Most iconic character for the second generation of the Hyundai Kona

Hyundai is present at the Automobile show with its entire range, renewed and electrified.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
22 May 2023 Monday 15:20
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Most iconic character for the second generation of the Hyundai Kona

Hyundai is present at the Automobile show with its entire range, renewed and electrified. At its stand in Palace 8, visitors can see everything from the revolutionary Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, to the utility and subcompact i10, i20 and i30, going through the entire SUV offer with the Bayon, Tucson and Santa Fe, as well as the innovative Staria minivan. There is also room for emotion and sportiness in the N Range models (i20 N and i30 N). But the undisputed star this year of the Korean firm in Barcelona is the new Kona, which makes its official debut in Spain for the general public.

The second generation of the popular compact SUV is committed to a groundbreaking design and a state-of-the-art technological package. With its robust and dynamic design and larger dimensions, the new Kona gains iconic character and will continue to be offered in gasoline, hybrid and 100% electric versions in order to satisfy the needs of customers with an active lifestyle who are looking for a versatile, technological, practical, safe, connected and comfortable.

For the creation of this new generation, Hyundai Motor broke with the conventional development process from ICE to EV and followed a reverse process, starting first from electric (EV) to internal combustion engine (ICE), resulting in a Futuristic exterior that accentuates the sheer volume of the SUV to make a modern and statement impression.

Compared to the previous generation, the new model features larger proportions. Based on the EV variant, its length is now 4,355mm, 175mm longer than the 2017 generation, with a 2,660mm wheelbase, which is 60mm longer. Its width is 1,825 mm, that is, 25 mm wider, and the height is 20 mm higher, with 1,575 mm.

With a drag coefficient of just 0.27, the new Kona is characterized by a highly rounded nose and tailgate, sculpted wheel arches and parametric surfaces that add character to the sheer volume, with dynamic chrome lines connecting the Beltline with rear spoiler with an integrated brake light. On the EV variant, a seamless pixelated horizontal light and Pixel graphics add a unique touch.

Based on the model's larger dimensions and a universal architecture derived from the EV, Hyundai Motor has been able to design a larger interior "living space" to encompass a fuller range of lifestyles. The driver-focused front row is accented by a floating horizontal C-Pad with two integrated 12.3-inch widescreen displays that reinforce the Kona's high-tech character.

As part of this new layout, the electronic gear selector has been moved from the center console to sit just behind the steering wheel, allowing more storage space thanks to this new dashboard design. This impression is further reinforced by the relocation of all driver controls around the steering wheel, allowing for open console storage with rotating cup holders. The second row seat is fully folding and the cargo compartment – ​​which has a customizable electric tailgate – offers up to 466 liters of capacity.

The new electric Kona, with a 65.4 kWh battery in the long-range version or 48.8 in the standard version, has an estimated WLTP range of 490 km in the superior version, leading its class. The torque reaches 255 Nm in both, while the power is 160 and 115 kW, respectively. The 0 emission Kona will incorporate several EV-specific elements, such as active air flaps, interior and exterior V2L power outlets, i-PEDAL driving mode, Intelligent Regenerative System, Active Electronic Sound Design (e-ASD)...

The safety package will also feature Hyundai's SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) as well as Level 2 autonomous driving assistants, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind Spot Monitor (BVM), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) and Driver Condition Monitor (DSM).