Kia has added the all new Niro - a low emissions vehicle - to its lineup. Labelled as a Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV), the Niro marks the development of the Korean brand's first dedicated eco-car platform. It goes up against the likes of the Vezel Hybrid and Toyota C-HR Hybrid, whose arrival in Singapore hasn't been confirmed by authorised dealer Borneo Motors.

The all new Niro maintains the practicality of a compact crossover while offering class-leading fuel economy of 26.3km/L and a CO₂ emissions rating of 88g/km (combined). It has also set the Guinness World Record for the lowest fuel consumption (32.6km/L) driving across the U.S.A from coast to coast (hybrid car).

The Kia Niro boasts a brand new design with its sporty and aerodynamic body, subtly sculptured surfaces and styling details, which finish off the car's modern new look. It features Kia's signature 'tiger-nose' grille and a series of other design cues from the company's latest products.

The Niro's styling boasts smooth, sleek proportions and a wide stance that portrays stability and a low centre of gravity. Its long wheelbase reduces the size of the car's front and rear overhangs while providing maximum interior space for passenger comfort.

53 percent of the Niro's body, based on a bespoke new platform, is made out of Kia's proprietary Advanced High Strength Steel, which results in a more rigid chassis. Components in 24 key stress areas of the HUV have been hot stamped to achieve its class-leading fuel economy and high safety standards.

The compact Sport Utility Vehicle's (SUV) hybrid powertrain pairs Kia's 1.6-litre 'Kappa' petrol direct injection engine, putting out 104bhp and 147Nm of torque, with a 1.56kWh lithium-polymer battery pack and a 32kW electric motor. Its combined power output of 139bhp at 5,700rpm and 265Nm of torque at 1,000rpm is applied to the road through a six-speed double-clutch transmission.

On top of its 10-year engine warranty and five-year unlimited mileage warranty, Cycle & Carriage Kia is now offering a 10-year lithium battery warranty for the Niro.

Kia plans to expand its current green car lineup from four to 11 by 2020, in line with its ambition of becoming a leader in the low emissions car market. The company is also targeting a 25 percent improvement to average corporate fuel efficiency over 2014 levels.

The company will be replacing seven of its 10 current engine ranges with next generation petrol and diesel units, and is increasing the number of turbocharged engines by 2020. Higher efficiency, multi-speed transmissions and a five percent reduction in the average weight of new car bodies through greater application of Advanced High Strength Steel are also in the works.

Mr. Eric Chan, Managing Director, Singapore Motor Operations, Jardine Cycle & Carriage, commented, "We wanted to give our consumers everything that they could want from a compact crossover in terms of practicality and styling, while providing the typically low running costs associated with a dedicated hybrid powertrain. In fact, the compact SUV market remains one of the fastest-growing segments in Singapore, and by offering a handsome, modern appearance, high practicality and extraordinary fuel economy, Kia's new feature-packed Niro will be the most appealing and desirable car in its price segment."

The all new Kia Niro has an Open Market Value (OMV) of $29,000, an Additional Registration Fee (ARF) of $32,000 and is eligible for a $30,000 Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme (CEVS) rebate.

Price as of press time (inclusive of COE)

Kia Niro Hybrid 1.6 (A) - $109,999