First things first. Unlike the speculations which said that the Kona will be built on a modified i20 or i30 platform, Hyundai has created a new sub-compact SUV platform for Kona and for future B-Segment crossovers. This new platform might underpin the Kia Stonic as well, but we’ll have to wait for an official word on that.
Back to the Kona, it looks like the designers took the inspiration from Nissan Juke and Jeep Cherokee to create what Hyundai calls ‘Composite lamps’. The slim LED DRLs with integrated turn signals are stacked separately above the LED headlamps. Hyundai calls the Kona’s front face as ‘armor’ design. The rear-end too follows a similar ‘composite’ setup.
“The Cascading Grille and the unique armor design results in a totally distinct character, which is important in the increasingly competitive B-SUV segment.”
As for the interior, there is a promise of best-in-class space, a floating touchscreen system with navigation, and a highly functional ergonomics. The infotainment comes with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay connectivity, and gets an option of 5-, 7- or 8-inch display. There is a new Head-Up Display (HUD) with class-leading luminance of 10,000 candela per square metre. Information projected includes speed, navigation, Lane Departure Warning messages, and audio information.
Claimed to be the first in the segment, the Kona features wireless smartphone charging as an option.
Gallery: Hyundai Kona
Powertrains
Internationally, there is a choice of 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine, producing 149 hp and a maximum torque of 179 Nm at 4500 rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This engine gets 0-100 km/h time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 194 km/h.
The Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine (turbo petrol) boasts 177 hp and, a 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. The engine delivers a maximum torque of 265 Nm from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
In addition to the 1.6 T-GDI engine, customers in Europe can also opt for a downsized 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged 3-cylinder engine with 6-speed manual transmission. This turbocharged powerplant is claimed to be optimized for efficiency and produces 120 hp and maximum torque of 172 Nm from 1,500 to 4000 rpm, a 0-100 km/h time of 12 seconds and a top speed of 181 km/h.
There is also a 1.6L diesel engine for select markets, including Europe. The Kona is available in 2WD and AWD configurations, and as we can see in one of the pictures, the 1.6L turbo is available with AWD.
The Kona gets different driving modes too (Sports, Normal and Eco), which is claimed to optimize the torque distribution and gear-shift settings to make the compact SUV suitable for all driving style requirements. In Sport mode, there is a greater emphasis on acceleration with early downshift on braking, while Eco mode optimizes fuel economy over performance with longer gear ratios.
Driver assistance systems
The compact crossover gets Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which uses the car’s front-facing camera and radar, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW). The car’s radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collison Warning (RCCW).
Kona Iron Man Special Edition
There is also a special edition that shares the name of Marvel’s superhero. It gets an increased width of 40 mm and some generous visual enhancements. Additionally, the Kona Iron Man Special Edition’s exterior is further complemented by 18-inch directional wheels badged with an Iron Man Mask in the center.
The special edition will go on display at Hyundai Motor’s studio in Seoul, Korea for a month following its global reveal.
Dimensions
LWH – 4,165 x 1,800 x 1,550 mm. Wheelbase – 2,600 mm.
July 2018 update – Hyundai Kona Iron Man Edition production begins in December
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