Hyundai Kona launched - new rival Ford EcoSport

The B-size SUV is developed on a platform aimed at young customers with 2-liter or 1.6-liter gasoline engines and 1.6-liter diesel.

Hyundai has launched the Kona, its first B-segment SUV in its home country of South Korea. This model is developed on a new platform, joining the global SUV segment with its predecessors Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport.

Kona, like previous Hyundai SUVs, takes its name from a place. Kona is the name of a beach area on the Big Island of Hawaii (USA). This place is famous for its dynamic, colorful lifestyle, which is also the style that Kona aims for.

Hyundai Kona launched in Korea.

The new model has a wheelbase of 2,600 mm, is 4,165 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,550 mm high. The "squinty-eyed" LED headlights are as thin as blades, the LED daytime running strip, and the characteristic cascading grille. The cluster of lights is called Composite Lamps by Hyundai. The hood and body of the car have muscular lines.

Hyundai uses a black roofline design, extending to the C-pillar, giving the car a longer, more dynamic and sporty feel. Similarly, the wheel arches are also covered in strong black. The rear of the car is inspired by the front with small taillights, high fog lights, and a muscular rear bumper.

Signature Cascading Grille.

The Korean automaker says the Kona has the most spacious interior in its segment. The company's AVN screen has 3 functions: Audio, Visual and Navigation. The arrangement of function buttons and air vents is modern, similar to the exterior. HVAC system with heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

The car has Android Auto or Apple Car Play connectivity. The new HUD display technology allows the driver to see clearly in both day and night conditions.

The engine consists of 2 liters MPI Atkinson for 147 horsepower, maximum torque of 179 Nm at 4,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 10 seconds, maximum speed of 194 km/h. 6-speed automatic transmission.

The rear of the car is inspired by the front with small taillights, high fog lights...

The other two engine options are the Gamma 1.6T-GDI with 175 horsepower, 265 Nm at 1,500-4,500 rpm, maximum speed of 210 km/h and the 1.6 diesel version for markets like Europe. 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Finally, European customers can get a smaller engine, a 1-liter T-GDI 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with 118 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. The car has the option of 4-wheel drive, 3 driving modes including Normal, Eco and Sport.

Safety technology on the Kona is quite rich, not many B-class cars have it, the driver assistance package includes forward collision avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, automatic high beam assist and driver distraction warning. There is also blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning.

During the launch, Hyundai also introduced the Kona Iron Man version with exterior design highlights such as special LED lights, 19-inch rims, Iron Man mask, as well as an additional 40 mm trailer width.

The company's AVN screen has 3 functions: Audio, Visual and Navigation.

The Kona will go on sale in Korea next month, followed by North American and European markets. A representative of Hyundai Vietnam said the company is considering selling the Kona in Vietnam to compete in the B segment with the Ford EcoSport, but is not sure whether to import or assemble it.

To be able to compete on price, the preferred option is domestic assembly.

According to VNE