Hyundai Kona hybrid outed

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid has broken cover, combining the powertrain of the Hyundai Ioniq hatchback with a more contemporary small SUV body shape.

Due to arrive in European Hyundai showroom from August 2019, the new model is under consideration for the Australian market.

Powered by the same 1.6-litre petrol-electric powertrain (104kW/265Nm) as the Ioniq, the new model would address the Kona EV's controversial $60,000-plus price point.

Of the three Hyundai Ioniq models available – battery EV, plug-in hybrid and standard hybrid – the latter is the most affordable at $33,990.

If the Kona Hybrid got the nod for Australia, it could potentially find a price point at a similar level, giving the brand a unique budget offering in the small SUV segment.

At present, the only other hybrid vehicles in the small SUV category in Australia are the Lexus UX and NX models, but these are luxury vehicles that start from $47,950 and range much higher.

The standard Kona starts at $23,500 in Australia.

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid's 1.6-litre hybrid powerplant drives the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Fitted with a permanent magnet synchronous motor fed by a small 1.5kWh Lithium-ion battery, fuel consumption is claimed to be 3.9L/100km when fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels and 4.3L/100km with 18-inch alloy wheels.

Carbon dioxide levels are rated at 90 and 99g/km for the different wheel sizes respectively.

The Kona Hybrid has a 38-litre fuel tank and weighs 1880kg.

Because the Kona Hybrid is not a plug-in system, the battery system is recharged via regenerative braking and when the car diverts engine power to charge the engine, such as when coasting or under heavy acceleration.

Standard features for the European market include a wireless phone charge pad inside the cabin and the option of a large 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. There's also a special Blue Lagoon launch paint job available.