Hyundai Kona: Automaker spills the beans on i20-based compact SUV in teaser video

Kona will flaunt head-up display which is for the first time in any Hyundai model.

Ahead of the official unveiling, Hyundai Motor has released a new video showing further design details of the Kona SUV. The new SUV is expected make global debut in June and it will be positioned as the entry level SUV of the Korean car-maker.

Also read: Performance-spec Hyundai Tucson SUV from N division in the offing

The 37-second teaser video shows the compact proportions of Kona skillfully crafted in line with the Fluidic 2.0 design philosophy. The silhouette emphasises an aggressive body styling featuring sleek and sharp body panels. The visual presence is further accentuated with its wide stance and the twin headlamp design. The video also indicates that Kona will sport with Cascading Grille; Hyundai's new family identity debuted with the new i30.

On the features front, Kona will flaunt head-up display(HUD) which projects key driving information directly into the driver's line of sight. This a new and a first in Hyundai feature. According to Hyundai, the eight-inch projected image of the HUD with a luminance of 10,000 candelas per square metre will guarantee daytime visibility and supports safe driving.

The i20-based compact SUV is expected to be powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol and a 1.6-litre petrol engine for European markets. The new vehicle will be slotted below Tucson in European markets. Kona will go up against Nissan Juke and Toyota C-HR.

The name 'Kona' continues Hyundai's tradition of naming crossover and SUV models after travel destinations like Creta, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz. The new SUV has been named after the coastal region in Hawaii, USA.

Is Kona destined for India?

Since we already have i20 Active, the possibility of Kona coming to India is far less. Instead, Hyundai is working on another sub-4 metre compact SUV for Asian markets and it will be positioned below Creta in India. The compact SUV, rivalling Vitara Brezza, will be extracted from the HND-14 Carlino concept showcased at Auto Expo 2016.