The Hyundai Kona has been a hit with consumers as the crossover has enjoyed four years of consecutive sales gains in the United States. Hyundai wants to keep that momentum going so they’re working on a redesigned crossover, which will be larger and more advanced than its predecessor. Caught undergoing cold weather testing, this 2024 Kona prototype is heavily camouflaged but appears to adopt an evolutionary front fascia. While details are hard to make out, we can see the model will continue to have split headlights and a wide grille.
Furthermore, the Kona will adopt
streamlined bodywork and a more pronounced shoulder. The crossover also appears
larger than its predecessor and this should result in a more accommodating
cabin with additional second-row legroom. There isn’t much to see out back, but
the Kona will feature an angular rear window and a barely visible exhaust. We
can also see temporary taillights, which suggest the production units may be
relatively slim.
Moving into the cabin, spy photographers
managed to snap what appears to be a floating, widescreen infotainment system.
This was unfortunately covered during their close-up, but that photo shows
perforated leather seats with heavy bolstering. We can also see classier door
panels and a nicer looking center arm rest. Interestingly, one of the
prototypes was outfitted with a label revealing it features a hybridized
1.6-liter engine, a dual-clutch transmission, and front-wheel drive. While
nothing is official, the powertrain presumably echoes the one offered in the
redesigned Kia Niro.
If that’s the case, we can expect the
1.6-liter four-cylinder to produce 103 hp and be backed up by
an electric motor that contributes an additional 43 hp. This
gives the Niro a combined output of 139 hp, which is sent to
the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Of course, we can also expect other
variants including a new Kona N and Kona EV. Little is known about them at this
point, but the current Kona N features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder
developing up to 286 hp thanks to its overboost function.
While a number of questions remain, the redesigned Kona is expected to be
introduced next year.