That’s the growth rate of Compact SUV a world in which we are never far away with a new launch – and the next car to aim for its segment leadership will be the second generation Hyundai Kona.
Auto Express understands that the compact SUV will break cover early next year, and development prototypes have already been tested around the world.
As with sister brands That‘S Niro family, there is a chance that Kona will move in soon Hyundai Motor Group’s latest K3 platform and offers greater practicality.
Hybrid and all-electric models are expected to be offered, with the Kona HEV using a 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine and a 1.32kWh battery powering the electric motor. Combined, they will produce 139bhp.
Hyundai doesn’t currently offer a plug-in powertrain for its Kona, and that’s likely to be the case with the new car. However, it will continue with an all-electric version. The Kona Electric will increase the battery capacity slightly over the current car, from 64kWh to 64.8kWh, delivering a 201bhp motor at the front axle. Performance and gas tweaks could increase its range to more than 300 miles.
Together with the company Bayon diagonal and larger Tucson SUV, there’s room for Kona to grow. The new car will increase cabin space and practicality, with luggage capacity increasing from 332 liters to more than 400 liters in the hybrid version.
Kona will also have a special new design. Our exclusive image shows what this might look like, with a full-width LED running light bar located just below the bonnet closure line. Hyundai’s parametric pixel lights will also appear at the poles of the bumper, evolving the split-headlight design used on the original model.
Kona will also have a significant change inside. It will be based on many factors seen for the first time on the company Ioniq 5 EV, such as a rotary gear selector mounted on the steering box.
The digital dashboard and infotainment panel should also reflect that vehicle’s layout, with the possibility of two 10.25-inch screens perched on top of the vehicle. However, early spy shots suggest there will still be physical shortcuts to key system functions.
The original Kona was announced in 2017 and the same lifecycle should bring the new car later in the decade.
That’s where nametags could disappear, as outlined earlier by the company’s VP of Product Strategy, Thomas Schemera. Previously, he commented that the Kona replacement could wear a timely Ioniq badge – likely a number 3 or number 4 – underpinned by the company’s all-electric E-GMP platform.
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