Bigger second-generation small SUV coming mid-2023; EV and first-ever hybrid versions to arriving later this year
- 2023 Hyundai Kona powertrains
- 2023 Hyundai Kona exterior design
- 2023 Hyundai Kona equipment levels
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The Hyundai Kona is one of the most popular small SUVs in Australia and the South Korean brand is seeking to reinforce its market position with an all-new second-generation model that evolves powertrains, aesthetics and technology.
Scheduled to arrive in Australia from mid-year, the new 2023 Hyundai Kona will be initially available in regular petrol form (including sporty N Line variants), followed by all-new petrol-electric hybrid and new full-electric flavours in the fourth quarter of 2023 – roughly November.
As seen in previous spy shots, the second-generation Kona brandishes a bold new visual style epitomised by the brand’s ‘seamless horizon’ headlights and tail-lights that comprise striking full-width LED light bars.
Bigger and better equipped, the new-generation small SUV is almost certainly set to be more expensive than the current model, which is priced between $26,900 and $64,000, plus on-road costs – the latter for the extended range Kona EV Highlander.
2023 Hyundai Kona powertrains
Hyundai has confirmed powertrains and general equipment levels for all models except the EV, with entry-level Kona variants to continue with the same 2.0-litre petrol engine (110kW/180Nm) and sporty N Line grades to also get a carryover powerplant – a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four (146kW/265Nm).
Hyundai Australia says there will be ‘mild’ tweaks to the conventional petrol engines to improve drivability.
Hybrid models feature a “specially calibrated” 1.6-litre petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor to pump out a combined 104kW of power and up to 265Nm of torque.
The 2023 Kona EV’s new powertrain will be detailed in March. It’s expected to share vital statistics with its sister vehicle, the Kia Niro EV, which pumps out 150kW and 375Nm and has a range of around 460km.
2023 Hyundai Kona exterior design
The Korean auto giant says it started with the EV and worked backwards through the hybrid and petrol models when evolving the all-new small SUV’s design – not the other way round, as is customary – which has resulted in a radical new look for the Kona.
Along with the abovementioned ‘seamless horizon’ LED headlights and tail-lights, the rear-end of the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV will also get IONIQ 5-inspired 3D pixel LED tail-lights, adding a bit more razzle dazzle.
The 2023 Kona’s overall shape is similar to its predecessor’s, but the details make it look like a completely new car, with redesigned front and rear bumpers that retain the rugged wheel-arch cladding of its predecessor but with a more contemporary vibe.
Specially-designed 19-inch alloy also add an ultra-modern look and feel, while sporty N Line model grades feature more assertive and aerodynamic front and rear bumper designs, along with silver side skirts, twin exhaust outlets and unique 19-inch alloy rims.
In terms of size, the new Kona has grown by 150mm in length to 4355mm long, with an extra 60mm of length between the axles, creating more interior room and up to 723 litres of boot space (SAE).
2023 Hyundai Kona equipment levels
The highlights of the new Kona cabin are a pair of large 12.3-inch high-resolution digital screens fitted to top-spec model grades, featuring new operating system software that allows over-the-air (OTA) software updates.
“This allows car owners to save on cost and have their cars maintained with the latest software, providing an upgradable experience,” says Hyundai, adding that things like ambient lighting will be supported by OTA updates for maintenance and new features.
New optional power-operated relaxation comfort seats have been optimised for ‘weightless’ body pressure distribution “to help alleviate fatigue after long-haul driving”, says the car-maker.
Other features include several charging ports for devices including a wireless charge pad and a digital key that employs near-field communication (NFC), allowing smartphones or smart watches to unlock, start and lock the vehicle.
A powered tailgate will be offered, complete with adjustable opening speed and height settings, while a range of safety technology should give rivals such as the Mazda CX-30 something to think about.
Blind-spot collision avoidance assist with blind-spot view monitor, safe exit warning, high-beam assist and adaptive navigation-based cruise control with intelligent speed-limit assistance are all on the menu.
Automatic steering functionality will be bolstered by a trio of self-aware systems, including active lane keep assist, lane following assist and highway driving assist.
Parking will be made easier with a suite of helpful systems including 360-degree surround-view cameras, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCCA), front, side and rear parking sensors, and a remote-controlled smart parking assist function.
The Hyundai Kona was the Asian car-maker’s third best selling model (behind the i30 small car and Tucson mid-size SUV) in Australia last year, and the nation’s fourth most popular small SUV after the MG ZS, Mazda CX-30 and Mitsubishi ASX.
Stay tuned for pricing and specification details in the coming months.
For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales’ Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast
Join the conversation at our Facebook page Or email us at [email protected]
Keyword: All-new Hyundai Kona detailed