New Hyundai Kona revealed

The next-generation 2023 Hyundai Kona has been revealed and confirmed for Australian release around the middle of next year, when it will replace one of the most popular small SUVs on the market.

Looking a lot like the related Kia Niro, the new Hyundai Kona is almost unrecognisable compared to its award-winning predecessor thanks to a much squarer design and bigger key dimensions.

The second-generation small SUV has grown by 150mm in length to 4355mm, 60mm of which can be found between the axles, with the body itself also being 25mm wider than the original Kona.

Hyundai says the Kona’s new look results from starting with the battery-electric version and then adapting it to suit the hybrid and combustion-only versions rather than the other way round.

Defining features of the new Kona include a full-width LED front lighting strip and an inherent lack of any harsh crease lines; all of the major edges are rounded off and streamlined.

While more creases are added along the flanks of the car, the smoother design theme continues at the rear where we also find a matching full-width brake light strip.

As before, all-electric and N-Line versions of the new Kona will be easy to pick out thanks to more sophisticated and sportier (respectively) aesthetics provided by their unique body kits, grille designs and rolling stock.

The powertrains themselves are yet to be detailed, but odds are they’ll all be enhanced or upgraded versions of the current line-up, which in Australia at least includes a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and a gutsier turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder.

A 1.6-litre hybrid option is also offered overseas and is expected to make it to Aussie shores this time as Hyundai looks to expand its electrified portfolio locally, however, carsales understands the powertrain rollout will most likely be staggered.

The new Hyundai Kona Electric will more than likely retain its single-motor drive configuration and offer a similar battery capacity to the established Kia Niro EV, resulting in an electric range of around 460km and outputs of 150kW/375Nm.

A more affordable version with a shorter range and less power should also be on offer.

An all-new interior awaits prospective Kona buyers if they hold out until the new model arrives, one that again reflects the design priority given to the battery-electric version with its layered dash, lowered centre console and dual-screen layout.

Those screens measure 12.3 inches each on the top-spec versions, but will inevitably shrink in the lower grades.

The N-Line will also most likely replace the light and airy white colourway (pictured) with a sportier black theme, alongside some sportier seats and a sportier suspension tune.

“Upscaled with Kona’s unique character, the all-new Kona confidently expresses its bold and dynamic presence,” Hyundai Design Centre executive vice president SangYup Lee said.

“Kona has evolved in every respect to embrace an even wider range of diversity, to become a true lifestyle supporter.”

Hyundai says more details of the new Kona range will be released over the coming months, including more Australia-specific specs.

First revealed in 2017, the original Hyundai Kona remains one of Australia’s three best-selling small SUVs behind the MG ZS, Mazda CX-30 and, narrowly so far in 2022, the Mitsubishi ASX.

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