KOREAN brand Kia is promising to shake up the world of hybrid vehicles in August month with the launch of its latest model the Niro.

Costing from £21,295, the newcomer blends the styling of a compact crossover vehicle with the low emissions and high fuel economy of a hybrid car.

And with CO2 emissions as low as 88g/km and fuel economy of up to 74.3mpg, the Niro will ensure Kia stays on track to cut the average emissions of its range by 25 per cent before 2020.

Niro is not based on any other Kia but is a dedicated hybrid model with an all-new platform which will only ever be used for electrified vehicles.

It also has an a new powertrain featuring a 1.6-litre, 104bhp engine and a 43.5bhp electric motor driving through a six-speed double-clutch automatic transmission.

The car's sleek crossover profile along with the use of high-strength steel and aluminium in the body construction helps keep down weight - contributing to the low fuel consumption and emissions.

Connectivity and active safety technologies include Kia Connected Services featuring TomTom, wireless smartphone charging, autonomous emergency braking, smart cruise control and lane-keeping, blind spot and rear cross traffic warning systems.

Niro comes to the UK in a four-model line-up badged ‘1', ‘2', ‘3' and First Edition, all well kitted out with comfort, luxury and driver assistance features.

So every version has a Lane Keep Assist System, Hill-start Assist Control, Cruise Control and a Speed Limiter as well as a DAB radio and the capacity to support Bluetooth, smartphones and music streaming.

Grade ‘1' comes with 16-inch alloys, a high-gloss black radiator grille, dual automatic air-con, windscreen de-fogging, LED daytime running lights, a 3.5-inch TFT screen, electric windows, USB and AUX ports and a trip computer.

Level ‘2' adds stuff like a 7-inch touchscreen nav system with European mapping, a reversing camera and Kia Connected Services linked to TomTom, leather steering wheel and gearshift, roof rails, rear privacy glass, reversing sensors, an under-floor tray, rain-sensing wipers and folding door mirrors.

Further additions for grade ‘3' are an 8-inch touchscreen, a wireless mobile phone charger and an eight-speaker ® Premium sound system with an external amplifier. The alloys are 18-inch and you also get leather upholstery, front parking sensors and heated front seats.

Meanwhile, the flagship First Edition version adds Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection with a Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Smart Cruise Control.

This model is also distinguished by unique grey leather trim, white interior trim inserts, a smart key and engine start/stop button, heated outer rear seats, ventilated front seats and an electric tilting and sliding sunroof.

Prices are from £21,295 for the Niro 1.6 GDi ‘1' model rising to £26,995 for the First Edition.