Hyundai Kona joins compact SUV segment

The compact SUV segment has just got a little more crowded with the arrival of yet another player, the all-new Hyundai Kona.

Rivaling class leaders Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, the Kona is the latest member of Hyundai’s fast expanding SUV line-up, joining the midsize Tucson and seven-seater Santa Fe. The crossover brings “impactful design” and “uncompromised individuality” and is designed to appeal to customers with active lifestyles, says the South Korean company in the press release.

“With the Kona, we have created a stylish and highly functional compact SUV, perfectly suited to the needs of customers who pursue challenging, action-filled lifestyles,” said Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company. “We aim to set new standards for the compact SUV segment, with appealing design, cutting-edge connectivity and class leading safety features.”

The Kona’s bold, daring image hints at the future design direction of Hyundai next generation of SUV models. It stands out from the crowd with high contrast design elements and striking style, with a masculine protective, ‘armor’, that combines with the futuristic LED lighting to create a high-tech look designed to appeal to the Millennial demographic.

The new Kona is offered with a combination of petrol and diesel engines of various power outputs – dependent on the market. Both all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive are available. A 2.0-litre petrol unit produces 110kW, with a 0-100km/h time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 194km/h. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the engine delivers maximum torque of 179 Nm at 4500rpm.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine boasts 130kW, a 0-100km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h. The engine delivers maximum torque of 265Nm from 1,500 to 4,500rpm and is mated to Hyundai’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT).

Also available is a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 100kW/300Nm paired with a Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

The infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay where specified with a 5-, 7- or 8-inch display. Further options include DAB digital radio, HD Radio and rear view camera display.

In a first for the segment, the Kona features smartphone wireless charging. Available as an option with all Kona models, customers simply place a compatible smartphone on the wireless charging interface, located in the center console storage, to easily recharge without the need for cables.

The Hyundai Kona compact SUV will go on sale in Australia from late September or early October 2017. Final specification and pricing details will be confirmed closer to launch.

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