Kia Niro Hybrid CUV Teased Again Ahead of Chicago Debut

The company's two teaser images offer a great look at the little CUV, especially when you consider them with the earlier design sketches.

The Niro is part of Kia's push to create a greener lineup through 2020, and the model packs a dedicated hybrid powertrain. Earlier reports suggest that it consists of a 1.6-liter four-cylinder and 47-horsepower electric motor with a 1.56-kWh battery. A six-speed dual-clutch gearbox will likely put the power to the road.

Kia's styling centers in California and Namyang, South Korea, are responsible for the Niro's look. The designers use a narrow version of the company's tiger-nose grille for this CUV, but the high-mounted headlights create a clear family resemblance to the latest Sportage. The roofline appears to have a coupe-like arch, and the rear gets nearly rectangular taillights that angle into the hatch.

If the Niro name sounds familiar, that's because Kia first used it on a slightly bulbous crossover concept at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.