Kia is taking the fight to Nissan’s Juke with this new Niro Concept. It will debut at next month’s Frankfurt IAA and be used to gauge customer demand for a new compact crossover.

The B-segment contender was designed at Kia’s Frankfurt design studio under the direction of Kia’s Chief Designer for Europe, Gregory Guillaume. Kia describe it as “a compact car with purposeful dimensions, with a mischievous character capable of accepting any challenge that the assured modern motorist may throw at it”

The Niro Concept features “..intriguing elements not always associated with smaller cars”, which it describes as “a robust, substantial yet stylish bodyshape featuring a mix of contrasting materials.”

Kia-Niro-Concept_G7

Kia say it will preview an “innovative new powertrain” when it’s revealed on 10 September, and if it does reach production we’d expect this to be joined a choice of engines including the latest 1.6-litre GDi petrol and CRDi diesel units.