The small SUV is launched with combustion, hybrid and electric variants. Would you like it to come to Argentina? The new generation of the Hyundai Kona, the B-segment SUV sold in Argentina, has been unveiled worldwide and will be offered in gasoline, hybrid and electric versions. Unlike what usually happens in launches, where the electrified variants are developed from the combustion ones, the South Korean brand said that in this case it happened the other way around: the other versions were developed from the electric Kona, so the vehicle works as if it were a model dedicated to electricity. The second-generation Kona is one of the first electric models to hit the market as part of the electrification strategy Hyundai announced a year ago, which involves the launch of 11 new EVs by 2030. Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, assured that the battery-powered Kona "will play an important role, alongside our Ioniq models, in reinforcing the brand's leadership in the electric market." Let's see what it brings. New Hyundai Kona: Exterior Hyundai did not disclose whether the Kona's platform is new or a variation of the previous one, but what is clear is that, by allowing combustion versions, it is not a base dedicated to the world of electric and hybrid, as it is the one that gives life to the Ioniq family. The new Kona is larger than its predecessor, appeared in 2017 and sold in Argentina since 2019: 4,355 mm long (+175 mm). 1,825 mm wide (+25 mm). 1,575 mm high (+20 mm). Wheelbase: 2,660 mm (+60 mm). Trunk capacity: 466L (+105L) The design of the second generation Kona is more robust, modern and technological, but maintains the character that clearly identifies it as a Hyundai. In addition, each version has its own front, with a shark trunk style, a long LED strip that separates the hood from the bumper (which in the BEV model is pixel), and the main optics located on the sides of the bumper, as in its predecessor. The aerodynamic coefficient of the new Kona is just 0.27 cx, something that can be seen in the silhouette, which has very sharp and angular lines, fenders out of the off-road world, and a gentle fall of the roof. At the rear, the LED strip is repeated across the width of the car, and the main lights are kept at the corners of the bumper. For its part, the N Line versions will have: Black rear-view mirror housings. Spoiler More aggressive front and rear bumpers, wing-shaped to emphasize a lower stance Dual exhaust tailpipes and silver skirt New Hyundai Kona: Interior Thanks to a development thought in the electric model, Hyundai achieved an extremely spacious cabin, especially in the rear seats. The dashboard design is driver-oriented, with two "floating" screens integrated into the same structure, each 12.3", to provide a clearer view of the scoreboards and multimedia system. In order to have wider front seats, the central torpedo was made smaller, while the electronic gear selector was placed behind the steering wheel, along with other controls, allowing for more storage space. New Hyundai Kona: Equipment Among the technological innovations, the new Kona incorporates: Ambient lighting 12" head-up display i-PEDAL driving mode e-ASD sound system, which enhances what is heard by the driver Bi-directional charging for the electric version Smart Sense Driver Assistance Package (ADAS), which includes Level 2 autonomous driving. The all-new Kona incorporates Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, a digital keyless entry and start system (via watch or phone), and the new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), which provides advanced graphics, 360º camera, among others. Optionally, it can incorporate the Bose premium sound system with eight speakers plus subwoofer. New Hyundai Kona: Mechanical For now, Hyundai only unveiled information and photos of the electric Kona, and reserved for April the presentation of the rest of the variants. The aforementioned version is sold with two battery packs and two different power ratings: More powerful 65.4 kWh battery Range: 490 km Engine: 160 kW (217 hp) and 155 Nm (155 ft-lb) Drive: 4x2 Less powerful 48.4 kWh battery Range: unknown Engine: 114 kW (155 hp) and 255 Nm Drive: 4x2 The Kona is compatible with a 400-volt infrastructure, so on a fast charger it is able to go from 10 to 80% charge in 41 minutes. The charging port remains installed on the front of the model. Fuente: Autocosmos
