’ Achilles’ heel: brake feel. Applying lessons learned from engineering two generations of Kia designed the Niro’s regenerative system “to seamlessly blend” with the hydraulic friction braking, resulting in deceleration that “feels more consistent and linear.” We look forward to seeing if Kia succeeded once we drive the Niro.

The Niro also will feature Kia’s Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System), which includes the company’s Coasting Guide and Predictive Energy Control. This is aimed at maximizing fuel mileage by coaching the driver about when to coast or brake. Predictive Energy Control uses the navigation and cruise-control systems “to anticipate topographical changes on the road ahead and actively manage energy flow,” as well as determine when conditions are optimal to recharge the battery and when it’s better to apply stored energy toward the wheels. For what it’s worth, Kia says that while similar systems are in use, its setup is the first to adjust for both uphill and downhill situations.

Expect the usual laundry list of luxury, safety, and connectivity features to be available, including the new UVO3 infotainment system with a 7.0-inch capacitive touchscreen. Outfitted with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it also includes eight gigs of music storage, Wi-Fi tethering, and more. Driver-assistance features include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, active cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The only details we don’t know about the Niro are its on-sale date and price. But we expect those particulars to be released soon, and we’ll report them once they’re confirmed.