Hyundai Kona - Mazda CX-3's new rival - makes its first appearance.

Real-life images of the compact SUV model positioned below the Tucson have surfaced on the streets of Portugal, even though it hasn't been officially launched yet.

The Kona is the newest addition to the South Korean automaker's SUV lineup. The model, expected to launch in 2017, has just been spotted on the streets of Lisbon, Portugal.

Actual photos of the Hyundai Kona, the new B-segment SUV. Photo: Autoevolution.

The Hyundai Kona features slim headlights, a hexagonal grille, and large fog lights. The overall design is somewhat unusual within Hyundai's SUV lineup. Despite its compact size, the Kona emphasizes its sporty character with a black roof that contrasts with the body and a muscular, sculpted hood.

The car features multi-spoke alloy wheels, and its rear design is reminiscent of its larger sibling, the Hyundai Tucson. No interior images of the new model have been released yet. The South Korean automaker had previously promised..."The Kona promises to offer the best interior space in its segment, as well as innovative design features."

Hyundai has not yet released information about the engine for the new Kona. Previous predictions lean towards a higher engine.It comes with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, a 1.5-liter diesel engine, and a 1.6-liter diesel engine. When it enters the market, the Kona competes with rivals such as...models like the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, and Nissan Juke.

Hyundai says the Kona is one of its key products in realizing its plan to become the leading Asian automaker in the European market by 2021, according to Autoevolution.

According to VNE