Hyundai has just launched its new Kona small crossover, which will take on the Nissan Juke, as well as the recently arrived Kia Stonic, and Citroen C3 Aircross. The entry-level Kona Comfort 1.0 petrol turbo six-speed starts from €20,995 ex works.
Like all of the above, the Kona has been designed to stand out from the crowd. It offers a new compact SUV platform and a bold, sharp design with a two-tone roof option and the choice among 10 distinctive exterior colors.
Standard equipment includes 16 inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, roof rails, cruise control, 5” chrome screen, LED running lights, lane keep assist, and a driver fatigue warning system.
It is slightly longer and wider than the Juke, but does not sit as tall. Because of the longer wheelbase, it is bigger inside, with the boot space slightly larger than the Juke.
It is expected to boast a high level of standard safety, technology and connectivity equipment. It uses a multilink rear suspension set-up, and a system it calls advanced traction cornering control, which is designed to improve traction as well as damping in bends.
Also expect the range to feature an all turbo-charged powertrain line-up at launch with likely 1.0 litre three-cylinder with 118bhp, a 175bhp 1.6 4-cylinder with seven speed transmission, and 4WD on premium models. Targeted economy figures for these two versions are 38.7mpg for the 1.6 and 53.3mpg for the 1.0.
Expect a new 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel engine in either 113bhp or 134bhp and also an electric version will follow late next year or early in 2019.
Hyundai Ireland boldly boasts it expects the new Kona to be the best seller in the B-SUV segment next year, following in the footsteps of the Hyundai Tucson, Irelands best-selling SUV in 2017.
