KIA, one of the world's fastest developing car manufacturers proudly claims that its Niro model is not your run of the mill hybrid.

And they are right because the Niro, the company's first dedicated hybrid is based on an all-new platform which will only be used for electrified vehicles.

It features a new powertrain with a 1.6-litre 104bhp petrol engine allied to a 43bhp electric motor and a six-speed dual clutch transmission.

The bodystyle is compact crossover and the whole package is extremely impressive. If this is the first effort, it will be a case of watch out world when the Kia hybrid machine develops even further in years to come.

The Niro is one of those cars in which everything works in a sweet harmony that many manufacturers try to achieve.

It is smooth and powerful in its drive delivery and achieves some impressive results including a combined mpg of 74.3mpg with rock bottom emissions for this style of car at 88g/km.

And performance is right in the fun zone with 101mph top speed and 0-60mph sprint of 11.1 seconds.

The Niro was a joint design between Kia's studios in Korea and California and with it being a totally new venture the stylists were able to give the car ample room for five plus luggage, yet endow a drag coefficient of only 0.29, even on versions with roof rails.

Full marks go to the fit and finish factors of the Niro which features a high quality digital display showing a mass of information, including how the power is distributed.

The Niro is available with the latest connectivity and active safety technologies including the Kia Connected Services system featuring TomTom, wireless smartphone charging, autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control and lane assist, plus blind spot and rear cross traffic warning systems.

In a first for Kia, those with Android smartphones can now access Google Maps navigation, Google Play music, hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition via pre-downloaded apps.

In 2 trim specification, there is a six-speaker sound system, a smart sat nav system accessed through a seven-inch colour touchscreen, reversing camera and more.

The model I drove cost £22,795 and provided a lot for the cash, being such a highly sophisticated car.