Kia January 2017 Sales Down 7.0% with 35,626 Vehicles sold + Niro Review

Bring on the Niro!

Wayne Gerdes – CleanMPG – Feb. 1, 2017

2017 Kia Niro FE - $22,890 to start plus $895 D&H Charge provides owners with a 52/49/50 mpgUS city/highway/combined EPA rating.

The all-new 2017 Kia Niro is a no-compromise crossover that combines a very standard compact CUV driving experience, functional utility, and far beyond segment competitors efficiency.

Available in 5 trims, the well-equipped base FE model is the true efficiency champion with that 50 mpg combined rating. In terms of that base FE Trim equipment, here is just some of the included items:

Interior comfort and convenience: Tilt and telescoping wheel, 4.2" LCD driver display, trip computer, power driver's window with auto up/down, power passenger window with auto down, power rear windows, power door locks, cruise control, illuminated sunvisor with vanity mirror and cover, overhead LED lamps, cargo light, luggage net, hidden cargo storage tray, cargo cover, front console arm rest with storage and cup holder, rear center arm rest with cup holder, center console overhead mood lamp, overhead console with sunglass holder, 110V inverter, assist grips (x3), 6-way adjustable driver's seat with height adjuster, 6-way adjustable passenger seat with height adjuster and seatback pocket, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, dual-zone auto climate w/ auto defog and ionizer, driver only A/C function, and a rear A/C and heating vent.

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Infotainment: UVO eServices with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, AM/FM/MP3/SiriusXM audio system, 7” LCD touchscreen color display with integrated rear camera and dynamic guidelines, 2 front center 12V power outlets, Auxiliary and USB audio input jacks, USB charger in front console arm rest storage area, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and BT with voice recognition.

Exterior convenience: Auto headlamps, front fog lights, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), rear LED combination lights, power adjustable outside mirrors, acoustic windshield glass with shade band, solar control glass (windshield, front doors), Privacy glass (rear doors, rear quarter, back-lite), and a rear spoiler.

2017 Kia Niro Trim Pricing and Option Package Detail

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Destination and Handling adds $895 USD to the above.

Aurora Black Pearl and Snow White Pearl Paint - $395.00 and incl. on the Touring Launch Edition.

2017 Kia Niro Option Packages

Niro Touring Advanced Technology Pkg. ($1,900) includes: HID headlamps, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Radar Cruise Control (RCC), 110V Inverter, and a Wireless phone charger.

Niro EX Sunroof Advanced Technology Pkg. ($2,300) includes: Power tilt/slide sunroof, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Radar Cruise Control (RCC), 10-way power driver's seat including 2-way power lumbar support.

Niro LX Advanced Technology Pkg. ($1,450) includes: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Forward Collision Warning FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Radar Cruise Control (RCC), Leather wrapped wheel and shift knob, LED Daytime Running Light (DRL), and front fog lights.

Niro Touring Launch Edition Pkg. ($2,300) in lieu of the Launch Edition includes: 18" alloys w/ P225/45R18 tires, Snow White Pearl or Aurora Black Pearl paint, Metallic grille insert, Black roof rails, 8" LCD touch screen NAVI, Harmon Kardon audio system w/ 8 speakers, external amp and sub, 10-way power driver's seat incl. lumbar support, Charcoal cloth and leather seat trim.

2017 Kia Niro Accessories

• Rear Bumper Appliqué - $75.00
• Cargo Mat - $95.00
• Cross Bars - $285.00
• Carpet Floor Mats - $130.00
• Cargo Net - $50.00
• Cargo Cover - $150.00
• Cargo Tray - $80.00
• Cargo Tray Seat Back - $115.00
• Aluminum Door Scuff Plate - $100.00
• Mud Guards - $95.00
• Paint Protection Package - $200.00
• Wheel Locks - $55.00

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2017 Kia Niro Exterior

The Niro is a compact CUV in every sense of the word. An upright vehicle with off-road like looks from the higher roof with rails (FE trim lacks rails – yeah!!! ), short front and rear overhangs, all-around hard plastic lower rocker panel, and front and rear fascia cladding.

Up front the Niro is highlighted with the brands classic Tiger Nose grille with wraparound lenses. The profile is distinguished by its chrome upper day light opening trim, alloys, and a lower door panel bump cladding. Out back a high mounted spoiler, horizontal LED tail lamps, and lower bright trim and skid plate round out its looks.

2017 Kia Niro Interior

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The instrument panel is simplistic with informative gauges and controls that are positioned easily within most drivers reach.

Interior volume begins with the 106.3” wheelbase, taller body height, wide stance, and traction battery located under the rear seats that still allows a flat load floor.

