Kia has published the first pictures of the Niro Hybrid Utility Vehicle (HUV) which will first be seen in the metal at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

The styling of the Niro was led by Kia’s design centres in California, USA and Namyang, Korea and is intended to incorporate the practicality and aesthetic allure of a compact SUV, with a sleek, aerodynamic body and subtly sculptured surfaces.

The all-new Kia Niro will be the first model based on Kia’s new dedicated eco-car platform, and is expected to achieve a sub-90 g/km CO2 emissions rating (combined, based on the New European Driving Cycle) thanks to its all-new downsized gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.