{"id":30994,"date":"2023-06-01T12:05:53","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T16:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/?p=30994"},"modified":"2023-06-01T12:05:53","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T16:05:53","slug":"quirkbox-quirk-off-kia-niro-vs-vw-golf-gti","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/2023\/06\/quirkbox-quirk-off-kia-niro-vs-vw-golf-gti","title":{"rendered":"Quirkbox quirk-off: Kia Niro vs. VW Golf GTI"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Auburn Hills<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 Amidst the sea of SUVs in today\u2019s market there are a few rebels. With unusual designs, features, accessible pricing and different personalities, they defy convention.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Call them quirkboxes. Two new entries for the 2023 Quirky Qar Qlub are the plug-in hybrid Kia Niro and manual-transmission Volkswagen Golf GTI.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">While aimed at different audiences, both hatches are fundamentally utilitarian while coming loaded with state-of-the-art technology, big screens and \u2014 most important for this comparo \u2014 off-beat features for those who want more from their transportation than a competent appliance.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/dfc9e3b9-5619-4a88-8849-9de71dc040ac-VWGolfGTI_KiaNiroPHEV.jpg?width=990&amp;height=558&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">With lamb chop sideburns right out of a &#8217;70s crime movie, the Niro plug-in offers the duality of gas-or-battery power coupled with unique interior features. The Golf GTI, meanwhile, is that rare driver\u2019s car that offers a manual transmission while modeling the coolest fog lights in Autoville.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I took the quirky qouple for a drive that warmed my soul on an otherwise hideously cold overcast April day.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-2\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Niro debuted six years ago in a 2017 Super Bowl ad as a granola-eating, Earth-saving hybrid with (plug in your cloying Hollywood celebrity here) Melissa McCarthy at the wheel saving the Earth for whales, trees, ice caps and rhinos (what, no polar bears?). Oh, please. The ads haven\u2019t gotten any better for 2023 (see the Niro\u2019s mawkish \u201cThe Sapling\u201d spot saving more trees) \u2014 but Niro has.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/7be3f276-9fdf-45fb-b035-59465ffd9701-KiaNiroPHEV_fr3-4.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2023 Kia Niro comes in three favors: hybrid, EV and plug-in hybrid. This is the latter, which makes 180 horsepower and 195 torque from a front-wheel-drive platform.\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/7be3f276-9fdf-45fb-b035-59465ffd9701-KiaNiroPHEV_fr3-4.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/7be3f276-9fdf-45fb-b035-59465ffd9701-KiaNiroPHEV_fr3-4.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2023 Kia Niro comes in three favors: hybrid, EV and plug-in hybrid. This is the latter, which makes 180 horsepower and 195 torque from a front-wheel-drive platform.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2023 Kia Niro comes in three favors: hybrid, EV and plug-in hybrid. This is the latter, which makes 180 horsepower and 195 torque from a front-wheel-drive platform.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Dude, the exterior\u2019s D-pillar black lamb chops run from the roofline to the rear wheels! The sideburns alone separated it from the other SUVs in an Auburn Hills shopping center parking lot \u2014 but there is more. Quirky flower blossom wheels. Sci-fi front fascia right out of a Blade Runner matinee. Add Cadillac Lyriq-like rear taillights and the new Niro looks nothing like the cookie-cutter Niro of old.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-3\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Volkswagen designs are notoriously evolutionary, and no one will mistake the GTI for anything but a Golf. But the eighth generation is a major upgrade in interior tech (more on that later), and the exterior echoes that advance. Using modern LED technology, the upper light bar is considerably narrower \u2014 and more sinister \u2014 than past models. The tapered hood is punctuated by five-leaf-clover fog lights that I turned on as I hustled through traffic on this spray-soaked day. Out back, a signature quirk is the VW logo that doubles as a hatchback opener.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Both Golf and Niro are front-wheel drivers but Golf GTI showed off its performance focus in the rain with righteous grip from the Goodyear Sport all-season tires and sophisticated suspension electronics that allowed me to put its 273 pound-feet of torque to pavement with little wheelspin.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/b234288c-21a4-45d6-8e67-ef26c0c03d4d-VWGolfGTI_fr.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The eighth-generation 2023 VW Golf GTI is unmistakably a Golf, but brings design innovation like the five-leaf LED fog lights.\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/b234288c-21a4-45d6-8e67-ef26c0c03d4d-VWGolfGTI_fr.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/b234288c-21a4-45d6-8e67-ef26c0c03d4d-VWGolfGTI_fr.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The eighth-generation 2023 VW Golf GTI is unmistakably a Golf, but brings design innovation like the five-leaf LED fog lights.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The eighth-generation 2023 VW Golf GTI is unmistakably a Golf, but brings design innovation like the five-leaf LED fog lights.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Niro\u2019s handling is less-well engineered, and my throttle jabs generally led to wild spinning of the front tires on wet pavement. There was little reward in hustling the Kia into corners anyway as the chassis felt dull compared to the razor-sharp V-dub.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">That sharpness is magnified by the six-speed manual\u2019s crisp shifter.