The passenger volume is the same as a Prius v at 97.1 cu. ft. while cargo volume is a wee bit smaller at 19.4 cu. ft. with the seats up and a very generous 54.5 cu. ft. with them down.

Low noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) measures include specially designed engine mounts, equal-length driveshafts, and even a damper inside the steering wheel hub that minimizes vibrations felt through the wheel. Insulation in the front structure, optimized suspension bushing stiffness, careful body sealing, and application of expanding foam inside the A- and B-pillars all prevent road and tire noise from entering the cabin. An acoustic glass windshield and carefully shaped side mirrors also help reduce higher speed wind noise.

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2017 Kia Niro Chassis

The chassis consists of 53 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), including reinforcement in the A- and B-pillars and roof rails. Extensive use of hot-stamped components and industrial joint adhesive increase torsional rigidity and improve structural integrity. Although the Niro has not yet been subjected to any crash tests, Kia is targeting 5-stars from National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

Aluminum is used in the hood, tailgate and several suspension elements including the front lower control arms, front and rear knuckles, and in the brake calipers. The Niro does not have a traditional 12V to reduce weight, instead utilizing the high-voltage Li-Ion polymer battery.

2017 Kia Niro Drivetrain

The Niro features a new Kappa 104 hp and 109 lb-ft. of torque, direct injected and atkinsonized 1.6L I4 with a thermodynamic efficiency of 40 percent. This engine has been mated to a fast shifting and very efficient 6-speed double-clutch transmission (DCT). A high-efficiency 43 hp and 125 lb-ft of torque electric motor provides pure electric driving or assist and regen by clutching out the engine as necessary.

The motor is powered by a 1.56 kW Li-Ion polymer battery located under the rear passenger seat. In combination with the 1.6L I4, total system output equals 139 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Li-Ion polymer battery pack is 20 percent lighter than std. Li-Ion batteries and can be shaped more optimally to the interior than standard cell format batteries. This also provides lower memory sensitivity, excellent charge and discharge efficiency, and outstanding maximum output.

Enhancing the Niro’s efficiency is SPORT or ECO modes. The SPORT function holds lower gears longer and combines power from the engine and electric motor for maximum performance. In ECO mode, the DCT optimizes gear selection for efficiency, upshifting earlier to achieve class-leading fuel economy.

The new Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance System) is the brands first application of Coasting Guide and Predictive Energy Control, which use navigation and the driver’s route to improve efficiency. The Coasting Guide aims to maximize efficiency by coaching the driver on when to coast and brake.

The Predictive Energy Control anticipates elevation changes ahead to actively manage when it is best to recharge the battery and when its best to expend stored energy to optimize overall efficiency. Other fuel saving features include a Smart Air Intake, which reduces drag by carefully managing the intake of outside air for the HVAC system, and also an accompanying Auto Defog system that prevents condensation from building on the glass by monitoring cabin air conditions to manage the cycling of the A/C compressor.

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2017 Kia Niro Safety

The Niro arrives with active safety including front, side and side curtain, and drivers knee airbags. On the passive front, it includes ABS, ESC, VSM, BA, EBFD, and HAS.

As shown in the pricing detail, the Niro can be equipped with a package that includes Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Lane Change Assist (LCA); Smart Cruise Control (SCC); Lane Departure Warning (LDW); and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).

2017 Kia Niro Infotainment

The Niro arrives with Kia’s latest UVO3 audio system including AM/FM/XM, AndroidAuto and Apple CarPlay, UVO eServices, up to 8 GB of music storage, Pandora and Soundhound, Wi-Fi tethering and all displayed on a 7” touch screen with backup camera and dynamic guidelines. This is the base system equipped on all trims including the FE!

Moving into the LX, EX, Touring and Touring Launch trims, owners receive even more.

2017 Kia Niro Harmon Kardon Audio w/ Clari-Fi

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The 2017 Kia Niro can be equipped with a high end audio system from Harman Kardon using their proprietary Clari-Fi technology.

What is Clari-Fi? The system rebuilds a compressed audio signal using patented transient detection and reshaping, vocal extraction and refocusing, and bandwidth extension techniques.

It does not simply add equalization, reverb or bass boost to try to soften the effects of heavy compression. It works in real-time using probabilities based on the compressed content to put back what was lost and applies only the amount of correction that’s needed, based on the file source.

For example, while Clari-Fi will apply a great deal of correction to a low-res source like Satellite Radio, it will apply nothing to a high-quality CD.

I have this system in our 17 Sonata Hybrid Limited and it works without sounding fake. XMs range in particular is the most compressed source I listen too yet with the system, the output is broadened back into a sound stage from a phone booth with higher highs, lower lows, and a more natural fuller sound across the band.

