Hyundai ropes in hybrid, N Line variants for new generation Kona

SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Company on Wednesday unveiled its new generation Kona subcompact SUV alongside the all-new Kona N Line variant.
The B-SUV’s exterior design is upgraded with various enhancements that make it even more appealing to customers who lead active lifestyles.
This attractive entry point to Hyundai’s high-performance N brand is distinguished by signature fascia, body-color claddings and large rear spoiler as well as N Line specific design accents.
Kona N Line’s front is characterized by the dynamic features of the front bumper, harmoniously connected and unified with the body color treatment of the wheel arch claddings. Instead of the rugged skid plate of the new Kona, the N Line version features a characteristic N-style aerodynamic lip with low-lying corner fins for a road-hugging appearance. Larger, more technical air intake features are further distinguished by a unique mesh design and surface treatment.

On the sides, the body color claddings and new rocker panels are complemented by the dedicated 18-inch alloy wheel design.
Kona N Line’s rear design reinforces the model’s dynamic image. The rear bumper incorporates a large central aerodynamic diffusor in a contrast color to the body as well as a one-side double muffler. The bumper fascia is formed with sharply creased corners and N-style fins for better air flow.
The interior is now available with a dedicated N Line color package in one-tone black with cloth, leather or suede seats. In addition, the distinctive red stitching, metal pedals and N logo on the gear shift and seats all contribute to a sportier look and feel.
In addition, 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 comes with five new exterior colors, including Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Cyber Grey, and Misty Jungle. These are in addition to five existing colors, including Phantom Black, Chalk White, Dark Knight, Pulse Red and Galactic Grey. Every color can be combined with the Phantom Black two-tone roof. The two-tone roof also comes with matching mirror housings. This contributes to its sporty and sleek appearance and gives customers more options for personalization and self-expression.
In the interior, the new console area is disconnected from the instrument panel. The dashboard appears wide and airy to create a generously spacious atmosphere. An electric parking brake is added as a new convenience feature.
Other enhancements include new ambient light technology that illuminates the center cup holders as well as in the passenger and driver side footwells, and new aluminium finish rings around the speakers and air vents.
The new Kona interior is completed by new colors and materials. New seat cover options include a black woven houndstooth design, cloth seats with black and grey embossing, and perforated leather seats in black, beige, or khaki.
With the black woven houndstooth seats, industrial-inspired and modern grains accentuate the fine-spun linear seat trim with its three-dimensional pattern. With the black and grey cloth seats, sophisticated visuals are created by shadows and dark nuances in several anthracite grey tones. Optional leather seats show a classy tartan texture that is also reflected in the material perforation. Both the texture and the colors of the leather seats harmonize the dynamic-looking interior.
As an alternative to the dark interior, Kona is also available with a light beige interior trim, accentuating the fresh look seen in the door panels and seats. With the optional khaki leather seats and the khaki center console, Hyundai is also offering a natural and premium look as an alternative to the black and beige versions.
The new Kona is equipped with the latest in-car connectivity and technology.
New to this model is a 10.25-inch digital cluster, first seen in the all-new i20. In addition, the new Kona also comes with an optional 10.25-inch AVN screen, providing new connectivity features. The new AVN screen also comes with a split-screen function and multiple Bluetooth connections.
In addition, Kona comes with the latest Blue Link upgrade, which includes User profile, Last Mile Navigation, Connected Routing, Live Parking Information, and more. Customers can have a personalized User profile that can be transferred to other Hyundai vehicles providing the same feature.
Last Mile Navigation helps customers continue the journey to their destination even after the car is parked, using either Augmented Reality or Google Maps. Connected Routing is Hyundai’s cloud-based navigation system. Live Parking Information gives users real-time information on the location and price of nearby available parking spaces. In addition, the latest Blue Link upgrade features Free Text Search for users to enter addresses or points of interest.
As standard, the new Kona is equipped with Display Audio that is increased from seven to eight inches, and DAB radio. It’s also upgraded with wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play for convenient wireless connectivity of their phones to the Display Audio system.
ENGINE: 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.
First seen in the new i30 and the all-new i20, the iMT’s clutch operates purely electronically instead of using a mechanical linkage. The iMT decouples the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator, saving fuel as the engine can switch off and the car enters coasting mode. The engine restarts in the same gear as soon as the driver presses either the brake or the accelerator pedals, thanks to the power provided by the Mild Hybrid Starter Generator.
When chosen without mild-hybrid technology, the 1.0-liter T-GDI Smartstream engine can be combined with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission and optional four-wheel drive.
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.
SAFETY: The new Kona is equipped with a range of safety and driver assistance features.
Smart Cruise Control (SCC) is upgraded to include the stop-and-go function. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), available in combination with the DCT, is enhanced too, engaging the vehicle’s differential brakes to prevent a collision if another vehicle is detected near the rear corner (blind spot) and the driver attempts to change lanes.
New to this model is Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), which alerts the driver if they do not react fast enough when the vehicle ahead of them starts moving. Another is Lane Following Assist (LFA), which automatically adjusts steering to assist the driver to keep in the center of the lane.
Another upgraded feature is Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian and new, optional cyclist detection. The optional FCA uses a sensor in addition to a camera to better detect potential collisions. This increases the detection range and types of targets that can be detected, and ensures the system works even in bad weather conditions. If the system senses a potential collision and the driver fails to react in time, it automatically applies the brakes. As another enhancement, FCA now comes as standard (camera based), including pedestrian detection-Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), also a first for the new KONA with the DCT, works to avoid a collision when backing up by applying the brakes if another vehicle is detected. This is an upgrade from the previously available Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, which only provided a warning.
“Interestingly, there's a happy vibe that I feel is common with many Kona drivers,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “Our design inspiration stems from this positive spirit, and this is a dedication to all the adventurers out there who explore life with a smile.”
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