Hyundai has just unveiled the exterior and a bit of the interior design of the upcoming all-new Hyundai Kona. With an exterior design that is more in sync with the likes of the Staria and Stargazer, the all-new Hyundai Kona will be offered with 4 different powertrains from internal combustion engine (ICE), Hybrid Electric (EV), full electric (EV), and a sporty N Line powertrain.
You might remember the Hyundai Kona electric as the first ‘affordable’ electric vehicle in Malaysia. It has now been dethroned by the Ora Good Cat and has also welcomed the BYD Atto 3 as its rival in Malaysia. In our country, the current-generation Kona is offered as an EV and an ICE vehicle.
The all-new Hyundai Kona is larger than its predecessor, being 150 mm longer and 25 mm wider. Its wheelbase is also longer by 60 mm. Although the all-new Kona is offered with EV and ICE powertrains, Hyundai says that the Kona was developed first as an EV and later adapted for ICE and HEV powertrains. This is the opposite of its predecessor which started out as an ICE vehicle.
Overall, the all-new Hyundai Kona gets a more futuristic look and a more angular styling compared to its predecessor. The front end and rear end both get the light bar design that has a familial look with the Staria and Stargazer.
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In the ‘teaser’ images released by Hyundai, we can already see the facial distinctions between the variants. The Kona Electric, as it should be, doesn’t have a front grille and still has its charging port perched off-centre on the front end. Like the current generation, the claddings on the Kona Electric are painted with body colour.
The ICE & HEV Kona is shown with a pair of front vents which are highlighted by an aluminium-like trim. The claddings seem to have grown much larger than the current generation’s and it gives the all-new Kona a much tougher appearance.
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As for the Kona N Line, it is shown with a black aggressive grille with an “N Line” badge slapped on. The gaping holes of the N Line’s grille hint at an ICE or HEV powertrain. Like the Kona Electric, its claddings are also painted in body colour. From the pictures shown, it seems the Kona N Line is the only version to get a black roof (and pillars) and black side mirrors.
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Inside, one difference in the all-new Kona is the relocated gear shifter. Previously located on the centre console, the shifter is now a column shifter that is placed behind the steering wheel. This frees up space in the centre console. The infotainment unit and digital instrument cluster are now combined on a single ‘floating module’. Each screen is 12.3 inches in size.
In Malaysia, the current-generation Hyundai Kona starts at a price of RM124,188 for the 2.0-L base model. The base-model Kona Electric e-lite starts at a price of RM156,538. More details on the all-new Hyundai Kona will be released in the coming months.
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