[NiroOo]

Does this affect your decision for purchase?

or are you happy with the hybrid front wheel drive?

Do you have a preference, if all 3 were offered? Which would you choose and why?

 

[Neuron]

Well Kia never really did say they were coming out with an AWD version and I can understand why they chose to sacrifice it. Bottom line, AWD adds weight and costs more and that would reduce the Niro fuel economy ratings but I was still hoping for an AWD version.

Maybe we'll see the plug-in hybrid version of the Niro come out with an AWD variant. Who knows at this point but I'll wait a bit and see, I usually wait around 1 year after a model's initial release before purchasing anyways. Gives the manufacturer time to find bugs and fix them. I'm willing to wait.

 

[DeNiro]

AWD does give you better traction on a slick or slippery surface or when your wheels are stuck but modern technology is reducing the performance gap between FWD and AWD.

Don't see a problem if the Niro comes with traction control and stability control and I'm sure ABS will be available too. Add a nice set of wheels and you won't even miss AWD.

 

[NiroOo]

Well Kia never really did say they were coming out with an AWD version and I can understand why they chose to sacrifice it. Bottom line, AWD adds weight and costs more and that would reduce the Niro fuel economy ratings but I was still hoping for an AWD version.

Maybe we'll see the plug-in hybrid version of the Niro come out with an AWD variant. Who knows at this point but I'll wait a bit and see, I usually wait around 1 year after a model's initial release before purchasing anyways. Gives the manufacturer time to find bugs and fix them. I'm willing to wait.

You're right.

Guess we shall wait until it launches then more reviews from journalist and reporters release.

Then people who buy them and provide personal reviews.

I tend to wait it out too. There's always room for improvements.

 

[badyellowvette]

As long as Kia don't do what Honda did. I was interested in the HR-V when it came out and I didn't want AWD. Honda only shipped AWD to the northeast. Would been a real pain to get FWD model. But it turned out that the HR-V did not to get the mpg's I wanted and what they were saying it would.

 

[NiroOo]

AWD does give you better traction on a slick or slippery surface or when your wheels are stuck but modern technology is reducing the performance gap between FWD and AWD.

Don't see a problem if the Niro comes with traction control and stability control and I'm sure ABS will be available too. Add a nice set of wheels and you won't even miss AWD.

haha that's true!

AWD would definitely be a sweet ride in the winter times during the snow!

I'm not sure about adding a nice set of wheels to the niro.. kind of iffy about it. Unless there's pictures of it and I like it haha

 

[NiroOo]

As long as Kia don't do what Honda did. I was interested in the HR-V when it came out and I didn't want AWD. Honda only shipped AWD to the northeast. Would been a real pain to get FWD model. But it turned out that the HR-V did not to get the mpg's I wanted and what they were saying it would.

That sucks. What did you end up getting then if the HR-V didn't offer what it was suppose to come with.

I hope kia sticks by their words with their concept and design.

 

[badyellowvette]

That sucks. What did you end up getting then if the HR-V didn't offer what it was suppose to come with.

I hope kia sticks by their words with their concept and design.

I'm still looking.

 

[Neuron]

Factory tested MPG numbers are usually not the same as what you would get in real world testing from normal drivers like you and I. As long as it's close to what they advertised, maybe off by 1-2 mpg, then I'm happy with it.

Going to wait for reviews from people who take it on road trips after breaking it in.
If Niro ever does come out with an AWD variant, the mpg numbers would go down. Some may think it's worth it, some may not. Both options should be offered everywhere and if Kia does decided to offer AWD only, I assume it'll only apply to places like Canada where it snows so much.

 

[NiroOo]

Yes. If they the Niro does ever come out then I would definitely get the AWD variant. Only because of the crazy weather in Canada and still snowing in APRIL!!

Well MPG numbers being off by that little won't be a negative factor for me, I'll be satisfied with it too. Nothing is perfect.

Anyone else heard about the production date ?? or any updates?

 

[Alex]

Yes. If they the Niro does ever come out then I would definitely get the AWD variant. Only because of the crazy weather in Canada and still snowing in APRIL!!

Well MPG numbers being off by that little won't be a negative factor for me, I'll be satisfied with it too. Nothing is perfect.

Anyone else heard about the production date ?? or any updates?

The Niro is indeed coming out and AWD isn't that important in winter. The right tires, snow tires, are what matter. It's what gets you going from a stand still and what brings you to a stop safely. Lots of people get by just fine in the worst of winter weather conditions in FWD and RWD vehicles.

Make sure you get the right tires.

 

[NiroOo]

I was just always been told about AWD, which I've never driven before.

I think I do have a good set of winter tires like the yokohamas. It's been good to me so far in the crazy winter conditions on the road.