<\/p>\n<aside id=\"gnt_atomsnc\" class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_anc\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"loadAnc\" aria-label=\"Newsletter signup form\">\n<div class=\"label\" hidden=\"\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"message\">\n<div class=\"title\">Get the\u00a0<span class=\"highlight\">COVID-19 Update<\/span>\u00a0newsletter in your inbox.<\/div>\n<p class=\"description\">Updates on how the coronavirus is affecting your community and the nation<\/p>\n<div class=\"frequency\">Delivery: Varies<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"input-container populated\"><input autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"email\" required=\"\" type=\"email\" \/><\/p>\n<div class=\"clickable\"><\/div>\n<p><label>Your Email<\/label><\/div>\n<div id=\"bar\">\n<div class=\"highlight\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-primary\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"progress-secondary\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I rowed the VW box through the gloom, maximizing the 2.0-liter tubo-4&#8217;s sizable 241-horsepower. In full control, I never missed a shift, never jerked the clutch. The drivetrain was a perfectly tuned instrument of speed. #SaveTheManual.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Niro\u2019s 180 horses and 195 pound-feet of torque are plenty peppy \u2014 if well shy of the GTI\u2019s 5.4-second 0-60 mph adventures. But like the Golf with its manual, Niro wants the driver to have some fun. In ECO mode, I used the steering column-paddles to bump up regenerative braking so I could one-pedal drive the Kia like a Tesla.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/8ab520cd-f3f6-4909-841b-03f80dc7efbb-VWGolfGTI_rr3-4.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"You'll know the 2023 VW Golf GTI by its twin exhaust pipes out back.\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/8ab520cd-f3f6-4909-841b-03f80dc7efbb-VWGolfGTI_rr3-4.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/8ab520cd-f3f6-4909-841b-03f80dc7efbb-VWGolfGTI_rr3-4.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"You'll know the 2023 VW Golf GTI by its twin exhaust pipes out back.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"You'll know the 2023 VW Golf GTI by its twin exhaust pipes out back.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Switch to SPORT mode in Oakland County\u2019s twisties and the paddles \u2014\u00a0<em>voila!<\/em>\u00a0\u2014 became manual shifters, allowing me to row the 1.6-liter gas engine for all it was worth. Plug Niro in at night and you\u2019ll wake up with 33 miles of electric-only range if you push the \u201cEV\u201d button next to the console\u2019s rotary shifter. Lean into the accelerator, though \u2014 say, merging onto I-75 \u2014 and the gas engine would kick in to help the small 11.1 kWh battery turn the front wheels.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-4\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Settle in to a 75-mph commute on I-75, and you\u2019ll find the most significant upgrades for these quirk qars in the dash displays.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Niro gets the same hoodless mono-screen across the dash found in its Sportage and Ioniq siblings. Behind the glass are twin digital displays with the infotainment display clocking in at 10.3 inches. Artfully designed and quick to the touch, the latter is easy to navigate \u2014 as were steering wheel-mounted controls. Niro sports excellent adaptive cruise control (like Sportage) so that I could drive virtually hands-free on the interstate.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/ddef9e37-45a6-4a53-8d22-55d32719121d-KiaNiroPHEV_rr3-4.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in has a style all its own with a big black sideburn for the rear C-pillar.\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/ddef9e37-45a6-4a53-8d22-55d32719121d-KiaNiroPHEV_rr3-4.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/ddef9e37-45a6-4a53-8d22-55d32719121d-KiaNiroPHEV_rr3-4.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in has a style all its own with a big black sideburn for the rear C-pillar.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in has a style all its own with a big black sideburn for the rear C-pillar.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">True to its quirky mission, the climate and volume controls share the same button on the dash. Which means that \u2014 if you forget to choose the correct mode \u2014 you may be turning up cabin heat instead of turning up the Stones. Odd? Yes, that\u2019s what we like in Qlub Quirk.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The GTI\u2019s interior, too, is now dominated by a mono-pane housing twin digital screens. Digital goodies include a lap timer for when the weather clears and you want to take the hot hatch out to Gingerman Raceway for a track day. The simple infotainment system is aesthetically pleasing but completely knob-free \u2014 which takes time to figure out. One of the things VW has figured out is how to deliver an adaptive cruise system that works with a manual.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-5\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Though not quite as competent as Kia\u2019s system, the GTI\u2019s ACC was smooth even as I shifted between fifth and sixth gears on the interstate. That sophistication extended to the VW\u2019s wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay \u2014 while the Kia still requires a wire to allow you to mirror your phone.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/96436c6e-eab2-4baf-8dbc-b78930751180-VWGolfGTI_int.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"#SaveTheManual. The 2023 VW Golf GTI comes with a six-speed manual (pictured) or automatic gearbox.\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/96436c6e-eab2-4baf-8dbc-b78930751180-VWGolfGTI_int.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/96436c6e-eab2-4baf-8dbc-b78930751180-VWGolfGTI_int.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"#SaveTheManual. The 2023 VW Golf GTI comes with a six-speed manual (pictured) or automatic gearbox.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"#SaveTheManual. The 2023 VW Golf GTI comes with a six-speed manual (pictured) or automatic gearbox.