Last month, the Hyundai Kona was spotted without any cover during a supposed promotional video shoot in Lisbon, Portugal. Since then, we have been highly anticipating its arrival. But our wait is now over, as Hyundai has finally presented its all-new Hyundai Kona, to the delight of avid followers of sub-compact SUVs.
Hyundai's latest addition to the line-up is quite a big deal. The Kona gives us a glimpse of the funky new styling direction for the Korean automaker's entire utility vehicle range. Notably, it will have the new B-segment platform. This is a good move since many consumers have become familiar with the unique designs of the likes of the Jeep Cherokee and Nissan Juke. Now it is expected that this styling pattern will be utilized for a long time.
Kona has been compared to the Cherokee, Juke and even the Toyota C-HR. But as far as we can see, the Kona has more appeal, aesthetically speaking. Up front, the Kona's split-light design definitely catches attention in a good way. The sub-compact SUV has a top row of running LED lights for its turn signals, and the bigger housings found beneath contain the LED headlights.
Black cladding, which has been labeled by the Korean automaker as Kona's body armor, is found on the front and back fascias and at the body sides as well. Its slim taillights in the rear remind us of the other latest Hyundai designs; however, the reverse lights and turn signals are housed in a different cluster closer to the bottom. The Kona will also sport a two-tone look with contrasting black roof, but you can opt for a white color or body colored alternative. The sub-compact SUV will be offered in the US with a set of 4-cylinder gas engines that can be paired with either front or all-wheel drive.
Furthermore, it is rumoured that electrified models will be built in the succeeding years. The standard Kona will be equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0 L engine that can deliver 147hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It will be paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the Korean company has claimed that the Kona will be able to sprint from 0 to 62 miles per hour in only 10 seconds and could continue on to reach a top speed of 120 mph. We have yet to determine if this acceleration time will apply with the front or the all-wheel drive.
Also up for grabs is a more impressive 1.6 L turbocharged inline-4 that can produce 175hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The turbo model can run 0-62 mph in just 7.7 seconds with a top speed of around 130 mph. For the European market, the Kona is offered with a 1.0 L turbocharged inline 3 with a 6-speed manual transmission that produces 118hp.
Furthermore, Europe and other worldwide markets will have a 1.6 4-cylinder diesel variant but it is not expected to be offered to the US as of now. The Kona can also be equipped with 2 various rear suspensions. The front wheel drive can don a torsion beam setup but if you go for an all-wheel drive then you can get the multi-link rear suspension.