Plug-and-play Kia
First came Kia Motors New Zealand’s launch of the Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models in March, and now the company reports strong interest in the all-electric Niro EV recently unveiled in Korea.
THE KIA Niro, a concept car unveiled at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show, has ‘butterfly’ doors and an “almost counter-4x4 image”, the company says.
Designed in Frankfurt by Kia, the car is intended as a ‘styling study’ to gauge public response for a potential production model.
It is built on an all-new platform seen as the basis of “B-segment” products from Kia, and is deliberately tilting at the crossover market, but in a different way, the company says.
“Ten years ago people wanted understated style in the SUV market, but increasingly as more people migrate to the B-segment they are looking for strong character and individuality.”
The dihedral butterfly doors open into the roof panel and swing up high, with low-set flush handles.
The 4x4 powertrain uses Kia’s turbocharged 1.6L Gamma engine, developing 160hp through a 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission.
While the engine drives the front wheels, an electric-hybrid system powered from regenerative braking delivers up to 45hp to the rear wheels when road conditions require extra grip.
“It’s an exciting vehicle…. I’d love to see it go into production,” says Todd McDonald, general manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.
The parent company says the Niro could be close to on-road reality if the public wants it.
“We have to look at what the future could hold, not just what is probable… It is clear the B-segment is growing as motorists seek to downsize, but it is equally clear they refuse to give up individuality and distinctiveness.”
Global trade wars and uncertain tariff regimes could play into the hands of many New Zealand exporters, according to Gareth Coleman ANZ’s Head of Trade & Supply Chain.
The long running trade dispute between NZ and Canada appears to be over.
Herd improvement company LIC has ended the 2024-25 financial year in a strong position - debt-free and almost quadrupling its net profit.
There's been widespread support from the primary sector for the Government's move to put the brakes on local authorities to do any more work on planning changes ahead of major changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Rural health advocates say the Government's decision to establish a new medical school at the University of Waikato augurs well for the rural sector.
People affected by the recent two severe flood events in the Tasman district are weary and exhausted trying to deal with the devastation on their farms and orchards, according to the head of the Rural Support Trust (RST) in the region.
OPINION: Will synthetic milk derail NZ's economy?
OPINION: According to media reports, the eye-watering price of butter has prompted Finance Minister Nicola Willis to ask for a…