The Hyundai Group has just
revealed its sister model, the 2018 Hyundai Kona. Entering one of the most competitive segments in the
market with rivals like Nissan Juke, Toyota
C-HR, Honda HR-V and Jeep Renegade, the Hyundai Kona will
be sold around the world. It will first go on sale in Korea later this month,
followed by Europe later this year and North Americas in early 2018.
Named after the coastal region on the Big Island of
Hawaii (albeit with a different meaning in Portugal), the Kona has a bold
face, though some may find similarities with other competitors, and a relatively
muscular body with the usual protective cladding we find in this class.
Naturally, LED units are found on both ends, as are chunky wheels with Hyundai
to offer a few different designs. It’s a
modern looking small crossover with the Koreans saying that they designed the
car to appeal to millennial buyers.
The interior styling is more sober than the exterior, despite
the trendy yellow accents on the display model. Hyundai
believes will win over younger, more tech-orientated buyers, beginning with the
infotainment systems that include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility,
HD Radio, rear camera, and 4G telematics with a 5-, 7- or 8-inch display. In a
first for the segment, the Kona brings smartphone wireless charging as an
option with the system indicating when the phone has fully charged and even if
you’ve left it in the car while exiting.
Another new feature is a combiner Head-Up Display
(HUD), which instead of projecting data directly on the windshield, it does it
on a retractable piece of glass that hides behind the gauge cluster when not in
use. Information projected includes speed, navigation instructions, Lane
Departure Warning messages, and audio data.
On the safety front, the Kona will be available with
a bunch of active systems. These include the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
(FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA); High Beam Assist (HBA); and Driver Attention
Warning (DAW), all of which utilize the front-facing camera and radar. The
car’s radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) to
sense approaching vehicles that may be obscured from view during high speed
driving. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collison Warning (RCCW) detects when another
vehicle may have entered the car’s reversing path.
Based on a brand-new platform that’s shar
Hyundai claims to have optimized the underfloor
layout, including the available 4WD drivetrain and exhaust system, to reduce
central tunnel intrusion, as well as the suspension component layout to allow
for a lower floor and seating position. The Kona will come with split-folding
rear seats that fold flat, with a two-level loading floor that is said to allow
easy access for a bicycle or golf club storage.
In most markets, the base engine will be a 2.0-liter
naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 147 Hp and 179 Nm of torque paired to a six-speed automatic. With this engine, Hyundai claims a
0-100 km/h time of 10 seconds and a top speed of 194 km/h.
Those looking for more oomph will have to step up
for the 1.6-liter turbocharged four (1.6T-GDI) with 175 Hp and 265 Nm. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), it can take
the Kona to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 210 km/h.
European buyers will also be able to opt for
Hyundai’s downsized 1.0-liter T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine
with six-speed manual transmission. It delivers 118 Hp, a 0-100 km/h time
of 12 seconds, top speed of 181 km/h and maximum torque of 172 Nm from 1,500 to 4000 rpm. Also available will be a 1.6 diesel engine for
select markets, including Europe.
