[Kia Niro News]

Last week, the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid crossover made its Canadian debut to at the still ongoing Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto and we had the opportunity to make our way inside the display model.

Powered by a 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine and 60-horsepower electric motor combo, the Niro PHEV can deliver a grand total of 39 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Equipped with an 8.9 kWh lithium ion battery pack, it can travel an estimated 41 kilometres on electricity alone. Even better when combined with the gasoline engine as it then has an estimated range in excess of 900 kilometres.

When it comes to aesthetics, not much seems to have changed compared to the normal Niro hybrid. Ted Lancaster, VP & COO of Kia Canada Inc, even said as much at the show; “packed with all the same functionality and fun drivability of our popular Niro hybrid, the new Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Crossover will offer even greater fuel economy and extended range.”

What is new is the extra charge port located on PHEV’s left front fender. Under the cover hides a charging port where one could insert a 240v plug to fully charge the PHEVs battery in just 2.5 hours. We even uncovered the battery that is tucked below the cargo floor.

Those in Ontario Niro PHEV can expect to see it hit showroom floors late this summer and full Canadian availability details will be released at a later date.

Kia Niro PHEV CIAS Album
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[Kleen]

The 2.5 hour charge time is a welcomed improvement, considering most PHEV's require at least double that. What's more impressive is the 900km range, which is bound to exceed the needs of most drivers. Looks like Kia is well ahead with their hybrid/electric technology and it'll be interesting to see what performance they get with the upcoming EV model.

 

[brandent]

Cool. Should be a big hit in Canada.

 

[lafe005]

Those in Ontario Niro PHEV can expect to see it hit showroom floors late this summer and full Canadian availability details will be released at a later date.

Update, As of May 2018, there will be no PHEV at any dealership for 2018.. As we speak, no dealers in Canada are having any info yet for the release. I called Kia Canada, They dont know either..

Kia Canada dealers are having alot of trouble to get an hybride version (3 months waiting for order/delevery), that Quebec dealers has to get some from out of province dealers (Ontario, New-Brunswick..). They are VERY rare...

We know that the PHEV is already available in the US since the end of 2017, The Canadian PHEV is not in the same production cycle, and it will by in production probably for debut of 2019.. BUT, they say that the date of release is still unknown, like they sais in Toronto...

that the update soo far..