Hyundai Motor has unveiled its latest subcompact SUV, the Kona, which will go on sale in Korea later this month.
The new SUV will be introduced in Europe in August and the US market in December.
Kona will join the company’s other SUV variants such as Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.
The new SUV is expected to fulfil the company’s promise to deliver SUV with progressive design, high interior refinement and spaciousness.
Kona will come in two fuel variants including diesel and gasoline with various power outputs, depending on the targeted market.
Powered by 2.0 litre MPI Atkinson engine producing 149PS, the SUV can accelerate from 0-100km/h speed within 10 seconds, while having a top speed of 194km/h.
The power from the engine is transmitted to the wheels with a six-speed transmission. The torque of the vehicle is 179Nm (13.8 kgf·m) at 4500rpm
On the other hand, the Gamma 1.6T-GDI engine produces 177PS, with acceleration of 0 - 100km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h.
The engine delivers maximum torque of 265NM (27kgf·m) from 1,500 to 4,500rpm and this power is transmitted using a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT).
Besides the 1.6T-GDI engine, European customers will also be given the option to downsize to a 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission. The turbocharged engine produces about 120PS, with an acceleration time of 0-100km/h in 12 seconds, a top speed of 181km/h and a maximum torque of 172NM (17.5kgf·m) from 1,500 to 4000 rpm.
Hyundai said Kona’s chassis has been engineering to be rigid, with a lightweight body for dynamic driving performance and a comfortable ride.
The company said Kona has been designed to stand-out, with an aggressive body styling that emphasises the vehicle’s well proportioned and dynamic silhouette. It also has a low and wide stance that complements its long wheel base and short overhangs.
Hyundai Motor Company vice chairman Euisun Chung said: “With the Kona, we have created a stylish and highly functional compact SUV, perfectly suited to the needs of customers who pursue challenging, action-filled lifestyles.
“We aim to set new standards for the compact SUV segment, with appealing design, cutting-edge connectivity and class leading safety features.”
