bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

helpersCheckIsPostiesArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

moreOnThisArticles

urlAlias

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

paywallTypes

corrections

sponsorType

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

socialHeadline

headline

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

publishedDate

additionalInfoBoxes

images

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

createdDate

sponsor

factSheets

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

The Korea Times

By Lee Min-hyung
South Korean carmaker KIA’s Niro Hybrid SUV seems to have solidified its identity, making it a price-competitive and fuel-efficient option for drivers seeking comfort and impressive fuel efficiency.
The Niro, which debuted in 2016, has established itself as a versatile vehicle, suitable for both leisure activities and daily commutes.
On a test drive, the 2025 Niro Hybrid was as comfortable as a typical sedan. The ride was smooth with no noticeable downsides, ensuring a comfortable journey even on a recent four-hour trip between Seoul and Daejeon in South Korea.

The vehicle is equipped with a 1.6 litre (97.6 cubic inch) four-cylinder engine and a 32-kilowatt electric motor, delivering a combined power output of 139 horsepower. The carmaker’s claimed fuel efficiency for the model is 20.8 kilometres per litre (48.9 mpg).
There has been widespread scepticism about the fuel efficiency claims made by carmakers, as many drivers have been disappointed by lower-than-expected mileage when driving their vehicles on the road.
However, this was not the case with the Niro Hybrid, which achieved an actual fuel efficiency of over 19km per litre during the four-hour drive, covering city and highway routes between the two cities, approximately 170 kilometres (105 miles) apart.
The starting price for the vehicle in Korea is 27.13 million won (US$18,600), and HK$188,580 (US$24,200) in Hong Kong. Few carmakers are currently capable of mass-producing such an economical SUV, most offering similar models at more than twice the price.

This is evident from the strong export performance of the Niro Hybrid. According to data from the carmaker, the vehicle was the top-selling model exported to other countries during the first 10 months of 2024.
However, the vehicle is not a good option for drivers who prefer swift acceleration or robust cornering, as the Niro Hybrid was designed to offer economical driving and smooth acceleration.
Demand for vehicles like the Niro Hybrid is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the ongoing gap in electric vehicle adoption both domestically and internationally.
Read the original report at The Korea Times.


In South Korea, crisis means cash for Yoon’s far-right YouTube cheerleaders

Hong Kong, Macau link bond clearance systems to create larger market for fundraising

Hong Kong stocks rise even as Trump threatens China with tariffs on TikTok deal

Japan PM hopes for ‘enduring’ US ties as Trump returns to power

South Korea

KIA’s 2025 Niro Hybrid is a price-competitive, fuel-efficient SUV, if a bit underpowered

The 2025 KIA Niro Hybrid SUV is inexpensive to buy, has great fuel economy and is a comfortable drive. Photo: KIA

The KIA Niro plug-in hybrid electric vehicle shown at the 2017 LA Auto Show in Los Angeles, California. Photo: AFP

The interior of the 2025 KIA Niro Hybrid. Photo: Kia

New 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser sticks to its rugged off-road roots

The 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser. Photo: Toyota

The Toyota 2025 Land Cruiser in its element. The world’s best-selling off-road vehicle has a new model range, and it’s as rugged as ever. Photo: Toyota

The Toyota Land Cruiser is the world’s bestselling off roader, and its latest model (above) is looking to continue that. Photo: Toyota

The new model has a large touch screen and a screen behind the steering wheel. Photo: Toyota

The interior of the 2025 Land Cruiser is rugged and comfortable. Photo: Toyota

Why the new Porsche 911 Carrera S is faster, more powerful and a better drive than ever

Porsche is expanding its current 911 range with the introduction of a new Carrera S model, which comes as a coupé or cabriolet (pictured). Photo: Porsche

The 2025 Porsche Carrera S coupé. Photo: Porsche

The interior of the new Porsche Carrera S. Photo: Porsche

Lifestyle

Travel & Leisure

Motoring

KIA’s Niro SUV debuted in 2016, and since then has proven to be comfortable and cheap to buy and run, although it lacks horsepower


KIA’s Niro SUV debuted in 2016, and since then has proven to be comfortable and cheap to buy and run, although it lacks horsepower.


Korea Times