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">To prevent my battery from draining while the phone navigated me to Oakland University, VW thoughtfully places a charger at the fore of the console that held even my gigantic Galaxy S20.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Captain Quirk?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_img\"><div align=\"left\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/7d58fc75-eb31-4a1a-9297-1574ba438760-KiaNiroPHEV_int.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" alt=\"The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers oddball features like interchangeable climate\/volume controls and a rotary shifter combined with a classy, digital cabin.\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" src=\"https:\/\/www.detroitnews.com\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/7d58fc75-eb31-4a1a-9297-1574ba438760-KiaNiroPHEV_int.jpg?width=660&amp;height=372&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp\" srcset=\"\/gcdn\/presto\/2023\/05\/30\/PDTN\/7d58fc75-eb31-4a1a-9297-1574ba438760-KiaNiroPHEV_int.jpg?width=1320&amp;height=744&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp 2x\" alt=\"The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers oddball features like interchangeable climate\/volume controls and a rotary shifter combined with a classy, digital cabin.\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"gnt_em_img_ccw gnt_em_img_ccw__cap gnt_em_img_ccw__crd\" data-c-caption=\"The 2023 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid offers oddball features like interchangeable climate\/volume controls and a rotary shifter combined with a classy, digital cabin.\" data-c-credit=\"Henry Payne, The Detroit News\"><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">I\u2019m a hot hatch guy and the VW brings the heat as one of the best driver\u2019s cars in the market today. The manual may be a rare feature, but it\u2019s prized by enthusiasts. In addition to its prodigious power, GTI also brings a nearly identical application of modern tech for five grand less than Niro. For its extra price, Niro offers more space for rear passengers and their cargo.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Whether your veins run green or hot-blooded red, Kia and VW have a little something different just for you.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-6\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2023 Kia Niro Plug-in<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive five-passenger SUV<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $40,785, including $1,295 destination fee ($41,635 manual with SX Touring as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 1.6-liter inline-4 cylinder mated to 11.1 kWh battery and electric motor<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power:\u202f180 horsepower, 195 pound-feet of torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: six-speed dual-clutch automatic<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 7.3 seconds (Car and Driver)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 3,466\u202fpounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA, 48 mpg city\/44 highway\/46 combined; 26 miles of battery-only range (mnftr.)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Fun with paddles; roomy interior<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: No wireless Apple CarPlay\/Android Auto; gets pricey<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-7\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 3\u202fstars<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"gnt_ar_b_h2\">2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI manual<\/h2>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Vehicle type: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive five-passenger hot hatch<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Price: $35,330, including $1,095 destination fee ($36,840 SE manual as tested)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Powerplant: 2.0-liter turbo-4 cylinder<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Power:\u202f 241 horsepower, 273 pound-feet of torque<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Transmission: six-speed manual<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Performance: 0-60 mph, 5.4 seconds (automatic, Motor Trend)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Weight: 3,113\u202fpounds<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Fuel economy: EPA, 24 mpg city\/34 highway\/28 combined<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Report card<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Highs: Fun to drive; upscale interior<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Lows: No console knobs; more rear-seat legroom, please<\/p>\n<aside class=\"gnt_m gnt_x gnt_x__lbl gnt_x__al\" aria-label=\"advertisement\">\n<div id=\"ad-slot-7103-mi-detroit-C1561-native-article_link-money-autos-8\" class=\"gnt_x_sl gnt_x_al\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-method=\"lazyLoadX\"><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Overall: 4\u202fstars<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><em>Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at hpayne@detroitnews.com or Twitter @HenryEPayne.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Auburn Hills\u00a0\u2014 Amidst the sea of SUVs in today\u2019s market there are a few rebels. With unusual designs, features, accessible pricing and different personalities, they defy convention. Call them quirkboxes. Two new entries for the 2023 Quirky Qar Qlub are the plug-in hybrid Kia Niro and manual-transmission Volkswagen Golf GTI. While aimed at different audiences, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,87],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30994"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30994"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30994\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30995,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30994\/revisions\/30995"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30994"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30994"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/henrypayne.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30994"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}