Hyundai overnight revealed photographs of its new Kona small SUV, and Chasing Cars has confirmed that the second-generation crossover is set for an Australian release date in mid-2023.
Chasing Cars understands that Australia will receive all engine options offered on the new Kona overseas, which includes familiar petrol and all-electric powertrains – plus a new Kona hybrid which combines petrol-electric power.
The Kona’s signature cladding returns, but the front-end lighting gets a major upgrade
The new-generation small SUV, which competes with the Mitsubishi ASX, Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-30 in Australia, emerges with an aesthetic which is recognisably Kona but takes a step up in design sophistication.
A little larger than the outgoing model, the new 2023 Kona will measure 4355mm in length (150mm longer) – and it is also 25mm wider and 60mm longer in the wheelbase, which should make the interior larger.
The sole view of the back of the new Kona reveals the EV version’s unique pixel detailing
Pricing is expected to gently rise over the outgoing Kona, which is priced from $26,900 to $52,200 in petrol-engined form, and $54,500 to $64,000 for the Kona EV.
The high-performance Kona N model will not be renewed for a second-generation because of lack of demand from the European market for such a vehicle, combined with tightening emissions restrictions.
The sole interior photo shows an airy cabin with extensive ambient lighting and two 12.3-inch screens
Signature Kona squared-off wheel cladding returns for the second generation but the SUV’s front-end mask is radically simplified, based around more expensive and sophisticated LED lighting cues – including a full-width ‘seamless horizon lamp’ light bar.
This look is echoed at the rear of the small crossover, which is based around a single full-width LED running light – though at both the front and rear, more subtle light-stack assemblies are fitted, possibly for high beam and turning signals.
The new Kona will return with electric and petrol options, plus a new hybrid engine
The fully-electric version picks up some Ioniq 5-inspired exterior details, including pixel graphics on the intake grille and rear bumper – plus, pixel-shape 19-inch alloy wheels.
N Line variants already exist on today’s first-gen Kona, but the Kona N Line will be elevated further into a defined model of its own with blacked-out details, 19-inch wheels and more aggressive bumpers and side skirts.
The Kona N Line (right) will become a more distinct and standalone model in 2023
A single photograph was released of the five-seat Kona interior, revealing a twin-screen assembly based around dual 12.3-inch displays. Extensive ambient lighting in an amber hue is also visible.
A porthole sunroof suggests that panoramic glass might be unavailable for this generation – or simply some models of the range – and the cream-coloured seats fitted to this vehicle feature manual adjustment.
No transmission selector is visible, indicating that the interior might be that of the fully-electric version.