The Niro joins the Kia Motors EcoDynamics environmentally friendly sub-brand including the Optima Hybrid, Optima Plug-In Hybrid, and Soul EV. A Niro PHEV is scheduled for the third quarter of this year.

2017 Kia Niro Touring

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I am sorry I cannot provide many impressions other than those provided within the GWR drive - see link below - since I was hired to take the Niro on the Cross Country Guinness World Record Drive. I can say however you will probably be impressed with the equipment, the driving experience and especially the efficiency when it is your turn to take the wheel of the most efficient CUV available today.

2017 Kia Niro CUV Sets GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Title for Lowest Fuel Consumption for a Hybrid Vehicle

Kia January 2017 Sales Overview

Kia had a tough month when reported it sold 35,626 vehicles in January, down 7.0 percent below the 38,305 sold in January of 2016.

Kia January 2017 Sales Highlights

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There was only one real highlight for the brand in January, that being the Forte’. Forte sales reached 6,267 vehicles, up 17.6 percent over the 5,329 sold during January of 2016.

The Niro is just being released to dealerships w/ 42 delivered in January. This will be the vehicle sales result to watch going forward.

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The number one tidbit in the January segment sales reports is that the Ford Fusion Hybrid outsold the Prius liftback for the first time in history. I believe this is the first time the Prius Liftback has been surpassed since the Gen 2 was released back in late 2003!

U.S. January 2017 Sales vs. January 2016 Sales Ranks and Results for the top 18 Automobile Manufacturers
GM January 2017 Sales Down 3.8% with 195,909 Vehicles sold
Ford January 2017 Sales Down 0.6% with 172,612 Vehicles sold
FCA January 2017 Sales Down 11.2% with 152,218 Vehicles sold
Toyota January 2017 Sales Down 11.3% with 143,048 Vehicles sold
Nissan January 2017 Sales Up 6.2% with 112,319 Vehicles sold
Honda January 2017 Sales Up 5.9% with 106,380 Vehicles sold
Hyundai January 2017 Sales Up 3.3% with 46,507 Vehicles sold
Subaru January 2017 Sales Up 6.8% with 43,879 Vehicles sold
Kia January 2017 Sales Down 7.0% with 35,626 Vehicles sold
Mercedes-Benz January 2017 Sales Up 3.5% with 27,900 Vehicles sold
VW January 2017 Sales Up 17.1% with 23,510 Vehicles sold
Mazda January 2017 Sales Up 10.1% with 21,698 Vehicles sold
BMW January 2017 Sales Down 0.5% with 21,219 Vehicles sold
Audi January 2017 Sales Up 11.4% with 13,201 Vehicles sold
Jaguar/Land Rover January 2017 Sales Up 29.9% with 9,102 Vehicles sold
Mitsubishi January 2017 Sales Up 3.1% with 6,457 Vehicles sold
Porsche January 2017 Sales Up 5.7% with 4,602 Vehicles sold
Volvo January 2017 Sales Down 18.2% with 3,472 Vehicles sold

The seasonally adjusted annual selling rate (SAAR) for light vehicles was approximately 17.6 million vehicles.

#Niroexperience

 

Hi All:

Kia released its January 2017 global sales figures (export sales, domestic sales and sales from overseas plants) for passenger cars, recreational vehicles (RVs) and commercial vehicles, a total of 190,002 vehicles sold.

In January, Kia posted year-on-year sales increases in Western Europe (20.1% growth with 35,250 units sold) and General Markets* (10.5% growth with 39,165 units sold).

Kia's bestselling model in overseas markets during January 2017 was the Sportage compact CUV with 30,672 units sold. The C-segment Forte (known as 'Cerato' or 'K3' in some markets) was the second best seller with 29,038 units sold, while the B-segment Rio (known as 'K2' in China), Optima D-segment sedan and Sorento midsize CUV followed with 23,626, 17,233 and 11,376 units sold, respectively.

Wayne

 

Hi Bill:

Thanks for the link as always!

To avg. 75 mph means traveling closer to 80 mph...

Here is this weeks press car in the form of the 2017 Passat V6 whose long term was not reset. Probably through the previous two journalists and very typical of the cars I receive from Northern IL Press Fleet. This includes about 50 miles of Interstate for the car to be delivered to me and who knows how many miles of Interstate to deliver to the previous two journalists. They usually display 27 to 29 mpg avg speeds. The Southern Calif. Press Fleet cars usually display 21 to 23 mph avg. speeds.

2017 VW Passat V6


280 hp used over 675 miles - 24.4 mpg with a 27 mph avg. speed. 63.8 miles is mine.​

What I am pointing out is 75 mph avg. speeds are pretty much wishful thinking. Even on I-94 in southern Michigan.

The good thing is it provides a good high speed comparison between makes and even models if they are taking the aFCD, odometer, and temperature corrections into account. Especially summer vs. winter.

Wayne

 

Automotive Science Group (ASG) Awards the 2017 Kia Niro

According to the Automotive Science Group (ASG), consumer knowledge regarding environmental, socioeconomic and life-cycle costs of their automobile purchase and ownership is severely lacking. These costs impact the consumer’s bottom line but also impact the global environment. The Automotive Science Group (ASG) brought about a comparative cost analysis in regards to new cars and trucks.

ASG’s 2017 Automotive Performance Index (API) breaks each vehicle down into the sum of all its parts, and measures the financial capital, the social and human capital, and the economic efficiencies embodied within each vehicle to derive its real market value relative to other product offerings in 2017. The data-driven findings, based on scientific principles and methods, serves to enhance product and technology comparison capabilities to better serve the environment through informed consumer choice.

2017 Kia Niro(s)


2 Niro’s featured at last week’s 2017 #MKEAutoShow​

The all-new 2017 Kia Niro LX/EX (expected highest volume sales trim) crossover with 49 mpg combined (city/highway) and with a starting MSRP at $22,890 (FE trim), offers industry leading environmental performance and economic performance when assessed over the first 6.5 years of vehicle ownership.

2017 Kia Niro


97.1 cu. ft. passenger volume and 19.4 /54.5 cu. ft. of cargo volume w/ the rear seats up/down.​

When comparing all 631 Crossover/SUVs (trim variants) head to head, only six of the eleven vehicles with hybrid and PHEV configurations made ASG’s Environmental Performance Index (SUV), the remaining 14 places were held by vehicles with conventional powertrains. The all-new 2017 Kia Niro topped the Index with the smallest carbon footprint of any model year 2017 SUV, besting the Tesla Model X by 15%, a notable feat by the new hybrid whose MSRP is but a mere fraction of the Model X. The Niro produces 40% less GHG emissions than the #20 SUV listed in the Index over the first 6.5 years of operation (87,594 vehicle miles traveled).

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What is your next ride going to be?

 

You should swap cars after that to see how he does in the C-Max while you try the Niro.

 

Hi All:

I took my mom out to a local Kia dealership in 25 degree temps so she could test drive a 46/40/43 mpg rated Niro Touring and her 43/39/41 mpg rated Prius v back to back on the same drive loop.

While the salesman was giving her the Niro feature rundown over a 3 to 5-minute period, the Niro was warming up from cold. Prior to leaving the dealership I had her reset the aFCD and recorded 9 of 16 pips of Soc lit. It ended up being a 7-mile loop that the dealership used for all test drives. At the 5-mile point, she placed it in sport mode for approximately 1 mile before moving back to D meaning the engine was running needlessly for about 1/2 mile of the mile. When we stopped, the SoC was at 10/16 and her first drive result was 51.5 mpg or about 51 mpg actual considering the 1-pip SoC gain and 1.5 percent aFCD overreport.

Immediately afterward we got into her Prius v, she allowed it to warm up to NOPNOT since it was sitting for maybe 30-minutes prior to restart, recorded 6 of 8-bars of SoC, and drove the same 7-mile drive loop. She completed the loop at 50.9 mpg or about 49.1 mpg actual with the same SoC start and finish.

Very representative of the split between each vehicles EPA imho.

Paul, the C-MAX would not come close to the Niro no matter the trim. Here is the LX trim over the first 129.1 miles after climbing from downtown LA to 2,650' over the San Bernardino Mountains and back down to the desert floor in Indio, Calif. back in December. The C-MAX fell short of that result by 15 mpg on my drive loop without having to climb anything.

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When we arrived back at the dealership with the Prius v, we lined them up side by side so she could compare the cargo volumes. My mom’s thoughts after her drive is she is not sure she wants to give up the Prius v's larger - read much deeper - cargo volume.

Here is that comparison with pics from the 2017 #MKEAutoShow late last month.

2017 Kia Niro Cargo Volume Comparison


Passenger Volume: 97.1 cu. ft. - Cargo Volume: 19.4 /54.5 cu. ft. w/ the rear seats up/down.

2017 Toyota Prius v Cargo Volume Comparison


Passenger Volume: 97.2 cu. ft. - Cargo Volume: 34.3/40.2/67.3 cu. ft. w/ the rear seats up/forward and up/down.​

Wayne