Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the ‘All-New Kona’ for the first time in North America at the 2023 New York International Auto Show held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on April 5, 2023 (local time).
The Kona aims to maintain its popularity with a futuristic design reminiscent of electric vehicles, significantly improved spacious and smart interior, a diverse lineup including EV, internal combustion, and N-line variants, and top-notch product competitiveness that transcends vehicle categories.
The Kona is set to realize the concept of a ‘software-centric vehicle’ that can always stay up to date with wireless software updates and next-generation infotainment system ccNC (Connected Car Navigation Cockpit) features, which are firsts in its class.
Additionally, it comes with standard features such as forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, and lane departure warning.
José Muñoz, Head of North America Operations (President), stated, “The All-New Kona and the Kona Electric are based on a first-generation model that offers outstanding efficiency, innovative technology, differentiated styling, and comprehensive safety features,” adding, “The Kona Electric represents the next stage of eco-friendly mobility solutions, and is a key model to accelerate Hyundai’s transition to clean mobility and progress for humanity.”
Hyundai applied a new method of designing electric vehicle models first and then incorporating the design into internal combustion models to achieve a stronger and futuristic design while retaining the original charm of the existing Kona.
The smooth yet voluminous front upper section harmonizes with the ‘continuously connected horizontal LED lamp’, creating an impression of a car from the future. The horizontal LED lamp integrates the positioning lamps and daytime running lights seamlessly into a single line, presenting a futuristic image when lit, showcasing Hyundai’s next-generation signature lighting design.
The three-dimensional garnish and skid plate positioned in the radiator grill area enhance Kona’s strong and robust impression amid a high-tech visual appeal.
The Kona also features a spacious and smart interior that can accommodate diverse customer lifestyles.
The interior emphasizes a comfortable and convenient space based on a driver-centered design, providing a sense of stability through a horizontal layout. The repositioned gear shift lever brings a tidy open console design that enhances the neatness of the interior while maximizing storage practicality.
Furthermore, the cargo space has been increased by over 30% compared to the previous model, boasting class-leading capacity of 723 liters (SAE standard), along with full-folding second-row seatbacks, enhancing outdoor versatility and loading convenience for activities such as camping.
In addition, features such as a panoramic display integrating a 12.3-inch cluster and a 12.3-inch navigation system, and an electronic gear shift lever (column type) provide unprecedented luxury and convenience for passengers.
Hyundai has equipped the Kona with various convenience features that offer a differentiated experience, securing top-tier product competitiveness not typically found in compact SUVs.
Features like ‘Digital Key 2 Touch,’ allowing driving without a car key, and ‘Smart Power Tailgate,’ which opens the trunk automatically when you stand near the vehicle for about 3 seconds while carrying the smart key, add a range of advanced conveniences.
The Kona ensures class-leading collision safety through effective energy dispersion during frontal, side, and rear collisions, and by implementing a high-strength body structure using a third-generation platform.
Latest driver assistance systems have been actively applied to enhance safety and convenience beyond its class, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) for intersection and head-on collisions, Park Distance Warning (PDW), blind-spot collision warning, navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) for curves, highway driving assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Rear Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA).
The Kona offers a diverse powertrain lineup for North American customers, featuring gasoline 1.6 turbo, gasoline 2.0, and electric vehicle options.
The gasoline 1.6 turbo model is equipped with the Smartstream 8-speed automatic transmission, achieving a maximum output of 198 horsepower, maximum torque of 27.0 kgf·m, and combined fuel efficiency of 13 km/ℓ, while the gasoline 2.0 model achieves 149 horsepower and 18.3 kgf·m of torque with combined fuel efficiency of 13.6 km/ℓ with the Smartstream IVT transmission. (※ Based on 17-inch tires, domestic standards)
The Kona Electric is expected to offer a class-leading range of over 410 km on a single charge with its 64.8 kWh battery and 150 kW motor. (※ Based on long-range 17-inch tires, domestic standards)
Moreover, optimized designs for front and rear suspensions provide agile handling even in dynamic driving situations while ensuring stability at high speeds with an extended wheelbase.
Finally, improvements in under-cover coverage, active air flaps for both interior and exterior, and careful aerodynamic design with features like a rear spoiler and side garnish have achieved stable high-speed performance and efficient fuel economy.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr