Hyundai is counting on dynamic new styling and an interior full of tech will draw in the youths with their 2018 Hyundai Kona.
Kona is the name of a very famous city on the big island of Hawaii. It’s also the name of a very delicious roast of coffee. But for Hyundai in 2018, it’s the name of their newest CUV that they hope will draw a younger crowd (think KIA Soul, Toyota CH-R etc.) According to Hyundai in a press release they dropped earlier today (Nov. 29,2017) they used the LA Auto Show to unveil one dynamic and extroverted looking small CUV. Check out a couple of press photos below!
It’s no mystery that crossovers hot and Hyundai’s got one for each of their customer’s needs in their lineup with the Elantra based Tucson, Santa Fe, and the Santa Fe Sport. The 2018 Hyundai Kona will slot between the Tucson and Santa Fe as an adventurous option for a younger crowd.
Hyundai says that they’ve equipped the Hyundai Kona with “Urban Smart Armor.” Thanks to a suspension layout that emphasizes a more sporty handling, the stance is low and wide complimented by a longish wheelbase and short overhang which bodes well for good handling.
Hyundai made sure to carry over their signature waterfall style front nose, the centerpiece of its design language. The headlights are two tiny slits separated from the foglight elements and theirs a gap between the grille and hoodline, no word if it’s functional or not. The same theme carries over out back with black plastic cladding wrapping around the rear wheel arches hugging the bumper. Hyundai has tightened up the underside as well, slimming down its appearances with a faux rear diffuser of sorts. Rear window visibility might be an issue with such a small opening.
You’ll be able to spot Kona’s from a mile away with the palette of colors Hyundai is offering.
In keeping with its adventuresome demeanor, a number of extroverted color variations allow buyers to further express themselves by choosing colors such as Chalk White, Ultra Black, Sonic Silver, Thunder Gray, Pulse Red, Surf Blue and Lime Twist.
Under the hood, you’ve got your choice from two engines. The base 2.0L four-cylinder Atkinson engine makes an adequate 147 HP and 132 lb-ft paired with a 6-speed AT while the optional 1.6L turbo puts out a competitive 175 HP and 195 lb-ft paired with a 7-speed DCT.
While Hyundai has not explicitly stated that these particular safety features are standard there is a host of features available including Collision avoidance, lane keep assist, high-beam assist and driver attention warning.
If there’s one thing Hyundai’s killing right now, it’s lots of design for the price. No word on pricing but it’ll most surely be affordable. In real life, even the base model Kona’s will look just as dynamic as their show floor models.
