Hyundai Kona grows up, gains custom styling for each powertrain

Hyundai literally pulled a rabbit out of a hat - without any leaks, teasers or major rumors the company just unveiled its brand-new Kona. It’s not a refresh either, it is a completely new vehicle, substantially larger than its predecessor and with an overhauled design.

For the first time in Kona's history Hyundai used the EV version as the design lead with other versions borrowing some features from it. Each powertrain features its own identity now and can be easily recognized from afar.

The company calls Kona a subcompact SUV, but at over 4.3 meters in length the car has gained an extra 15 cm over the prvious version, which already was classed as a compact crossover. Now it is a city-centric SUV which will be available as battery-electric, hybrid and in two combustion versions - N Line will get its own looks and regular ICE powertrain.

Clearly Hyundai is bringing all of its vehicles into the design language started by Ioniq 5 and then followed by Ioniq 6. The company uses the pixel lights now as its unique light signature with long and narrow light-strips called Seamless Horizon Lamp decorating both the front and rear of the all-new Kona.

There is very little resemblance between the new kid on the block and the outgoing model - the new Kona not only is bigger, but also features more "muscular" looks. Big wheel arches wrap around much larger 19” wheels and the front bumpers wouldn’t look out of place on a proper 4x4.

The headlights and taillights are placed as far into the corners and actually are incorporated into the front and rear fenders rather than the bumpers - certainly an original solution.

The electric-only version of new Kona gets unique front and rear bumpers that feature the iconic pixel design at the bottom with pixel-themed wheels to compliment the look. Hybrid and ICE powertrain get the bold looking bumpers with skid plates and black wheel arches for the bald, off-road looks.

The N Line is getting a sporty looking treatment with lower front bumper, black roof and side mirrors, and a wing spoiler. Distinctive 19” wheels and silver side skirts complete the look, with twin exhaust pipes making sure that nobody can mistake this version for an EV.

The interior benefits from 6 cm of extra wheelbase and cargo space got bigger as well. There are two 12.3” screens side-by-side just like in the Ioniq 5 with a clean and streamlined design of the cabin making it look much bigger than it really is. The interesting bit is the gear shifter relocated to the steering column, something the American car owners are familiar with. Does that mean no more manual gearboxes, even for the N Line?

Hyundai is not revealing all the details yet, only the new design and size for now. What platform is the vehicle built on - does it share components with Ioniq 6 and 5? The current model wasn’t a slouch with its 204hp electric motor keeping the front wheels busy and traction control frantically fighting to keep the power in check at every traffic light.

With a longer wheelbase there’s room for a bigger battery - will the new Kona EV get the 72.6 kWh battery pack from its bigger siblings? We’ll have to wait for those answers, but Hyundai won’t take too long, now that the Kona is out in the open and ready to hit the road.

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