2018 Hyundai Kona SUV teased – UPDATE
Another new teaser for the Hyundai Kona has been handed down today, revealing a new full-frontal angle of the upcoming compact SUV.
This latest shot shows more of the Kona’s stacked headlight design, which follows in the footsteps of recent models like the Jeep Cherokee and a number of new Citroen models.
The Kona, named for the coastal Hawaiian region, was first announced earlier this month. Set to be launched globally in the months ahead, the Kona was initially presumed to be bound for a New York motor show debut, but a “winter 2017” (Australia) unveiling has now been confirmed.
The company’s local arm has also confirmed a third-quarter launch for Australia, which will make for one of the fastest transitions from global debut to market launch Australia has ever seen from an imported model.
The new compact SUV will sit below the Tucson in the Korean manufacturer’s local line-up, going toe-to-toe with rivals like the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR.
It’s the first time Hyundai will have a player in the smallest crossover segment in Australia. although the company offers the Creta in China and the i20 Active in European and select Asia-Pacific markets. Sister company Kia is set to follow with its own version of the Kona at some point in the next 12 months.
The teaser image (top) previews the upper part of the Kona’s two-tier headlight design – similar to the look worn by numerous Citroen models – a feature noticed on spy photos of pre-production versions of the company’s smallest SUV.
Hyundai claims the Kona will offer best-in-class interior space, and has been developed with a focus on driving dynamics and looks to set new performance standards for the segment.
The Kona name also continues Hyundai’s (mainly US) tradition of naming its SUV and crossover models after acclaimed travel destinations – Creta, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz to name a few.
For more updates on the Hyundai Kona, stay tuned to CarAdvice.
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