The new Niro Hybrid engine marks the first combination of the Atkinson combustion cycle, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and direct injection to maximise efficiency.
Kia Australia’s General Manager of Product Planning, Roland Rivero, said that the Niro HEV is a step in the right direction.
“Products like Niro being introduced to the range is a great steppingstone for us to prepare for an electrified future,” said Rivero.
“The self-charging Niro Hybrid gives customers modern hybrid technology and brings the efficiency of a HEV to a fun-to-drive crossover SUV.
“The advanced parallel hybrid powertrain blends petrol and electric power without the need for external charging for a great ride with outstanding hybrid efficiency.”
Conceived as a dedicated hybrid model, the Kia Niro HEV features a 1.6-litre ‘Kappa’ GDI engine producing 77.2kW and 147Nm coupled to a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with an additional maximum output of 32kW and 170Nm, bringing the combined system output to 104kW and 265Nm.
The parallel powertrain arrangement allows for the full output of both the petrol engine and electric motor to be transferred through the transmission with minimal loss of energy.
The Niro’s efficiency stems from an energy storage managed by a 240 Volt Lithium-Ion polymer battery under the rear seat. The battery has a capacity of 6.5Ah and 1.56kWh which allows for the HEV to return fuel efficiency of 3.8L/100km under the ADR81/02 Combined Fuel Consumption Cycle, using pure electric drive from launch and during gentle acceleration, such as in stop-start city traffic.
Fleet vehicles are covered by Kia’s 7-Year unlimited kilometre warranty and for any further information, visit Kia Warranty and Kia Fleet Edge.
