Hyundai has teased the facelifted Kona, showcasing the updated SUV in both its standard and N Line guises. It’s been a couple of years since the Kona hit the market and these photos reveal that some rather significant alterations have been made to the SUV’s front fascia. It will not only look more modern than the current car but also more sophisticated.

Found up front is a new shark-inspired nose that includes a distinctive new grille that is complemented by an aggressive bumper with a skid plate that “add to its armored appearance,” the automaker writes in a press release. Of more significance are redesigned split headlights that include new LED daytime running lights as well as LED technology. Hyundai has also removed the thin horizontal slot between the front grille and the hood of the outgoing model.


As for the Hyundai Kona N Line, it looks much more aggressive than the regular model. The same lights are featured but the company’s designers have fitted a new grille with a unique mesh design. In addition, the N Line includes a distinctive bumper with a large air intake. The Hyundai badge has also shifted onto the grille and there are three small intakes sitting just above the front grille, reminiscent of the three small intakes used by current Audi RS models.

The long-awaited variant not teased here is the flagship Hyundai Kona N. That suggests it probably won’t be unveiled until after sales of the facelifted range, including the N Line, commence.