Hyundai is already preparing what will be the second generation of the Kona. The good thing is that it will be available from the start with three mechanical offers: traditional combustion engine, hybrid system and 100% electric. With this, the South Korean brand adapts to the different energy realities of the markets where the Kona is going to arrive. Not that the previous Kona hasn’t, but now it will with newer developments.
“Enhancing the unique character of the Kona, the all-new Kona confidently manifests its bold and dynamic presence”said SangYup Lee, executive vice president and director of the Hyundai Design Center. “The Kona has evolved in every way to encompass an even greater range of diversity to become a true lifestyle advocate.”
Three variants of the same style
Little is known about the base of the new Kona but presumably it is built on the architecture of the new niroalbeit in a smaller size. The brand points out that the new Kona is 4,355 mm long, which is 150 mm extra over the previous model. It also grew 25mm in width and 60mm between axles, resulting in 2,660mm available for the cabin, slightly less than the 2,720 in the Niro.
About its design, the idea is to make a bridge between the current language of Hyundai and the radical style of the Kona. The base styling began with the EV format, followed by the more conventional design for the traditional/hybrid variants and the N-Line package for the sportier model.
As we know, the name Kona comes from an area of Hawaii and for the same reason, the graphic style of the region was used in conjunction with the parametric lines and design signatures seen in the latest Hyundai. For example, the Z-shaped lines of the doors, already seen in Tucson or Elantra, or the LED light that runs along the nose of the model as in the Staria, help to refresh the model, but we see that the strokes are not exactly straight, but have a slight wedge curvature.
The electric Kona makes a lot of use of pixelated elements, such as its blind grill or the central section of the LED horizontal front light (Seamless Horizon Lamps). This design feature helps with aerodynamics (allows you to design a more fluid front) and also with distinctiveness, since the rear part copies the same style.
The conventional and hybrid models will have the same front end, with aluminum-colored accents flanking the lower air intake and gray plastic fenders, just like the original Kona. Finally, there’s the N-Line, with a gloss black exterior accent kit, 19-inch wheels, a more prominent spoiler, and more aggressive fenders, all of which keep the headlights split at the ends.
Inside
The change is radical inside and takes many codes from the current models of Hyundaias well as some influence from the KIA Niro, at least in the order of things.
Dual 12.3-inch screens and floating module impart a futuristic, high-tech impressionemphasized by an ambient lighting system.
To expand habitability, Hyundai has opted for a by-wire transmission systemallowing the transmission selector to be relocated anywhere in the car, in this case behind the wheel, clearing the center console for more compartments.
In the back, a seat without curves is released, which will have to be tested to find out how comfortable it is, although Hyundai suggests that it is designed to be as practical as possible.
The rest? The brand will deliver more information soon, but surely it will share enough mechanical specifications with the Niro, so that you have a reference.
