Currently, in the automotive sector it is increasingly difficult to offer something new and truly innovative: Kia gets up for the new Niro, or a hybrid crossover of medium size and with cutting-edge technical solutions, which we tested on the roads around Barcelona. 4.36 long and beautifully designed, the Niro is characterized by a front with the “eyes” (pardon, the headlights!) almond-shaped, dynamic side panels and a sporty rear, in which stands the flashy spoiler.

The interior is spacious and comfortable, but there are finishes and premium materials such as leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate and heatable (and “freshable”) front seats; equipped with cruise control with automatic emergency braking, bi-xenon headlights and a number of driver assistance systems, the Korean crossover is appreciated for the high-level multimedia equipment, with 8-inch touch screen, navigation and 320 Watt JBL audio system with 8 speakers. Some defect, however, we find it in terms of practicality, with a threshold of the trunk 76 cm from the ground and a capacious space but only 41 cm high, while the rear visibility is really reduced, making it essential to use the rear view camera.

Technically, the new Kia Niro is based on a hybrid system consisting of a 1.6 engine 105 HP with direct injection of petrol and an electric generator, coupled with a robotised double-clutch six-speed transmission and able to develop a total power of 141 HP. Of course, performance is not that of a supercar (the “0-100″ is completed in 11.5 seconds), but on the road Niro proves still bright enough and, more importantly, little “thirsty” of fuel, with average consumption above 20 Km/liter. As for prices, finally, waiting for official confirmation, we can reasonably assume a price starting at around 26,000 euros.

Emiliano Caretti