2023 Hyundai Kona revealed, due in Australia next year
The new Hyundai Kona has debuted with Staria people mover-inspired futuristic styling, a hi-tech interior, and a choice of petrol, hybrid or electric power.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona has been revealed ahead of its expected arrival in Australian showrooms mid next year.
The second generation of Hyundai’s popular small SUV has undergone a significant growth spurt to better compete with rivals such as Kia Seltos/Niro, with futuristic new styling, and more technology inside.
Australian showroom arrivals are due to commence from mid 2023 – and Drive understands a choice of petrol, electric or new-for-Australia hybrid power will be introduced for the second-generation Kona locally.
The sporty Kona N Line model grade will continue into the new generation – but it’s understood there may not be a new Kona N performance variant, amid tightening emissions regulations overseas.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona measures approximately 4355mm long and 1825mm wide, riding on a 2660mm wheelbase – a substantial 150mm longer overall, 25mm wider and 60mm longer between the front and rear wheels than the old model (to help establish a roomier cabin).
As with the old model, all power options – petrol, hybrid and electric – are underpinned by the same chassis, but Hyundai claims the car’s styling started with the electric model, and was adapted for petrol and hybrid power – rather than the other way around.
Styling cues are drawn from other new Hyundai models, with a full-width LED light strip and low-set headlights inspired by the Staria people mover, sharp creases akin to the Tucson family SUV, and a full-width tail-light bar.
The light bars on the electric model incorporate the ‘Parametric Pixels’ seen in the light signatures of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 electric cars.
Differences between versions include rugged bumpers and black wheel arch cladding on the petrol and hybrid, and a closed-off front grille, pixel graphics on the bumpers, unique 19-inch wheels, and black mirrors and roof on the electric model.
The N Line gains more aggressive bumpers, unique 19-inch wheels, twin exhaust tips, silver side skirts, a larger rear spoiler, and optional black mirrors and roof.
Inside, a pair of 12.3-inch displays sit side by side – akin to the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 – with the grey air-conditioning controls, three-spoke steering wheel and slim air vents also taking inspiration from the electric cars.
The gear selector has been moved from the centre console to a stalk behind the steering wheel, while Hyundai highlights ambient lighting and a “curve-less” rear seat elsewhere in the interior.
Hyundai is yet to confirm mechanical specifications for the new model, however it is expected to share engines and transmission with its new siblings under the skin, the Kia Niro and Hyundai i30 Sedan.
That would suggest a 117kW/191Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in regular models, a 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder in the N Line, and a 104kW 1.6-litre petrol-electric system in the hybrid.
Meanwhile, it’s likely the Niro’s 150kW/255Nm electric motor and 64kWh battery pack will feature in the Kona Electric.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona is due in Australian showrooms from the middle of next year. Drive understands hybrid power will join the range for the new model, in addition to petrol and electric versions.
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