The new sub-compact SUV from Hyundai comes with a host of driver assist systems, wireless charging, 4G telematics for connected cars, an HUD and more.
Hyundai has unveiled the 2018 Hyundai Kona sub-compact SUV in Korea. The crossover has a striking new design, with well-defined creases and still managing to retain the design identity that Hyundai has managed to establish. Among the major elements of the Hyundai Kona are its unconventional exterior lighting arrangement, the thorough technology package inside and the aggressive stance that makes it look quite powerful. Here's taking a look at everything about the new Hyundai Kona crossover.
Beginning with the styling, the Hyundai Kona looks largely aggressive owing to its sharp edges and lines, the upright stance and the smooth flow of lines from the front pillar to the rear lamps. The bonnet has muscular curved lines sweeping to the front, and the front has the signature hexagonal grille that we have already seen in the Hyundai Tucson. The most characteristic element here are the split lamps, with narrow slits in conventional headlamp positions integrating LED daytime running lamps and turn indicators. The headlamps, meanwhile, are placed much lower than usual, in an extended section of the contrasting wheel arch that somewhat sticks out as an additional unit. The Hyundai Kona also gets a contrast-coloured roof with roof rails.
Moving to the technology inside, the 2018 Hyundai Kona comes with a host of new gadgets. It retains Hyundai's usual in-car firmware that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a dedicated 3D satellite-based navigation and HD Radio services in the Korean variant. It also gets support for the connected car network with onboard 4G telematics. Other features of the new 2018 Hyundai Kona SUV include a wireless charging pad in the central console. It also comes with a Head-Up Display (HUD), a first for this segment. Instead of being projected on to the windshield, this HUD is more basic and has the information regarding speed, navigation and audio playback relayed on to a retracting glass on top of the instrument cluster.
Safety technology in the new Hyundai Kona include a radar-based blind spot detection system and rear traffic alert, along with forward collision avoidance assist, automatic braking, driver attention warning system and lane retention system. All of these sum up the advanced set of features in the Hyundai Kona SUV, and it remains to be seen how many of the new features actually make it to India.
Engine options in the new Hyundai Kona include a new 2-litre, four cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine that produces 147 brake horsepower and 179Nm of torque at 4500rpm, and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The other engine option also includes a more powerful, 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 175 brake horsepower and 266Nm of torque, and is paired with a seven speed dual-clutch gearbox and is much faster on overall terms. The car would have three standard driving modes – Sport, Normal and Eco, that adjust throttle input, transmission ratios and torque.
While Hyundai has not yet confirmed the availability of the Hyundai Kona in India, it is expected to be introduced in the country by end of 2017. Understandably, it may be introduced here without some of its prime features. The Hyundai Kona is expected to be priced between the Creta and the Tucson in India, although the pricing should be more towards the Tucson.
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