The highly-anticipated second-generation Hyundai Kona has arrived in Australia, with a larger and chunkier body adding extra cabin space, together with
upgraded safety, security and convenience features.
The addition of a hybrid gives MY2024 Kona the widest range of powertrains in the small SUV segment: 2.0-litre naturally naturally-aspirated or 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines, 1.6-litre petrol/ electric hybrid (HEV) and fully electric (EV) with standard or extended range.
The petrol variants are available now with the hybrid and EVs to arrive later in the year.
All will have the option of Hyundai’s sporty N Line pack.
The design of new Kona has a distinct EV focus with thin seamless LED light bars that span the entire width of the vehicle at both the front and the rear.
It’s looks brilliant and is sure to attract plenty of attention.
Other styling features include bold sculpted wheel arch cladding that incorporates the headlights and tail lights.
The style does vary depending on the powertrain.
The sporty N Line package N Line adds optional black side mirrors and roof, wing-type spoiler, more aggressive front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumper to emphasise a lower stance, distinctive 19-inch alloys, twin muffler and silver side skirt.
Specifically, new Kona is 175mm longer, 25mm wider and 20mm taller, with a 60mm longer wheelbase than the previous model.
Outputs from the two petrol variants are unchanged at 110kW and 180Nm from the 2.0-litre and 146kW/265Nm from the 1.6-litre turbo.
The new hybrid will have a combined 104kW and 265Nm.
Interior upgrades include dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, Digital Key 2 Touch, full Over-the-Air (OTA) updates and Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC).
Safety features include seven airbags including one in the front centre side to minimise injuries between the front occupants.
Hyundai’s SmartSense safety package includes Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Forward Attention Warning, Blind Spot View Monitor and Collision-Avoidance Assist.
There’s also Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Parking Collision-Avoidance.
When parking a Surround View Monitor (SVM) displays the vehicle from various viewpoints for safe and easy parking.
Parking is further helped by front, rear and side parking sensors, Parking Distance Warning, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Kona Electric will have an estimated 490km (WLTP) range.
Extra features will include EV-specific design elements, including frunk storage, active air flaps, interior and exterior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) outlets, together with Head-up Display (HUD), i-PEDAL driving mode, Smart Regenerative Braking, electronic-Active Sound Design (e-ASD) and an Eco Package.
We’ll provide additional details, including pricing, of the Kona EV closer to its arrival in the last quarter of this year.
Prices start from $32,000 for the 2.0-litre model, $36,000 for the Hybrid and $40,000 for the 1.6 T-GDi AWD.
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