TURIN (ITALPRESS) – The new Kia Niro Tri-Fuel makes its debut in Italy. The Korean automaker’s latest arrival will bring a big news to the market: it will be the first full hybrid car also powered by LPG. This version of the Niro, in fact, has been made thanks to the historic partnership with Westport Fuel System Italia/BRC, a company of excellence in the production of gas systems based in Cherasco, in the province of Cuneo. Powered by the high-efficiency 90-horsepower 1.6-liter Smartstream GDI engine, which is added to the 43.5 horsepower of the electric motor, the Niro Tri-Fuel delivers a combined maximum power output of 126 horsepower, thus ensuring a great reduction in emissions, and in the cost of a full tank of gas, with power virtually unchanged from previous versions. For those who get behind the wheel of the new Niro, therefore, the driving experience does not change, thanks in part to the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission aided by the MacPherson-type front suspension and multilink four-link rear suspension. “The Tri-Fuel,” said Giuseppe Bitti, president and CEO of Kia Italia, “encompasses two technological excellences that represent Kia’s history in Italy. On the one hand there is the Niro, a crossover that was born hybrid, further developed with plug-in hybrid and electric engines and is our standard bearer on electrified mobility. And then we have a tradition in LPG for many years that allows us to offer this alternative with this level of technology. So we decided to do something extra because both engines have a growing trend in Italy. Tri-Fuel starts today with Niro but it is a range we will see in the future with new models because every time Kia presents a full-hybrid model there will also be a Tri-Fuel version.” Kia guarantees that with the Business version, about 1,600 km can be covered in the combined cycle with a full tank of fuel, calculating that the gasoline tank has a capacity of 42 liters and the LPG tank 40 liters. Another big advantage of the Niro Tri-Fuel, compared with an LPG system fitted after purchase, is that the gas setup does not void Kia’s 7-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty. According to Kia’s price list, the price for the three tri-fuel Niro trims is 34,450 euros for the Business version, 37,200 euros for the Style version and 39,200 euros for the Evolution version. When accessing state incentives and choosing financing, the price can drop to 26,200 euros. The design of the Korean crossover is inspired by the “Opposites United” philosophy and the “Joy for Reason” concept. The pillar blends with the boomerang-shaped taillights, but it also serves the function of airflow conveyor to increase the aerodynamic coefficient. “Heartbeat” LED daytime running lights at the front increase safety while enhancing recognition. The interior is designed to offer even more space for passengers, and each seat is equipped with a USB-C socket. Two 10.25-inch screens show vehicle and navigation information, while a multi-mode touch display controls various infotainment and climate control functions. 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. Also solid are Kia’s DriveWise intelligent safety and driver assistance systems (ADAS). Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist watches for collisions with other road users and pedestrians and, in the most dangerous eventualities, can intervene directly on the braking system. When approaching intersections, use of the turn signal activates the Junction Turning function. In the event that the system issues 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 system displays the driving speed and projects a visual warning if the limit is exceeded. Other ADAS functions have been introduced to protect safety, including Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Smart Cruise Control-Curve-based Navigation, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear View Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
– photo xb4/Italpress –
(ITALPRESS).
