One of Hyundai’s visually captivating models of late is the Staria, with the distinctive lightbar on the fascia. This now serves as a design feature for the next-generation Kona subcompact crossover, which the automaker unveils as a 2024 model.
The new Hyundai Kona will come in four trim levels
“Upscaled with Kona’s unique character, the all-new Kona confidently expresses its bold and dynamic presence,” according to Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center Sangyup Lee. “Kona has evolved in every respect to embrace an even wider range of diversity, to become a true lifestyle supporter.”
The new Kona will come in four flavors, spanning a standard combustion model, a sporty N Line trim level, a hybrid version, and a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In a reversal of the typical process that carmakers use, Hyundai designed the BEV first for the other three variants to follow, emphasizing the importance it places on the technology that electrification brings.
Exterior
Dimensions for the next-generation Kona so far comprise a length of 4,355mm and a width of 1,825mm on a 2,660mm wheelbase. This is 190mm longer and 25mm wider than the first iteration, along with having 60mm of extra real estate between the front and rear wheels.
It retains the first generation's clean nose
The front end continues to showcase the clean nose that the first generation has been known for, with a full-width LED strip called the Seamless Horizon Lamp located just below the Hyundai logo on the hood’s leading edge.
On the EV version, the strip is pixelated in the middle, and going down past the charging port reveals more pixel graphics above the faux skid plate. These are replaced by a standard intake on the other trim levels, bordered on both sides by wraparound LED headlamps.
A second full-width Seamless Horizon Lamp can be found at the rear
The combustion and hybrid models bring contrast body cladding, while the N Line and EV trims sport them in body color. Parametric elements dominate the profile leading to the rear end, where a second light bar spans the tailgate just above the tail lamps, echoing the fascia. The N Line comes with an available wing-type spoiler, while a set of 19-inch alloys are standard across the range.
Interior
Referred to by Hyundai as a living space, the new Kona’s interior features a layout that directly takes inspiration from the automaker’s globally acclaimed Ioniq 5 electric SUV. Accommodations are for five occupants, with the front seats contoured for comfort and support underneath a front-row sunroof.
Enhanced dimensions result in a roomier interior
A floating horizontal C-Pad underscores the cabin’s enhanced space while providing practical utility. Another noticeable upgrade is the relocated shifter, now found on the steering column to free up space on the central tunnel. Rear passengers get what Hyundai calls a ‘curve-less’ bench seat, behind which lies the requisite cargo space.
Tech & Safety
Surrounding the driver is a 12.3-inch dual widescreen display comprising the instrument cluster and infotainment system sharing a single bezel. Ambient lighting in areas such as the door panels and glove box enhance the high-tech feel.
No specifics have been mentioned with regards to safety, but the new Kona is expected to count driver-assist features such as forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist in addition to the mandatory airbags, anti-lock brakes, and traction control functions.
Engine & Drivetrain
Hyundai has likewise not detailed what the powertrain choices on the next-generation Kona will be. However, these are believed to be similar to the Kia Niro, which counts a 1.6-liter hybridized power unit with a combined output of 139 horsepower and 264 Nm of torque among its offerings.
The new Kona could come with the Kia Niro's hybrid power unit under the hood
The previous Kona’s performance-oriented N variant with 275 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque might be a fun prospect for the new version, but might be too much to hope for in the meantime. Meanwhile, the Kona EV version could come with a 64.8 kWh battery pack, powering an electric motor to deliver 201 horsepower and an estimated range of 407 kilometers on a single charge.
More information on the 2024 Hyundai Kona will be available by next year
Hyundai says it will release more details for the 2024 Kona in the coming months leading to the model's global launch.
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