The 2nd-generation Hyundai Kona has shed its “i30 hatchback on stilts” image in favour of a space-age small crossover design. The newcomer, which is notably larger than its predecessor, will be launched in South Africa during the 4th quarter of 2023.

The Korean manufacturer says the development of the all-new Hyundai Kona started with the EV variant, which explains its “EV-derived futuristic design”. However, the 2nd-gen small crossover will be produced in internal-combustion engine (ICE), petrol-electric hybrid (HEV) and all-electric (EV) guises. There will be N Line versions of all variants, although the firm has not said anything about a next-gen Kona N.

In terms of practicality, the newcomer is both longer (by 150 mm) and wider (by 25 mm) than the original model; it measures 4 355 mm (courtesy of a wheelbase that has been lengthened by 60 mm to 2 660 mm). It is also said to offer more legroom (77 mm) and headroom (11 mm) for 2nd-row occupants, who are afforded 1 402 mm of shoulder room, plus 723 litres of luggage space (up by a significant 179 litres).

The new Kona’s front-end styling, which is dominated by a full-width horizontal lighting element, is reminiscent of that of the Staria. On ICE and HEV variants, the bumper features a 3-dimensional garnish and skid plate instead of a radiator grille. The latter variant comes equipped with upper and lower active air flaps (AAF), while the former is fitted with an upper AFF only to lower the model’s drag coefficient.

The model’s flanks are characterised by black cladding, sculpted side panels and an ornate chrome strip that stretches from the base of the A-pillars to the leading edge of the tailgate spoiler. The rear end also scores a full-width lighting set-up, along with a high-mounted brake light integrated within the spoiler.

Meanwhile, the Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) says that the N Line versions will be offered with optional black side-mirror caps and roof, along with a wing-type spoiler, more aggressive front and rear designs, model-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, twin exhaust outlets and silver side skirts.

The new Kona’s EV roots are evident even in the ICE and HEV variants of the model; a column-type shift-by-wire gear selector is positioned on the steering column, which facilitates an open, clean console structure (highlighted by LED ambient lighting) that offers more storage space than the current model.

The fascia is dominated by a pair of 12.3-inch displays (for the digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen), which are integrated into a single panel and support over-the-air (OTA) software updates. Despite its expansive electronic interface, the Kona still offers audio system- and climate control buttons, a drive-mode selector knob, as well the usual multiple charging ports and a wireless charging pad.

Meanwhile, the fully foldable rear bench allows for the Kona’s load bay capacity to be expanded. Hyundai has not stated a claimed utility space figure at this stage, but the manufacturer says that, depending on which market it’s offered, the model will be available with a customisable “smart power tailgate” and that the car can, if so specified, be locked, unlocked and started via a smartphone app (Digital Key 2 Touch).

Although it’s unlikely that all of the following features will be offered in our market, the new Kona may be equipped with smart cruise control, navigation-based smart cruise control, lane-following assist, highway driving assist, a surround-view monitor, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, parking distance warning, reverse parking collision-avoidance assist and remote-smart parking assist systems.

According to HMC, optional advanced driver assistance systems include forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning and blind-spot view monitor, as well as high-beam assist.

As for the expected local line-up of the 2nd-gen Kona, it’s unlikely that we’ll see the all-electric version reach South Africa, but it’s not inconceivable that, given the recent launches of the rivalling Corolla Cross Hybrid and Haval Jolion HEV, that the 104 kW/265 Nm hybrid may make an appearance at some point.

The ICE line-up, however, sounds very familiar. Base derivatives of the new Kona are likely to be powered by a 110 kW/180 Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Higher-specced derivatives, in turn, may be powered by a 146 kW/265 Nm 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s general manager of corporate communications Deon Sonnekus told Cars.co.za that the new Kona was set to arrive in local dealerships during the 4th quarter of the year (so, from October onwards). Although Sonnekus could not yet confirm the new range’s line-up, he did say that an N Line version was a possibility and that the hybrid variant remained under consideration.

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