By Otsile Kadiege

Hyundai recently revealed the all-new Kona which gets bolder looks, a modern and seemingly upmarket cabin and multiple powertrains, including hybrid electric vehicles, fully-electric vehicles, and internal combustion engines. Hyundai will also offer the N-Line package for those who want a dash of sportiness.

Bold design and styling

The new Kona boasts a bold and futuristic design which we’ve already seen on some of its latest models. The front and rear of the new Kona feature Seamless Horizon Lamps which give the new model a harmonious and unique appearance for each variant.

The EV variant is further differentiated by its Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamps. The ICE and HEV variants carry over many of the EV’s design characteristics with a distinctive twist. The front bumper is distinguished by a three-dimensional garnish and skid plate instead of a radiator grill. The ICE and HEV variants also add contrasting black wheel arch cladding.

The HEV variant uses upper and lower active air flaps (AAF), and the ICE variant has an upper active air flap for a drag coefficient improvement. The performance-inspired N Line variant adds more aggressive front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumper, twin muffler and silver side skirt to emphasize its sporty image. Additional options include a black roof and 19-inch N Line exclusive alloy wheel design.

The exterior dimensions of the new Kona ICE/HEV are as follows: length 4,350 mm, width 1,825 mm, height 1,580 mm (equipped with 17-inch tires) and a wheelbase of 2,660 mm.

Premium, modern interior

Inside, Hyundai has blended modernity with classic functionality in the new Kona. Highlights include a simple cockpit design, dual 12.3-inch displays, multiple charging ports, including a wireless charging system, and the Digital Key 2 Touch which will enable owners to unlock and start their Kona using near-field communication (NFC) on their smart phones or smart watches.

The new Kona’s 60 mm longer wheelbase length avails 77 mm longer leg room and has 11 mm higher headroom in the second-row seats, compared to the previous generation. The second-row shoulder room is 1,402 mm.  Its second-row seat is fully foldable and the rear compartment provides up to 723 liters of cargo space.

The N Line variant sets itself apart with exclusive metal pedals and N-brand gear shift (TGS) lever.

Safety and driver assistance systems

The all-new Kona is equipped with various advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

It’s also equipped with various driving convenience functions, such as Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Surround View Monitor (SVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW), Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).

Powertrains

For the Korean market, the ICE variant is available with a choice of either a 1.6T-GDi or 2.0L Atkinson engine. The 1.6T-GDi generates an estimated 198 ps (146 kW) and up to 265 Nm of torque. The 2.0L engine produces an estimated 149 ps (110 kW) and up to 179.5 Nm of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) for maximum efficiency.

The HEV variant available in Korea is powered by a specially calibrated 1.6-L GDi direct injection engine paired with an electric motor that delivers a combined output of 141 ps (104 kW) and up to 265 Nm of torque.

Hyundai will share more details about the all-new Kona for global markets, including the EV, in March.