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By Callum Hunter, carsales.com.au
Hyundai has revealed early details of its second-generation Kona small SUV that is due to arrive in Australian showrooms by the middle of the year.
Boasting an all-new design that follows in the wheeltracks of the space-age exterior from the Staria van, the south Korean car maker claims the new look was dictated by the fully electric version first and then adapted to suit other variants powered by hybrid and internal combustion engines.
As such, the Kona is physically larger than the vehicle it replaces with it now measuring 150mm longer – 60mm of which is found between the axles – and 25mm wider.
The most defining features of the new Kona include a full-width LED front lighting strip (like the Staria) and a matching brake light strip at the rear.
The silhouette features mostly smooth and organic lines that is contrasted by hard angles in the body panel highlights. The regular models will also feature black wheel arches, while high-end N-Line and Kona Electric variants are body coloured and also receive exclusive front bumper treatments and larger alloy wheels to give them unique visual characters.
The powertrains themselves are yet to be detailed, but it is expected the range will feature enhanced or upgraded versions of the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and gutsier turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder in regular versions. The high-performance Kona N is powered by a turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder, but Hyundai has yet to reveal any details for its replacement.
A 1.6-litre hybrid option is offered overseas and is expected to be made available this time as Hyundai looks to expand its electrified portfolio locally, however the powertrain rollout will most likely be staggered with popular ICE models the first to arrive.
The new Hyundai Kona Electric will more than likely retain its single-motor drive configuration and offer a similar battery capacity to the established Kia Niro EV, resulting in an electric range of around 460km and outputs of 150kW/375Nm.
A more affordable version with a smaller battery and less driving range should also be on offer.
An all-new interior awaits prospective Kona buyers if they hold out until the new model arrives, one that again reflects the design priority given to the battery-electric version with its layered dash, lowered centre console and dual-screen layout.
Those screens measure 12.3 inches each on the top-spec versions but will inevitably shrink in the lower grades.
The N-Line will also most likely replace the light and airy white colour theme in the current model with a sportier black theme, alongside with more supportive seats, larger alloy wheels and more dynamic suspension tuning.
“Upscaled with Kona’s unique character, the all-new Kona confidently expresses its bold and dynamic presence,” Hyundai Design Centre executive vice president SangYup Lee said.
“Kona has evolved in every respect to embrace an even wider range of diversity, to become a true lifestyle supporter.”
Hyundai says more details of the new Kona range will be released over the coming months, including more Australia-specific specs.
First revealed in 2017, the original Hyundai Kona remains one of Australia’s three best-selling small SUVs behind the MG ZS, Mazda CX-30 and the Mitsubishi ASX.
Disclaimer: Images supplied by Hyundai Australia.
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