Kia is combining its new environmental credentials with its desire to capitalise on the booming crossover sector by launching the Niro at a time when demand for both is growing rapidly.
Like other manufacturers, it realises the game is almost up for diesel engines and an alternative is critical. Hence the Niro - a car with a 1.6 petrol engine and a 32 kW electric motor - which the company says is capable of using only 3.8 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres and has emissions as low as 88 grams per kilometre.
Both claims are impressive but only real-world driving conditions will reveal whether the car is capable of fuel consumption this low.
Prices for the Niro start at Euro 30,595, which is competitive and means the stretch from a normal crossover, such as a Renault Kadjar, won't be a huge one, given the potential for savings on fuel consumption.
The Niro has an edgy design profile and the company says the car was engineered from the ground up as a hybrid. Kia also says the dimensions are such that owners of current crossovers will make the transition to hybrid easily.
Standard equipment includes satellite navigation with Android Auto, full leather seats, with the front ones heated, lane assist technology, dual air conditioning and LED lights front and rear.
Kia's Korean sibling, Hyundai, will also be launching its first hybrid on the Irish market in the coming weeks and it will be interesting to see how they compare in terms of price and standard equipment.
The estate version of the Optima goes on sale at Euro 29,950 and will feature 18-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch sat-nav and infotainment screen and lane assist technology.
