Eastside Kia
Posted on February 27, 2018
40 vehicles debuted during this year's Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, proving that the Canadian auto industry is alive and well. Kia, who recently shipped the 2018 Kia Sportage to dealers, presented two debuts at the Toronto show.
Kia news reports that the 2019 Kia Sorento SUV and the 2019 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid had successful debuts at the show. Both models feature a number of upgrades in driver-assistance systems, technology and appearance.
The 2019 Sorento got a refresh before its unveiling in Toronto. It's still roomy enough for seven while remaining well-appointed, sporty and rugged. It improves on the Kia 2018 model by adding a number of interior and exterior enhancements.
The 2019 Sorento will replace the 2018 Kia transmission with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission in order to respond better to the 3.3-litre V6. New front and rear fascias add polish and refinement to the sporty SUV's exterior. The cabin feels more elegant with better quality finishes, a revised instrument cluster panel, improved graphics and the latest technology like:
• QuantumLogic Surround Sound
• Lane Keep Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• UVO Intelligence telematics system
The Niro is one of Kia's top-selling SUVs. Designed for urban drivers looking for maximum fuel economy, the 2018 Kia Niro hybrid rates high on fuel efficiency due to its gas and electric hybrid system. Kia has extended its environmentally-conscious portfolio of vehicles by debuting the plug-in hybrid version in Toronto, just after the unveiling of an all-electric model earlier this year.
In a Kia news release statement by Ted Lancaster, VP & COO of Kia Canada, "Packed with all the same functionality and fun drivability of our popular Niro hybrid, the new Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid Crossover will offer even greater fuel economy and extended range," said Lancaster. "We are expecting the Niro Plug-In Hybrid to build on the current Niro's success and popularity by providing Canadians with yet another electrified vehicle to our current line-up."
According to Kia news estimates, the new model plug-in model will have a range of 900 kilometres. A new and innovative Driver Only Air Conditioning system is designed to cool the driver only to save on power consumption.
The same six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that the standard Niro features means that driving the hybrid will feel nearly as responsive and engaging. There are four independent driving modes for a driver to choose from:
• Default Eco mode
• Hybrid mode
• Electric Vehicle (EV) mode
• Sport mode
One charging port, located on the driver's side front fender can be plugged in to fully charge the battery in approximately:
• 2.5 hours using a Level 2 (240V) charger
• 9 hours with a Level 1 (120V) charger
Kia engineers didn't compromise any cargo room in order to house the battery.
The new Niro's high voltage battery is compact enough to fit under the cargo floor area under the rear seat.
Kia has not announced official release dates but both models are expected to arrive at our showroom by summer.
Categories: News
Tags: Kia News, Kia 2018