The all-new 2017 Kia Niro is classified as a compact hybrid crossover SUV, though it really functions more like a hatchback. Your view of the road is marginally higher because of the Niro's elevated stance, but Kia doesn't offer the Niro with all-wheel drive, so don't expect to be a snow-busting trailblazer in bad weather. The Niro's core appeal comes from its traditional exterior design (no "hybrid!" shouting here) as well as a new powertrain that is capable of returning up to an EPA-estimated 50 mpg in combined city/highway driving.
Pros: Impressive fuel economy from the base trim model Six-speed transmission shifts like a conventional car's One of the more affordable hybrids in the segment Batteries are hidden under the rear seat and don't affect cargo space
Cons: All-wheel drive isn't offered despite the crossover styling Smaller cargo space compared to some rival models The Niro's Touring trim sacrifices some fuel efficiency
By calling it a crossover, the Korean brand also wants to get in the minds of the consumer wanting more utility. We all know crossover sales are booming, and part of their likeability is their higher ride height and boxy, useable interior space. But after spending a full day driving the Niro in Texas Hill Country, the question stuck in my head was whether it is really a crossover. The Niro is just 3.3 inches taller and has the same ground clearance as the Hyundai Ioniq, which it shares its platform with. And in terms of passenger volume, the Niro has only a small advantage, encasing 97.1 cubic feet versus the Ioniq’s 96.2 cubic feet. Although its two-box design might help its case for being a crossover, I suspect most will just see it as a lifted hatchback.
You shouldn’t have any nasty surprises, either. Kia was rated as above average in our most recent reliability survey and the Niro also gets a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty – a class-leading feature.
Pros: Low CO2 emissions Spacious interior Long warranty
Cons: More conventional rivals are cheaper Not much fun to drive Firm low speed ride
A refreshed version of Renault's popular Captur SUV is revealed at the Geneva motor sporting new features including an updated colour palette, LED lights and the option of a panoramic glass roof.The facelifted Captur will have 30 potential colour combinations, along with six different interior trims, giving it great potential for personalisation. The new Captur has a more upmarket look and a stronger family resemblance to its larger Kadjar and Koleos SUV siblings thanks to a grid-like design featuring upper trim strips either side of the oversized Renault badge.
The French brand’s small SUV has been revamped with a range of changes inside and out, in a move that Renault will hope see the Captur remain on the shopping list for compact crossovers – locally, we’re talking: in Europe it was the biggest selling model in that segment last year, with a huge 215,670 sales. The facelifted model comes almost four years after the Captur went on sale globally, and it brings updates to its styling such as new LED headlights on some models with C-shaped LED daytime running lights integrated into the lower bumper. The rear lights, too, are LED and have a similar design. The grille has been redesigned to make it look more like the bigger Kadjar (not sold here), with a chrome strip highlight. There are skid plates on the front and rear bumpers, too. There are four new wheel options available – two 16-inch designs, and two 17-inch spinners. For those who like to let the light shine in, there’s a new optional fixed glass roof.
In essence, the Renault Captur is a Clio with a smattering of SUV traits and the style factor turned up. The result is a high-riding small hatchback that benefits from the added practicality of a sliding rear bench seat, plus supermini-like running costs and a variety of colourful interior and exterior themes that include a contrasting colour roof. The Captur was one of the first small SUV rivals to Nissan’s groundbreaking Juke, and it remains one of the best offerings in the class. Increasingly, buyers in this market also want to personalise their cars, and Renault offers a vast array of ways to customise your Captur, be it with different paint options or styling packs designed to make the Captur look like a rugged SUV.
