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Kia Niro hybrid CUV teased again ahead of Chicago debut

The 2016 Detroit Auto Show just started, but Kia is already looking forward to February. That's when the Chicago Auto Show happens, and that's when Kia promises to unveil its Niro hybrid compact crossover. The company's two teaser images offer a great look at the little CUV, especially when you consider them with the earlier design sketches. The Niro is part of Kia's push to create a greener lineup through 2020, and the model packs a dedicated hybrid powertrain. Earlier reports suggest that it consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and 47-horsepower electric motor with a 1.56-kWh battery. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox will likely put the power to the road. Kia's styling centers in California and Namyang, South Korea, are responsible for the Niro's look. The designers use a narrow version of the company's tiger-nose grille for this CUV, but the high-mounted headlights create a clear family resemblance to the latest Sportage. The roofline appears to have a coupe-like arch, and the rear gets nearly rectangular taillights that angle into the hatch. If the Niro name sounds familiar, that's because Kia first used it on a slightly bulbous crossover concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. You'll have to wait a month for all the details, but until then, enjoy the teasers and press release below. KIA REVEALS FIRST IMAGES OF ALL-NEW NIRO HYBRID UTILITY VEHICLE Kia reveals first images of all-new Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle Exclusive first images of Niro HUV illustrates sporty and versatile design Niro HUV world premiere set for Chicago Auto Show in February 2016 Dedicated hybrid powertrain specifically developed for all-new model (SEOUL) January 12, 2016 – Kia has today unveiled the first official images of the sporty and versatile Niro – an all-new Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) that's set to add a fresh dimension to the global compact SUV market. The styling of the Niro was led by Kia's design centers in California, USA and Namyang, Korea and incorporates the practicality and aesthetic allure of a compact SUV, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and subtly sculptured surfaces. Highlighting the raised rear haunches that endow the HUV with an athletic stance, the image also reveals high-mounted LED taillights that complement an uncluttered rear end. The slim character line and rear windows emphasize the car's sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the Niro's muscular wheel arches.

Kia's brand perception still painfully lags behind reality

I can't tell you how many times I've been driving with friends or family in a decidedly nice Korean press car, only to have a passenger notice the logo on the steering wheel and exclaim, "Wait... this is a Kia?" For every time I roll my eyes at a story with a lede about how Hyundai "is really gaining momentum these days," I get equally annoyed when people comment on how Kia is finally starting to make decent cars. This is hardly news. The brand has been pumping out really solid stuff for a while now.
But as it turns out, not everyone knows that. According to Ward's Auto, speaking to Kia marketing chief Michael Sprague, the automaker recently placed third-to-last in a recent ALG Brand Perception of Quality study, only besting Suzuki and Smart. Wow.
Ward's notes that Kia recently earned a credible sixth place in J.D. Power & Associates' Initial Quality Study, and yet still fell way behind pretty much every other brand in the ALG study. The Korean automaker's cars have also won numerous awards in recent years, and have generally earned positive reviews from the media, Autoblog included.

2021 Kia Sedona's new look revealed as Korean-market Carnival

Last week, Kia showed teaser sketches of the next-generation Carnival, which we'll get as the 2021 Kia Sedona. Now the company has released actual photos of the minivan with the Carnival nameplate. No other information about powertrains or features have been announced, but there's plenty in the design to take a look at. Overall, the Sedona has a boxy, upright design seemingly more inspired by crossovers than traditional minivans. The low ride height and tall body do give it away as a van, though. Other crossover design cues include the faux skid plate panels on the front and rear bumpers. Look closer, and you find some really fascinating details across the van. At the front, you find an intricate variation on the Kia "Tiger Nose" grille with intersecting chrome diamonds. You'll also find that the LED running lights run out from the headlights and down the lower section of the grille surround. Hidden just inside the grille are the high beams for the headlights, and the lights each have chrome eyebrows. Along the side, a strong shoulder line blends into the door sliders, and the C-pillar is the most prominent of any modern Kia. It has a sort of chrome or aluminum finish with a light diamond cross-hatched pattern molded into it. At the back, there's a full-width taillight housing with LED elements. In the middle section, there are little chrome highlights just behind the red plastic adding another fine detail to admire. As previously mentioned, Kia only revealed photos of the new van, and no information on what's powering it or what other features it will have. It could continue using the 276-horsepower 3.3-liter V6 in the current Sedona, or it could upgrade to the 291-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 from the Telluride. There's also the possibility of using a turbocharged four-cylinder or possibly both a four-cylinder and a V6 depending on trim levels. We should know more closer to the on-sale date. It goes on sale first in South Korea at the end of the year's third quarter and other markets some time after. Related Video: