Kia Niro Will Take on Juke in UK in 2015

The KiaKiaRepublic of Korea, 1944 > present52 models
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NiroKia NiroRepublic of Korea, 2013 > 2013 was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show last week as a compact crossover. Now, we have learned that Kia is planning to put the production version of the Niro on sale in 2015 for a price on par with the Nissan JukeNissan JukeJapan, 2010 > present135 versions
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, which leads the market. Kia is hoping to capitalize on the compact crossover market while it is still hot. 

The Niro is a three-door compact crossover that rides on the same platform as the Kia Cee'dKia cee'd Gen.2Republic of Korea, 2012 > present61 versions
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but with wilder styling. Kia did not say exactly what would power the Niro, except that it would be a brand new powertrain for the company. The powertrain options are expected to range from a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a hybrid powertrain for the rear wheels to a simple 1.0-liter turbocharged engine as the base engine.

“I love the idea of a supercar on stilts, and the Niro has the same super-dynamic look at the Dakar-winning [Porsche] 959Porsche 959 'Dakar'Germany, 1985 > present2 photos
,” said Gregory Guillaume, the Niro's designer.

The concept also had butterfly doors and single-molded seats, which will not make it to the production car. 

The name Niro refers to a type of stainless steel high strength stainless steel used on portions of the car to keep weight down.  

Source: Auto Express