Thursday, June 15, 2017

Hyundai Premieres the New Compact Sized Hyundai Kona SUV - On sale in Korea by the end of June 2017 - Malaysia?

Hyundai Motor has unveiled the latest vehicle in its expanding line-up of stylish SUVs, the Hyundai Kona compact SUV. With bold design cues and uncompromising individuality, the B-segment sized Kona is designed to appeal to modern customers with active lifestyles as most compact SUVs are these days. The Kona will go on sale in Korea later this month, followed by North America and Europe.

The attractively styled Kona goes up against other compact SUVs like the Nissan Juke, the Toyota H-CR and the Honda HR-V. It will be 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).

Customers in Europe (which aren't too fussy about buying smaller capacity engines) can also opt for Hyundai’s downsized 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission. This tiny engine 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.

I haven't actually asked anyone at Hyundai Sime Darby Motors about the Kona as yet, so I assume that they would be looking at bringing this in so that they can compete with the likes of the HR-V and the upcoming Toyota H-CR. It should be front wheel drive like the Tucson sibling and may come with the same 2.0liter engine as well as 1.6 liter engine depending on variant. Since both engines are larger than the 1.8liter stuffed in the Honda HR-V, I would think that it would be priced about similar or slightly higher than the full spec HR-V. Of course, it all depends on the pricing before they decide to bring this in. Fingers crossed.

Oh, before anyone makes any 'Kona-baring' jokes, The Kona is named after the coastal region on the Big Island of Hawaii, USA. 'Konar' actually is used as a slang in Malay by a lot of Malaysians to describe a corner. 'Baring' means laying flat in Malay. So like motorcyclists, cornering flat would be taking a corner fast and flat. So in some ways, Hyundai Kona could actually mean a cornering Hyundai here. 



Kona : World Premiere of an Urban SUV for Active Lifestyles

 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 14, 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 character

The 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 design

The 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 convenience

The 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 performance

With 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 safety

Hyundai 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 systems

Hyundai 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 technology

The 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 fun

The 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 name

Hyundai 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 Edition

At 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

-Ends-

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