Hyundai Kona unveiled: New compact SUV marks a tectonic shift in design language for South Korean carmaker

After a prolonged long teaser campaign, South Korean car maker Hyundai has unveiled its first global B-segment SUV, Kona. The new compact SUV is an entry level model in Hyundai's international SUV line-up including Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.

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

Kona boasts of a strong and funky design to distinguish the SUV from current B-segment SUVs. The quirky design is meant to woo modern customers with active lifestyles, according to the company. The SUV will go on sale in the manufacturer's home country later this month, to be followed by North America and Europe.

Design

According to Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company, Kona has been created as a stylish and highly functional compact SUV, perfectly suited to the needs of customers who pursue challenging, action-filled lifestyles. And we couldn't agree more.

Up front, Kona uses a split-light design. The large grille in the lower section carries cascading grille, a new standard design bit in new generation Hyundai cars. The slim upper grille is flanked by daytime running lamps and turn signals in a narrow strip. Interestingly, the headlight cluster is placed in the front bumper on either side of the main grille.

To add more off-roader feel, Hyundai has added black cladding on the front and rear fascias, as well as the body sides. The company calls it as Kona's "armor." The rear taillights are reminiscent of recent Hyundai cars such as the Tucson and i20. Turn signals and reverse lights are housed in a separate cluster closer to the bottom at the rear. Further, the two-tone roof, short overhangs and long wheelbase give the Kona a tight, capable look.

Interior

Despite its compact dimensions and low roof line, the Kona has best-in-class interior space, according to the company. The AVN (Audio, Visual, Navigation) monitor will be offered in a choice of five-, seven-, or eight-inch infotainment displays. The unit will be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The split-folding rear seats will fold flat, with a two-level loading floor option. Kona has also been confirmed with a head-up display (HUD). 

Engines and transmission

Hyundai has developed an all-new compact SUV platform for the Kona. The new compact SUV is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options.

A 2.0-litre MPI Atkinson engine produces 149PS paired with a six-speed automatic transmission is the primary petrol option. The Gamma 1.6T-GDI diesel engine boasts 177PS and is mated to seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). Customers in Europe can also opt for Hyundai's downsized 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission. The turbocharged powerplant is optimised for efficiency and produces 120PS. Also available will be a 1.6 diesel engine for select markets, including Europe.

Hyundai Kona's front suspension features a McPherson strut system. Different rear suspension systems have been developed for both FWD and 4WD layouts. There's a torsion beam setup for FWD while all-wheel drive is offered with more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.

Safety

Hyundai will pack the Kona with blind spot warning, traffic collision warning (which detects when another car comes in Kona's reversing path), driver attention warning, high beam assist, lane keep assist, and more. Whether these safety techs are standard on Kona are remains to be seen.

The Kona name

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.

Hyundai Kona will be launched in 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. This compact SUV, rivalling Vitara Brezza, will be extracted from the HND-14 Carlino concept showcased at Auto Expo 2016.