The ‘All-New Kona’ has been launched with innovative product features that transcend vehicle classes.
Hyundai Motor Company held the Kona launch event on the 18th at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, announcing a new era for SUVs that surpasses traditional categories.
The Kona returns as a completely transformed 2nd generation model after its initial launch in June 2017. It features a forward-looking design, smart interior space, a diverse lineup, and competitive product offerings that challenge existing market norms.
Hyundai plans to lead the market by shattering the existing compact SUV landscape and setting a higher standard through the Kona.
While retaining the unique design of the original Kona, Hyundai implemented a new approach by designing the electric vehicle model first and then applying that design to the internal combustion engine models for a more robust and futuristic look.
The sleek and voluminous front upper section features a ‘seamlessly connected horizontal LED lamp,’ giving it an impression of a car from the future.
The horizontal LED lamps integrate the positioning lamps and daytime running lights into a single line without interruption, showcasing Hyundai’s next-generation signature lighting design and a forward-looking image.
Moreover, the triangular garnish and skid plate located at the radiator grille add a three-dimensional element while enhancing the rugged and robust impression of the Kona.
The side body character line maximizes the streamlined impression of the Kona, further highlighted by the beltline leading to the spoiler, with the class-first 19-inch wheels adding a sporty flair with their dynamic spoke design.
The rear emphasizes a sense of unity with the front’s horizontal lamps by applying tail lamps that create a future-oriented coherence, while minimizing decorative elements to preserve refined curves that convey elegance and visual stability.
The Kona boasts a spacious and smart interior designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles.
The interior layout is characterized by a stable horizontal layout designed around the driver, creating a comfortable and convenient space.
The organized open console, achieved by relocating the gear shift control, provides a neat interior image and enhances storage practicality.
Along with this, the class-leading cargo space of 723 liters (SAE) is over 30% larger than the previous model, maximizing practicality for outdoor activities and loading convenience thanks to the fully folding second-row seatbacks.
With an increase of 145mm in length (4,350mm) and 60mm in wheelbase (2,660mm) compared to the previous model, the Kona offers the best-in-class rear legroom and shoulder space, ensuring a comfortable experience for passengers.
Additionally, features such as a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch navigation integrated into a panoramic display, an electronic gear lever (column type), and first-in-class front relaxation comfort seats provide unparalleled luxury and passenger convenience.
Hyundai has equipped the Kona with a multitude of differentiated features that secure unmatched product value not previously felt in compact SUVs.
Key functionalities include wireless software updates that allow for continuous upgrades, the next-generation infotainment system ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit), built-in cam 2, and e hi-pass functionalities for cashless payments integrated with Cafe Pay, making it a class-first offering.
Additional high-tech features include a digital key 2 touch that allows driving without a physical key, a smart power tailgate, and an air purification mode linked with a fine dust sensor.
The Kona employs a third-generation platform that effectively disperses crash energy in front, side, and rear collisions while achieving class-leading crash safety through a high-strength body structure. Additionally, the multi-collision prevention automatic braking system ensures passenger safety in unforeseen accidents.
Standard features include forward collision avoidance assistance (FCA, vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle), lane departure warning (LKA), intelligent speed limit assistance (ISLA), driver attention warning (DAW), high beam assistance, lane keeping assistance (LFA), and front/rear parking distance warnings (PDW).
Furthermore, the latest driver assistance systems such as forward collision avoidance (intersection collision), side parking distance warning, rear cross-traffic collision prevention (BCA), navigation-based smart cruise control (NSCC, safety zones/curved roads), highway driving assistance (HDA), remote smart parking assistance (RSPA), and rear parking collision prevention assistance (PCA) are actively applied, offering safety and convenience that transcends vehicle classes.
The Kona provides a wide range of choices for customers, featuring various powertrains including gasoline 1.6 turbo, gasoline 2.0, gasoline 1.6 hybrid, and electric vehicle options.
The gasoline 1.6 turbo model is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and achieves maximum output of 198 horsepower, maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 13 km per liter. The gasoline 2.0 model, with Smartstream IVT transmission, achieves maximum output of 149 horsepower, maximum torque of 18.3 kgf·m, and a combined fuel efficiency of 13.6 km per liter (※ based on 17-inch tires).
The gasoline 1.6 hybrid model combines a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, achieving maximum output of 105 horsepower (system total output: 141 horsepower), maximum torque of 14.7 kgf·m (system total torque: 27.0 kgf·m), and a combined fuel efficiency of 19.8 km per liter, maximizing fuel economy competitiveness (※ based on Hyundai Motor research laboratory measurements).
Furthermore, the optimized design of the front and rear suspension allows for agile and precise handling even in dynamic driving situations, while the extended wheelbase contributes to stable driving performance at high speeds.
In addition, noise-reducing materials applied in various areas, such as double-laminated acoustic glass and sound-absorbing tires (19-inch), ensure a class-leading level of quietness, setting the Kona apart from its predecessor.
Hyundai extended the range of the underbody cover and applied meticulous aerodynamic designs such as an external active air flap (AAF), a rear spoiler and side garnishes balanced in design and aerodynamics, and a tail lamp separation trap, achieving stability in high-speed driving performance and fuel efficiency.
With the launch of Kona, Hyundai is conducting a launch campaign themed ‘Rule Breaker,’ setting a higher standard for compact SUVs.
On the 18th (Wednesday), Hyundai hosted a party-style launch event titled ‘Kona Launch Night’ at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, featuring performances by artists like Gray and Woo Won-jae, allowing participants to freely experience the captivating design and differentiated features of the All-New Kona.
To allow more customers to experience the real vehicle, an exhibition space will be set up in popup form at Shinsegae Central City from January 19 to January 24, during the Lunar New Year holiday.
The selling prices for the Kona begin at 25,370,000 won for the gasoline 1.6 turbo model, 27,590,000 won for the premium, and 30,970,000 won for the inspiration version. The gasoline 2.0 model starts at 24,680,000 won for the modern version, 26,900,000 won for the premium version, and 30,290,000 won for the inspiration variant. The hybrid model begins at 31,190,000 won for the modern version, 32,970,000 won for the premium version, and 36,110,000 won for the inspiration version (※ based on an individual consumption tax of 3.5%. The hybrid model price prior to tax benefits; the prices will be announced after obtaining certification for environmentally-friendly vehicles).
A Hyundai representative stated, “The All-New Kona is the most future-oriented and differentiated urban SUV that will satisfy a variety of customers, from young professionals to economically mindful young families. We expect that all customers who choose the Kona will experience a significantly upgraded driving experience in their daily lives.”
Hyundai will begin the delivery of internal combustion engine models after the Lunar New Year holiday, while hybrid model deliveries will take place once certification is completed.
Details about the Kona electric vehicle model will be disclosed in March, and it is expected to be showcased at the 2023 Seoul Mobility Show, with plans to launch in the second quarter of this year.
By Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr
