Sometimes in the auto industry, on rare occasions when the planets seem aligned just right, we are lucky enough to witness the convergence of two up-and-coming trends – not to mention the amazing products this merger produces. Take, for instance, the rising popularity of Crossover Utility Vehicles – also called CUVs, and their impact on both the sedan and SUV markets. Now, buyers looking for that sweet spot for size have options well beyond the typical “sedan or truck” choices. At the same time, more and more consumers are drawn to the growing hybrid market, with hybrid vehicles not only more widely available, but more affordable than ever. And when these two growing trends meet, as Kia recently discovered, the end result can be more fascinating than the two original elements ever were alone.
We’re talking, of course, about the newly-announced Kia Niro, a high-powered and sporty hybrid CUV determined to storm Kia dealerships in Miami for the 2017 model year. This impressive crossover model promises not only some of the most efficient and advanced hybrid technology available but also all the style and luxury that comes with a CUV model. For enthusiasts like us and millions of other drivers around the world, the introduction of such a well-rounded option to the market could drastically change the auto industry as we know it, with consumers gravitating more toward the vehicles they actually want and less toward the best options of those available.
