Hyundai Kona - new rival of Mazda CX-3

The new compact SUV is positioned below its elder sibling Hyundai Creta, and is expected to go into production in 2017.

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Hyundai said it would add a new product to its SUV lineup. "Kona is the most likely name among the options," a spokesman for South Korea's largest automaker said. "This is the first small SUV we will produce for the domestic market. Hyundai also plans to launch similar models in other markets."

Hyundai Intrado concept. Photo: Pixelrz.

Hyundai also added that the new SUV model could be introduced in the US, Europe or other potential markets if the Kona receives positive feedback from customers. The Kona SUV is expected to launch in the first half of 2017, according to Korea Jongang Daily.

Not much information about the design and engine has been revealed about the new model under the development project named OS by Hyundai. Korean media predicts that Kona will most likely be developed based on the Intrado concept platform, launched at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The Hyundai Kona's engine options include a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol, a 1.5-liter diesel and a 1.6-liter diesel. An electric version will be added later. Hyundai aims to sell 45,000 units of its new product per year.

The new SUV is named Kona after the West Coast region of Hawaii (USA) famous for its coffee. When it comes to the market, Kona will compete with rivals such as Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, Nissan Juke.

According to VNE