Hyundai Motor Company unveiled its newly enhanced KONA subcompact SUV and introduced the exciting all-new KONA N Line variant.
The latest model comes with updated 17- or 18-inch wheel designs, in addition to 16-inch wheels carried over from its predecessor. KONA Hybrid will be available with the same 16- or 18-inch wheels as before.
The new KONA is 40mm longer than the previous model, giving it a sleeker and more dynamic look that complements its wide, strong visual stance.
The new KONA is retuned for a smoother ride compared to its predecessor in order to improve driving comfort, without degrading the KONA’s sporty character. The rear bump stop was also modified, bringing benefits for the primary ride and lateral body control.
The new KONA also comes with improved tires on all sizes of wheels, resulting in less rolling resistance and more efficient driving. The 18-inch tires are upgraded from Conti Sport Contact 5 to Conti Premium Contact 6 to improve the ride comfort. This also means drivers can expect better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions while hearing less road noise than before. This creates an excellent balance between eco-friendly driving and sportiness.
In addition, several parts of the vehicle have been updated to improve Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH), further increasing cabin comfort.
The steering is fine-tuned to match the new suspension character as well as to fit the new tires. The new KONA delivers comfortable yet connected steering that is more linear and well-balanced across the complete speed range.
This setup is applied to the whole KONA range, including the KONA N Line. The only exception is the KONA N Line paired with the 1.6 T-GDI powertrain and four-wheel drive, which received a specific steering tuning to match the character of the vehicle.
The all-new KONA N Line and new KONA will arrive in showrooms towards the end of the year, while the new KONA Hybrid will follow the beginning of 2021. The new KONA Electric, which will carry over the powertrain and electric driving range of the current version, will be revealed soon.
New powertrain options for both sporty and eco-conscious consumers
The new KONA’s powertrain lineup reaches new heights in terms of performance and sustainability. At the top of the lineup is an enhanced 1.6-liter T-GDI Smartstream engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that delivers 198 PS. This powerful, sporty powertrain is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variations.
For increased fuel efficiency, the new KONA will be equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. This technology is applied to the 1.6-liter Smartstream diesel engine with 136 PS as standard and is available with a seven-speed DCT (7DCT) or six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT) as well as optional four-wheel drive. The 1.0-liter T-GDI Smartstream petrol engine with 120 PS can be equipped with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and 6iMT as an option.
It also offers a 1.0-liter T-GDI Smartstream engine that can be combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or 6-speed manual transmission and optional four-wheel drive.
KONA Hybrid system
The new KONA is also available as a hybrid option, which was added to the KONA lineup in 2019. This powertrain features a 1.6-liter GDI engine and electric motor with a combined output of 141 PS, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and with two-wheel drive. The 32kW electric motor draws its energy from a 1.56 kWh lithium-polymer battery.
