Kia Niro Tri-Fuel debuts, the first LPG full-hybrid

• Developed thanks to the long-standing partnership with Westport Fuel System Italia/BRC on the basis of the HEV engine, with the addition of LPG power
• Design, technology and efficiency are at the heart of the new Niro Tri-Fuel
• Kia Niro Tri-Fuel is the first OEM HEV and LPG car

Kia Niro Tri-Fuel makes its debut on the Italian market. Developed thanks to the historic partnership with Westport Fuel System Italia/BRC on the basis of the HEV engine, with the addition of LPG fuel, it will further enrich the Niro offer with a technological and innovative product, which can boast of being one of the very first ‘Tri-fuel’ vehicles on the market.

Like the full hybrid version, Niro Tri-Fuel is powered by the high-efficiency 1.6-litre Smartstream GDI engine, which in this version delivers 90 hp, added to the 43.5 hp of the electric motor, giving a combined maximum output of 126 hp. 

Operation during the drive remains the same, with a view to simplifying the customer's experience of the car, with performance virtually unchanged. The six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission guarantees maximum relaxation and smoothness in all contexts, assisted by MacPherson-type front suspension and multilink four-link rear suspension.  

Thanks to the new LPG hybrid technology, with Niro Tri-Fuel the same driving pleasure is thus guaranteed with the addition of significant cost savings. For example, with Niro Tri-Fuel in the Business version, it is possible to cover around 1,600 km in the combined cycle with a full tank of fuel, calculating that the petrol tank has a capacity of 42 litres and the LPG tank 40 litres. 

Dynamic and elegant exterior design for a unique personality

Kia Niro presents a dynamic design inspired by the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy and, in particular, by the pillar that can be summed up in the ‘Joy for Reason’ concept. The design takes inspiration from nature in the choice of colours, materials and finishes with a future-oriented vision of the car.

The exterior of the Niro combines sophistication with an adventurous crossover spirit. A sleek, dynamic look is combined with a high-tech design. The generously sized C-pillar blends with the striking boomerang-shaped taillights, but also acts as an airflow channel to increase the aerodynamic coefficient.

At the front, Kia's Tiger Face extends from the bonnet to the muscular wing. The contemporary design of the front end is complemented by the ‘heartbeat’ LED daytime running lights that enhance safety and at the same time increase recognisability thanks to the light signature, while a unique skid plate and specific cladding serve to enhance the vehicle's feeling of robustness.

Niro's length is 4,420 mm, width 1,825 mm, height 1,545 mm and wheelbase 2,720 mm.

The eight exterior colours of the current Niro range are also available for the Kia Niro Tri-Fuel: Cityscape Green, Clear White, Snow White Pearl, Aurora Black Pearl, Mineral Blue, Interstellar Grey, Runway Red and Steel Grey.

Innovative, minimalist cockpit for an optimal user experience

So much care has gone into the design of the interior that every detail has been carefully thought out to provide a pleasant, relaxing and functional design environment for all passengers.

The use of slim seats at the front provides more space for rear passengers; each seat is equipped with USB-C sockets for charging electronic devices.

The driving position is designed around the driver, the off-centre dashboard wraps around the seat and all the necessary controls are within easy reach. Two 10.25-inch screens show vehicle and navigation information, while a multi-mode touch display controls the various infotainment and heating functions, minimising distractions.

Advanced voice recognition technology allows occupants to control frequently used systems such as temperature and audio settings, and with the Multi-Command system, passengers can control multiple functions with a single command.

Safety systems

Kia's DriveWise intelligent driver assistance systems (ADAS) ensure that Niro provides advanced systems for peace of mind when using the vehicle.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) warns of the danger of collisions with other road users and pedestrians. The system warns of the risk by means of an acoustic and visual warning and, in the most dangerous cases, can intervene directly on the braking system. When approaching intersections, the use of the indicator activates the Junction Turning function. If the system emits an audible warning and the driver does not intervene, the system will automatically apply the brakes to avoid the potential impact.

Niro's front camera and integrated navigation system work together to display the current speed limit on the road ahead. The Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) system will display the speed on the road and project a visual warning if the limit is exceeded. Other ADAS functions have been introduced to enhance safety, including Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), High Beam Assist (HBA), Smart Cruise Control-Curve-based Navigation (NSCC-C), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear View Monitor (RVM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA).