- Hyundai Motor launches Kona, its first global B-segment SUV
- Voluminous, aggressive body styling, complemented by a low and wide stance
- Advanced technology and class-leading safety features for urban pleasure-seekers Kona
- All-new sub-compact SUV platform to set new standards for the B-SUV segment
June 13, 2017 – Hyundai Motor has unveiled the
latest vehicle in its expanding line-up of stylish SUVs, the Kona
compact SUV. With a strong, impactful design and uncompromised
individuality, the Kona is designed to appeal to modern customers with
active lifestyles.
The Kona joins Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Fe
Sport in a growing line-up of Hyundai Motor SUVs, as the company
continues to widen customer choice in the segment. At the world premiere
of its new B-segment SUV, Hyundai Motor reaffirmed its promise to
deliver SUVs that feature progressive design with high interior
refinement and spaciousness.
The Kona will go on sale in Korea later this month, followed by North America and Europe.
“With
the Kona, we have created a stylish and highly functional compact SUV,
perfectly suited to the needs of customers who pursue challenging,
action-filled lifestyles,” said Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai
Motor Company. “We aim to set new standards for the compact SUV segment,
with appealing design, cutting-edge connectivity and class leading
safety features.”
Uncompromised individuality and purposeful characterThe
Kona is a brand-new challenger in the B-SUV segment, with uncompromised
individuality and innovative features. The Kona’s bold, daring image
hints at the future design direction of Hyundai Motor’s next generation
of SUV models and creates a unique proposition in the compact SUV
segment.
Kona stands out from the crowd with high contrast design
elements and striking style. Its masculine protective, ‘armor’,
combines powerfully with the futuristic LED lighting to create a
high-tech look. Despite its unique appearance, the Kona doesn’t
sacrifice sophistication and is highly capable – a combination designed
to appeal to the Millennial demographic.
Unique and stylish exterior designThe
Kona’s stand-out design is reinforced by the car’s voluminous,
aggressive body styling, that emphasizes the car’s well-proportioned,
dynamic silhouette. Its low and wide stance complements the car’s
stylish profile, with the long wheel base and short overhangs ensuring
sporty, nimble handling, in addition to delivering superior driving
stability at high speed.
‘Composite lamps’ enhance the Kona’s
high-tech and mechanical appearance. The slim daytime running lights
(DRL) incorporate turn signals and are positioned in a ‘stack’, separate
to the LED headlights.
The Kona’s front is powerful, as its
‘armor’ shows its readiness for extreme activities. The compact SUV also
adopts Hyundai Motor’s new family identity, the Cascading Grille,
featuring a sporty mesh pattern, flanked by exceptional wing-type
fenders that dominate the front design.
The visual relationship
between the composite lamps, Hyundai's signature Cascading Grille and
the unique armor design results in a totally distinct character, which
is important in the increasingly competitive B-SUV segment.
Further
stand-out design elements at the side reinforce the car’s tough and
functional qualities. Most notably the contrasting black ‘armor’ that
provides a protective skin and visually connects the front to the rear.
As
with the front LED arrangement, the rear light configuration also
creates a truly unique signature appearance. The slim brake lights, turn
indicators and reverse lamp are placed in a separate configuration,
surrounded by protective skin that begins at the C-pillar garnish.
In
addition to the instantly recognizable shape, a number of playful color
variations allow buyers to customize their Kona. The roof is finished
with a two-tone color scheme, providing high contrast between the body
and wheels – satisfying customers with a desire to express their
individuality.
Spacious interior delivers comfort and convenienceThe
unique features of the exterior continue inside, with a strong
horizontal character line creating a wide and spacious feel. Even with
its compact dimensions and low roof line, the Kona delivers
best-in-class interior space.
The sleek and simple layout
interior contrasts with the bold, adventurous exterior design. The AVN
(Audio, Visual, Navigation) monitor incorporates Hyundai Motor’s
advanced infotainment features. The monitor appears to float on the
dashboard, contributing to the sense of openness.
The mechanical
air vents and functional button arrangement reflect the high-tech
functionality of the exterior. The AVN and HVAC (heating, ventilation
and air conditioning) controls are surrounded by soft, fluid details
that contribute to a sensuous experience and enhance the comfort-focused
environment.
The all-new compact platform has been developed to
provide customers with a true SUV experience. SUV-level ground clearance
and an elevated seating position ensure better visibility for drivers
and increases comfort on long journeys.
Kona offers occupants
generous interior space by optimizing the underfloor layout, including
the 4WD drivetrain and exhaust system, to reduce central tunnel
intrusion. The suspension component layout is optimized at the rear,
allowing for a lower floor and seating position to deliver class-leading
levels of headroom and ease of access for rear occupants.
Designers
also optimized interior space to maximize luggage storage capabilities,
reflecting the requirements of customers with active lifestyles. The
split-folding rear seats fold flat, with a two-level loading floor that
allows easy access for a bicycle or golf club storage.
All-new platform delivers exceptional power and performanceWith
an all-new compact SUV platform developed for the Kona, Hyundai Motor
looks to set new performance standards for the compact SUV segment. The
powertrain layout is optimized to create a compact platform capable of
incorporating the car’s four-wheel-drive system while maintaining
interior space.
The Kona blends exceptional fuel efficiency with a
fun urban driving experience, delivering power and performance levels
that are not often found in vehicles in its segment. The range of
small-displacement turbo-charged petrol engines and diesel powertrains
deliver a dynamic driving experience for nimble, easy motoring.
The new Kona is offered with a combination of gasoline and diesel engines of various power outputs – dependent on the market.
A
2.0-liter MPI Atkinson engine produces 149PS, with a 0-100km/h time of
10 seconds and a top speed of 194km/h. Paired with a six-speed automatic
transmission, the engine delivers maximum torque of 179 NM (13.8 kgf ·
m) at 4500rpm.
The Gamma 1.6T-GDI engine boasts 177PS, a
0-100km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h. The engine
delivers maximum torque of 265NM (27kgf · m) from 1,500 to 4,500rpm and
is mated to Hyundai’s efficient and responsive seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission (7DCT).
In addition to the 1.6T-GDI engine,
customers in Europe can also opt for Hyundai’s downsized 1.0 T-GDI
turbocharged three-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission.
This turbo-charged powerplant is optimized for efficiency and produces
120PS, a 0-100km/h time of 12 seconds, top speed of 181km/h and maximum
torque of 172NM (17.5kgf · m) from 1,500 to 4000 rpm.
Also available will be a 1.6 diesel engine for select markets, including Europe.
The
newly-developed SUV’s chassis is engineered to be rigid, topped with a
lightweight body for dynamic driving performance and a comfortable ride.
The platform is optimized to permit SUV levels of ground clearance,
while the optional 4WD system and drivetrain is intelligently packaged
to offer a spacious interior despite its compact proportions.
To
integrate the optional four-wheel drive system, Hyundai Motor engineers
created a new intercooler layout and setting for the transmission to
minimize intrusion into the cabin space. The rear layout of the platform
is also optimized to save space. The suspension, fuel and exhaust
components carefully package to maximize rear occupant room.
The
front suspension features a McPherson strut system, receiving a new
sub-frame bush mounting and best-in-class tire trace to enhance comfort
and reduce NVH. The system incorporates SUV geometry for refined body
movement on rough roads or harsh off-road terrain.
Different rear
suspension systems have been developed for both 2WD and 4WD, to deliver
a comfortable ride and sporty handling with either drivetrain. At the
front, the rear subframe receives new bush structure for the 2WD
suspension set-up, with a high-stiffness torsion beam for greater
stability and control. The 4WD configuration features a dual-arm
multi-link suspension system to refine overall driving dynamics on all
surface types.
Strong and protective body for passenger safetyHyundai
Motor is the only car manufacturer to make its own steel to produce its
vehicles globally, providing great benefits for the Kona. The
lightweight body frame has been developed with 51.8% Advanced High
Strength Steel to deliver class-leading levels of passive safety.
Hot
stamping methods produce lightweight, super-strong structural elements
to maximize the cabin’s central safety zone. This proves that small cars
can deliver exceptional passenger protection. The length of structural
adhesives used in production extends to 114.5 meters, providing
additional torsional rigidity and further reducing weight – which also
benefits fuel efficiency.
The platform also features an
innovative multi-load path structure – an advanced energy dispersion
technology that boosts impact tolerance by dispersing crash energy
across multiple structures to protect passengers in the event of an
accident.
Class-leading driver assistance through active safety systemsHyundai
Motor sets out to care for its customers in all of its activities. The
new model showcases Hyundai Motor’s capabilities and commitment to
enhancing the safety of drivers, passengers and fellow road-users.
Class-leading
active safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
(FCA), which uses the car’s front-facing camera and radar to detect
imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking
autonomously. Three further systems also utilize the front-view camera
to boost safety and convenience: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA); High Beam
Assist (HBA); and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
By sensing road
markings, Lane Keep Assist helps to prevent accidental lane departure
by steering the car automatically if required. High Beam Assist
automatically controls the high beams depending on surroundings, while
the Driver Attention Warning system monitors a spectrum of
driver-related characteristics to detect driver fatigue or careless
driving.
The car’s radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot
Collision Warning (BCW) to detect approaching vehicles that may be
obscured from view during high speed driving. The Rear Cross-Traffic
Collison Warning (RCCW) detects when another vehicle may have entered
the car’s reversing path.
Advanced infotainment and connectivity technologyThe
Kona boasts a suite of sophisticated technologies, paired with
user-friendly functionality to ensure driver and passengers can stay
informed and entertained. The premium infotainment system offers various
advanced connectivity features, including Android Auto and Apple
CarPlay where specified with a 5-, 7- or 8-inch display (offered as
standard or option dependent on market). Further options include DAB
digital radio (Europe), HD Radio (North America), rear view camera
display, and 4G telematics (North America) to ensure absolute
connectivity.
A new combiner Head-Up Display (HUD) is fitted to
the Kona, projecting a virtual image onto the clear glass panel mounted
behind the instrument panel to enable the driver to keep his or her eyes
on the road. With a projected image size of eight-inches at a two meter
distance and class-leading luminance of more than 10,000 candela per
square meter, the Kona’s combiner HUD ensures both excellent day- and
night-time visibility. Information projected to enhance safety and
usability include speed, navigation instructions, Lane Departure Warning
messages, and audio information. Deployed vertically by a simple touch
of a button beside the steering wheel, the combiner disappears into the
dashboard when not in use.
In a first for the segment, the Kona
features smartphone wireless charging. Available as an option with all
Kona models, customers simply place a compatible smartphone on the
wireless charging interface, located in the center console storage, to
easily recharge without the need for cables. The system also indicates
when the phone has fully charged, reminds occupants to remove their
phone when exiting the vehicle, and detects when a foreign object is in
the recharging area that could interfere with charging.
Enhanced driving dynamics for urban and off-road funThe
Kona was developed with a focus on enhanced driving dynamics and
responsive performance for city driving. The wide, long wheelbase and
short overhangs create a planted stance that results in exceptional
agility in busy urban environments and enhanced stability when driving
at speed.
The three differentiated driving modes (Sports, Normal
and Eco) optimize the torque distribution and gear-shift settings to
make the compact SUV suitable for all driving style requirements. In
Sport mode, there is a greater emphasis on acceleration with early
downshift on braking, while Eco mode optimizes fuel economy over
performance with longer gear ratios.
The Kona nameHyundai
Motor continues the approach established by Tucson and Santa Fe of
naming crossover and SUV models after acclaimed travel destinations. The
Kona is named after the coastal region on the Big Island of Hawaii,
USA. The Kona region is famous among thrill-seeking travelers and the
island’s energetic image is reflected in the innovative, practical and
highly functional design of Hyundai Motor’s new lifestyle-focused SUV.
Kona Iron Man Special EditionAt
the world premiere of the all-new Kona, Hyundai Motor unveiled a
special edition that shares the name of the Marvel’s heroic and powerful
character – Iron Man.
The Kona’s design is inspired by the
strong, armored appearance of the Iron Man suit, with its powerful lines
echoing the sensual body of the comic and cinematic hero. Again,
aligning its characteristics with the technologically advanced Stark
Industries armored suit, the Kona Iron Man Special Edition majors on
safety and advanced technologies.
With greater width (+40mm) the
Kona Iron Man Special Edition presents a confident stance while
suggesting a voluminous interior. Further visual enhancements set apart
the Iron Man edition from the standard Kona. Special LEDs are applied to
the headlights, which sit beneath a matt grey hood, embellished with
red and gold accents.
The Kona Iron Man Special Edition’s dynamic
exterior is further complemented by a 19-inch directional wheel badged
with an Iron Man Mask in the center as well as off-road tires 716mm in
outside diameter.
The special edition will go on display at Hyundai Motor’s Motorstudio in Seoul, Korea for a month following its global reveal.
Dimensions (mm)
Overall length
|
4,165
|
Overall width
|
1,800
|
Overall height
|
1,550
|
Wheelbase
|
2,600
|
About Hyundai MotorEstablished
in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is committed to becoming a lifetime
partner in automobiles and beyond. The company leads the Hyundai Motor
Group, an innovative business structure capable of circulating resources
from molten iron to finished cars. Hyundai Motor has eight
manufacturing bases and seven design & technical centers worldwide
and in 2016 sold 4.86 million vehicles globally. With more than 110,000
employees worldwide, Hyundai Motor continues to enhance its product
line-up with localized models and strives to strengthen its leadership
in clean technology, starting with the world’s first mass-produced
hydrogen-powered vehicle, ix35 Fuel Cell and IONIQ, the world’s first
model with three electrified powertrains in a single body type.
