2018 Hyundai Kona first view

Kia announced its all-new Stonic earlier this month, so an equivalent model from partner brand Hyundai doesn't come as a surprise. Named Kona, this B-segment crossover is seen as a key enabler for the Korean firm's European sales ambitions.

Measuring 4,165 mm (13’ 8”) long, 1,800 mm (5’ 11”) wide and 1,550 mm (5’ 1”) tall, Kona has a pleasingly distinctive look. As well as a contrasting roof, key styling elements include LED headlights and prominent mouldings that protect the wheel arches.

Hyundai Kona (2018) Front Side

Technology abounds in the cabin. The Standard Audio system features a 5” monochrome screen, Bluetooth and a USB socket, but it can be upgraded to Display Audio (7” colour touchscreen, reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible) or Navigation (8” screen, 3D maps and Live traffic information).

Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist System and Driver Attention Alert are fitted to all variants, while a head-up display and wireless device charging appear on the options list.

Hyundai Kona (2018) Interior

A few years ago, launching a vehicle in this class without diesel power would have been considered foolhardy. That's no longer the case, so initially Hyundai is offering just two turbocharged petrol engines.

The first is a three-cylinder, 1.0 litre unit which comes with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. Although 118 bhp (88 kW / 120 PS) and 172 Nm (126 lb/ft) of peak torque give a fairly leisurely 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 12.0 seconds, estimated combined cycle economy of 53.2 mpg (5.3 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km are respectable.

Hyundai Kona (2018) Rear Side

A four-cylinder, 1.6 litre alternative delivers 174 bhp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 265 Nm (195 lb/ft) to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Performance is much stronger, as evidenced by a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time of 7.9 seconds and a 127 mph (205 km/h) top speed. However, efficiency figures of 38.6 mpg (7.3 l/100km) and 169 g/km are shockingly poor.

Later on, a four-cylinder, 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel motor is going to become available. This produces either 113 bhp (85 kW / 115 PS) with a six-speed manual gearbox, or 134 bhp (100 kW / 136 PS) with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Customers will be able to specify all-wheel drive if they choose the higher output version.

Final UK specifications and prices for the Kona have yet to be confirmed.

Related posts:
2017 Hyundai i30 Tourer first view
The Hyundai Ioniq gets set for a Geneva debut

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