cars news 10: We Hear: Kia Plans Small CUV to Rival Nissan Juke, Honda HR-V

Within the next two years, Kia will offer a small CUV to rival the Nissan Juke, according to a report from Autocar.

“There’s space to grow with SUVs, into lower segments,” Kia’s European marketing director Arthur Martins told Autocar. “This model makes sense for us, and we will bring it in the future, two years maximum.”

The B-segment crossover will likely share a platform with the next-gen Kia Rio, which arrives next year. The plan is part of Kia’s larger goal to launch nine new models by the end of 2018.

Kia just recently debuted the Niro hybrid crossover at the 2016 Chicago auto show. That model has no clear competitor at this point, but rides on Kia’s new dedicated eco-car platform and is targeted to hit 50 mpg. The automaker also unveiled its first D-segment wagon, the Optima Sportwagon, for Europe. And of course, a production version of the GT concept is reportedly on the way to further diversify Kia’s lineup.

The popular subcompact crossover segment is already teeming with options, including the new Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade, and others. The small Kia has promise and could be a more conventional alternative to the Soul. That model was the second-best selling Kia in the U.S. last year.

Source: Autocar

Pictured below is the 2017 Kia Niro and Kia Niro Concept.