Hyundai unveils the new generation of Kona, its successful urban SUV. This is being modernized and remains available in both hybrid and electric versions, with a specific design for each version.
Launched in 2017, the first generation of the Hyundai Kona is a success in Europe despite stiff competition. Faced with the Renault Captur, Ford Puma or even Opel Mokka, the Kona offers a wide range of engines (gasoline with micro-hybridization, simple hybrid or electric) and an original style. The second generation, just presented by Hyundai, retains these strengths by strengthening them even more.
The new Hyundai Kona is revealed on December 20, just days before Christmas, when automotive news is usually calmer. The urban SUV grows by 15 cm and is now 4.35 m long. The wheelbase increases by 6 cm, while the width gains 2.5 cm to gain space on board. Like the previous Kona, the new iteration will be offered in hybrid and electric, with a common platform. Hyundai specifies that the Kona was designed in its 100% version by the design and development teams, before being adapted as a hybrid variant.
A more futuristic style
Thus, the new Kona is distinguished by an even more original and futuristic style. The front has a thin light strip for the daytime running lights, like the Staria minivan, topped with the H for Hyundai. The main headlights are offset on the lower part of the shield, in line with the fenders. It is reminiscent of the Kia Niro cousin. The bottom of the bumper varies depending on the version: it receives a treatment with small dots on the electric variant, while the thermal variant incorporates silver inserts and protective skis to reinforce the adventurer aspect. On the sporty N Line finish (in red), the elements are replaced by black inserts and body color.
On the rare photos published by Hyundai, we also find a bit of the Tucson, the big brother with a design that is also very assertive. On the profile, the sides are indeed more sculpted with a diagonal line crossing the doors. The wheel arches are prominent and have abrupt geometric shapes. They can be treated in black as on the hybrid copy in the photo. Finally, the rear part also receives a new design with a high pixel-style light strip, reminiscent of the latest electrics from the manufacturer’s Ioniq range. Lights are placed in the extension of the wings as in the front.
Engines shared with the Kia Niro?
The new Kona also renews its interior, with a more horizontal dashboard incorporating a new floating central screen. As an extension of the 12.3-inch digital counters placed behind the steering wheel, a second 12.3-inch panel for the multimedia part. The transmission control has moved from the center console to the rear of the steering wheel, which frees up space for new storage between the passengers.
Hyundai does not specify which engines are on board the new Kona. We only know that it keeps a 100% electric version and a hybrid version. They should be quite close to the engines of the previous generation, or the cousin Kia Niro (141 hp simple hybrid, 204 hp electric or 183 hp plug-in hybrid). The gasoline variant with micro-hybridization seems to have disappeared.
The new Hyundai Kona should be marketed in the course of 2023. The manufacturer will give more details in the coming months.
Photos : Hyundai.
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