Let me start off by saying, I love the smell of a new car. I mean, who doesn’t? But I realllllly love new car smell. So when I get the chance to drive a new car, I’m going to jump on it. When the hubby takes one of our cars in for service and gets a loaner car, he usually brings it home for me to drive while he drives our other car. He kind of knows how I feel about new cars. So when I was contacted with the opportunity to drive a really new car, I jumped at it. Now what do I mean about a “really new car”? I mean a car that is literally just being introduced for the first time. You don’t get any newer than that. You may have heard about it. If you watched the Big Game recently, there was a tiny little commercial with Melissa McCarthy in it. That’s right, I’m talking about the new 2017 Kia Niro. It’s a fun new Crossover that I got to drive at the Niro National Press Introduction in San Antonio Texas. So come along as I share my journey; driving a sporty new car, my stay at an incredible historical hotel and some all-around fun with Kia.
The trip started by arriving in San Antonio (hopefully that was obvious) where I was whisked away to the historic Hotel Emma. Now the hotel was not always a hotel. It used to be the Pearl Brewery. When it finally shut down in 2001 it was converted into the Hotel Emma. Check out their website for the fascinating story of how it came to be named Emma (seriously, you can’t make this stuff up sometimes). The hubby would probably think he had died and gone to heaven if he could have walked into the Emma’s library. Ever seen Beauty and the Beast? Yes, that kind of library.
The next day we participated in an introduction to the Niro. First off was an education session about the car itself. I actually sat next to the President of Kia. No really. It kind of says something when the president of a company is willing to share space with a lowly little blogger like myself. I mean, I’m a Ninja and all but SERIOUSLY, the President of Kia!
Then we participated in an epic Ride & Drive Event. I spent the day exploring San Antonio with another blogger, Jennifer of Double Duty Mommy, as we tested out all the cool features of the Niro. Was it an amazing time? YES! Were there moments when we were driving and it was questionable if we would return alive? Maybe … though I swear it was only when Jennifer was driving. Did we get to play with all the bells, and whistles in the Niro? You bet your bippy! I still have no idea who or how they came up with the route that we took but it was fun and allowed us to see a little slice of Texas, which was perfect for this born and bred Cincinnatian. Not to mention, I met some amazing people and had a great time!
The hubby already replaced his aging car (helped along by a tiny collision) last year with a Kia Sportage. My current car is getting to the point where it is starting to show its age (its 11 years old). After driving the new Niro I may have to seriously look into getting one as my next car.
Here’s a little more information about Kia’s new hybrid crossover, the Niro:
6-speed automatic transition
4 doors, 5 passengers
Gas engine paired with an electric motor for an output of 139 hp
Fuel economy rated at up to 52 mpg city
Safety Tech: blind-spot warning with rear-traffic alert, adaptive cruise, lane-departure warning
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (standard)
And so much more …. all starting at just $22,890.
The 2017 Kia Niro is Practical, Efficient, Engaging, and Progressive.
Are you in the market for a new vehicle? It’s time to head to your local Kia dealer and #ExperienceNiro
Stay tuned, later this week we will provide more details on the 2017 Kia Niro!
Disclaimer: I was sent on an all-expenses paid trip to San Antonio, Texas for the Kia Niro National Press Introduction. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. Please note that some photos are courtesy of Kia.
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