The magic of Pure Hybrid: Kia’s all-new 2020 Niro debuts in Sri Lanka

Kia Motors (Lanka) Managing Director Mahen Thambiah at the preview of the 2020 Kia Niro - Pix by Ruwan Walpola 

The machismo of the ride is rarely as well paired with world-record-setting fuel economy and guilt-easing eco credentials as in the all-new 2020 Kia Niro unveiled to media in Colombo on Tuesday by Kia Motors (Lanka) Ltd.

Think 141 horse power, zero to 96 kilometres per hour in 8.6 seconds, a Guinness Book verified 32.5 kilometres per litre of 95-Octane gasoline and CO2 emissions of 88 grams per kilometre and you have the newest and most exhilarating mid-sized urban SUV to arrive in Sri Lanka – the first dedicated hybrid from Kia. 

Named Green Car Journal’s 2018 Green SUV of the Year, the Kia Niro offers the practicality and curb-side appeal of a spacious SUV with the high fuel efficiency of an advanced hybrid powertrain. Engineered from the ground up as a dedicated hybrid vehicle, its attractive, modern design makes the car stand out among conservatively-styled hybrid rivals.

Unlike the mild hybrids in the market, the Kia Niro is a Pure Hybrid where its lithium-ion polymer battery pack and 32kW electric motor propel the wheels through a six-speed double-clutch gear box. A 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine is combined with Kia’s characteristic cool and athletic design to offer real-world utility, great looks and fantastic mileage.

The result of years of hard work by Kia to provide a hybrid that is fun, versatile, economical and a pleasure to look at and drive, the Niro is equipped with a specially-designed, innovative hybrid system to provide a more dynamic and engaging driving experience. A spacious cabin with lots of room for five occupants and their gear and the ability to tow braked loads of up to 1,300 kg, represent a significant capability for a hybrid SUV. The car’s global development programme has seen the car tested in Europe, North America and the Far East, resulting in a smooth ride, engaging handling and high stability from its fully-independent suspension.

Speaking at the media launch of the Niro, Kia Motors (Lanka) Managing Director Mahen Thambiah said: “The Niro was conceived to bridge the gap between outstanding fuel economy and compact SUV usefulness. Its launch in Sri Lanka heralds an exciting new phase in Kia’s progress in the local market, just as it has redefined the brand’s values in European and other global markets where performance must be delivered economically and sustainably. We are very excited at the potential for the Niro in the local market.”

Adding to the Niro’s solid credentials is a surprisingly purse-easy price tag: coming in at just Rs 9.5 million inclusive of taxes, the Niro EX boasts best-in-class features including ABS, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), dual air bags, 8-inch touchscreen display with radio and sound system, reverse camera with dynamic guideline, motor-driven power steering with steering column tilt and telescopic adjustment, 4.2-inch supervision cluster with Rheostat, smart key and button start with immobiliser, Automatic Climate Control dual zone AC, 18-inch alloy wheels, projection type LED head lamps, dedicated LED daytime running lights, LED position lamp, LED rear combination lights, LED fog lamps, leather seats, power driver seat with lumbar support, auto light control, Cruise Control and Driver Mode Selector.

The Niro is backed by a warranty of five years or 150,000Km.