Chinese publication Auto163 reports that
Beijing-Hyundai JV will launch the Hyundai Kona SUV in the Far Eastern market
in June 2018. Interestingly, the Kona will co-exist with the Hyundai ix25 (also
known as the Hyundai Creta) as the Hyundai ‘Encino’ in China, but will likely
be marketed as the more premium, dynamic choice over the practicality-focused
ix25.
The Encino will be locally manufactured by the Beijing-Hyundai JV. Pictures
of the 5-seater SUV snapped in China reveal an exterior more or less identical
to its counterpart sold in Europe, save for the Chinese branding, ‘Encino’
nameplate and a revised design for the auxiliary taillamp cluster.
At the tape, it measures 4,195 mm long, 1,800 mm
wide, 1,550 mm tall, and has a 2,600 mm wheelbase. Compared to the ix25, the
Encino is 95 mm and 47 mm shorter in length and height respectively, while it’s
20 mm wider and has a 10 mm longer wheelbase. Under the hood will be a 1.6L T-GDi
engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 4WD
system. The same powertrain in the ix25 outputs 160 hp and 250 Nm.
The Hyundai Kona is
unlikely to make it to the Indian market. Instead, Hyundai’s SUV lineup will
continue with the popular Creta and Tucson, while a sub-4m SUV is in the works
for launch in 2019.
