The Kia Niro is a fun and zippy hybrid for under $30,000

Kia took its very first shot at a hybrid hatchback-crossover this year — the Niro — and the results are commendable.

The hybrid hatch market is pretty well defined. Toyota's Prius has consistently reigned supreme in sales, and competitors like the Ford C-Max and Kia's corporate stablemate, the Hyundai Ioniq, have been slow to catch up.

Kia may not be a household name, but the Niro is already the second best-selling hybrid for 2017 and has received fairly consistent praise across the board.

At a time where the crossover segment is hot, the Niro boasts solid mileage without skimping on space — all with a price tag that's difficult to overlook.

We took the 2017 Niro hybrid out for a spin to see if it really lives up to the hype. Here's the verdict:

SEE ALSO: These are the 9 best hybrid cars you can buy for under $40,000

I tested the Kia Niro over the course of a sunny weekend in New Jersey. Here it is at Palisades Interstate Park after making a few trips around Fort Lee.

As you can see, the Kia Niro is a very no frills car. It has a clean design, unobtrusive grille, and sleek headlights. The Niro isn't a luxurious vehicle, nor does it try to be.

I drove the Niro EX in a very practical gunmetal gray. At 171.5 inches long, this is a true compact SUV. It offers just the right amount of space, especially under the hatch, but is the perfect size for quick handling on a highway or difficult parallel parking jobs.

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Contributer : Tech Insider http://ift.tt/2tjo7w5

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