The second-generation Hyundai Kona is set to battle the Kia Niro in the popular small-SUV class in 2023
- What we know so far about Hyundai’s small SUV
- What about the Kona performance range?
- Hyundai Kona 2022: prices in Australia
Hyundai is set to introduce a brand-new, second-generation Kona small SUV in 2023.
It’s expected that the new Kona will use the underpinnings of its related cousin, the Kia Niro, so we can expect a range of different powertrains including full-electric and hybrid setups.
The biggest aesthetic difference, as predicted in the rendered Hyundai Kona, is the use of an integrated wrap-around lightbar reminiscent of the current Volkswagen Golf R, however this has not been actually confirmed by Hyundai.
The Hyundai Kona is likely to look quite a lot different in 2023
Chasing Cars understands that the second-generation Kona will launch in Australia in the middle of 2023.
What we know so far about Hyundai’s small SUV
The Kona is very likely to sit on the latest K3 platform, the same that underpins the Kia Niro.
This platform can incorporate a wide range of powertrains including parallel hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full-electric systems.
The new Kona is likely to share a platform with the related Kia Niro
The current Kia Niro range begins with the Niro hybrid that uses a 1.6-litre engine paired with an electric motor.
A Niro EV is also available that makes maximum power and torque outputs of 150kW/255Nm. The Niro EV is fitted with a 64.8kWh usable battery pack and can achieve an electric range of 463km (WLTP).
We can expect very similar specifications to these for the 2023 Hyundai Kona.
The Kia Niro EV could share its tech with the Kona
A Kona electric in second-gen form is very likely. The current electric Kona has two specifications for its electric range, a standard range with 100kW/395Nm and a long-range with 150kW/395Nm. Both use a front-mounted electric motor.
What about the Kona performance range?
Plans for a second-generation Kona N or Kona N-Line are still unknown, however with the implementation of a future N variant of the Ioniq 5 and even possibly the Ioniq 6 sedan N, there is plenty happening behind the scenes at Hyundai’s N division.
The Hyundai Kona 2023 render. Credit: Avarvarii
The Ioniq 5 N could fill the void if Hyundai does not decide to keep the N name within the Kona family.
Hyundai currently builds a Kona N-Line that sits below the full-blown Kona N that uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Hyundai Kona 2022: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- Kona: $26,900
- Kona Active: $28,500
- Kona Elite: $31,900
- Kona Highlander: $38,300
- Kona N-Line: $37,100
- Kona N-Line Premium: $43,200
- Kona Electric Elite STD range: $54,500
- Kona Electric Highlander STD range: $58,000
- Kona Electric Elite ext. range $60,500
- Kona Electric Highlander ext. range: $64,000
- Kona N: $49,200
- Kona N Premium: $52,200
Keyword: Hyundai Kona 2023: fresh rendering shows what could be coming for the small SUV’s next generation