Hyundai has officially unwrapped the Kona SUV and the package looks unconventional but neat. The Kona will be their smallest SUV and give company to the Tucson and SantaFe in the western market. Just like the other two SUVs, the Kona name comes from a coastal region of Hawaii, USA.

Hyundai Kona Design

The Kona wears a new face with a split headlamp and taillamp cluster. The DRLs are up high with the turn signals while the LED headlight is low in the bumper. The fog lamps are further down in the bumper just under the grille. The same story continues at the back as well. Beefy wheel arches help give it a rugged look.

It has a funky design and equally funky colour to match. The SUV will come in shades of blue, orange, red and green. Interiors will also feature matching trim in tasteful doses. Gear lever boot surround, AC vent rings, contrast stitching on upholstery will match with the car’s external hue. The infotainment system has a pop-up design for a modern look

The interior design otherwise is typical Hyundai and all the elements have a logical place and a neat layout.

The Kona measures 4165mm long, 1800mm wide, 1560mm tall and with a 2600mm long wheelbase. The Creta measures 4270mm long, 1780mm wide and 1630mm tall. The wheelbase is 10mm shorter at 2590mm. So the Kona is shorter in length and height but has a wider body and a longer wheelbase.

Hyundai Kona Engine

Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will be available.

2.0-Litre petrol

147HP, 179Nm @ 4500RPM

This engine will run Atkinson cycle for high fuel efficiency. A 6-speed torque converter automatic will be standard.

1.6-Litre Turbo Petrol

175HP, 265Nm @ 1500 – 4500RPM

This engine will get a twin-scroll turbocharger and will be the sportiest of all engines. It accelerates 0-100km/h in just 7.7 seconds. A fast 7-speed dual clutch transmission also helps it achieve that acceleration figure.

1.0-Litre Turbo Petrol

119HP, 172Nm @ 1500 – 4500RPM

This will be the entry-level engine with lowest power output. A 6-speed transmission is the only option with this powertrain. Power output is similar to 1.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine in the EcoSport.

1.6-Litre Turbo Diesel

131HP, 260Nm @ 1900 – 2750RPM (est.)

Hyundai did not reveal any details about this engine but said that this engine will serve the European market. This means the power output will be similar to the 1.6-litre diesel engine we see in the Verna and Creta.

Hyundai Kona Features

Major safety features include:

• Forward collision avoidance with automatic braking (using front camera and radar)
• Lane keep assist
• Automatic high beam
• Driver attention warning (in case of sleepy behaviour)
• Blind spot detection and warning
• Rear cross traffic collision warning

Adaptive cruise control is not available. Front collision avoidance also sounds like an experimental feature as Hyundai does not claim that it can avoid collisions completely. The system can reduce the impact by applying brakes but may not be able to completely avoid the collision.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be standard.

Also Read: Collision Prevention: What Car Companies Are Doing?

The Kona will be the first Hyundai car to come with a colour head-up display. It can display lane departure warning, rear cross traffic collision warning, navigation instruction, current speed and music info.

Hyundai Kona Competition

In the international market, the Kona has to compete with some of the funkiest small SUVs. The Nissan Juke, Toyota CH-R, Ford EcoSport and Honda HR-V will give it a tough fight with some funky curves. On the other hand, the upcoming Kia Stonic will be the tame alternative for buyers in this segment. The Stonic and Kona use the same platform and will share most of the mechanicals.

Also Read: 2018 Kia Stonic SUV May Come To India

Hyundai Kona Not Coming To India

We have a poor appetite for funky cars and most attempts have failed in our country. The Kona’s funky styling suggests that it will not come to India. Here, it may overlap with the Creta, which is doing very well in sales figures. (Updated in December 2019) We were wrong: Hyundai India will launch the Kona EV in July 2019