Hyundai unveils updated Kona and Kona N Line

The Hyundai Kona has been enhanced with a variety of updates driven by customer demand in Europe.

The update includes, for the first time, an optional sporty N Line trim, giving the car a yet more dynamic look.

The new Kona is 40mm longer than the previous version, giving it a more sleek and dynamic look to balance out its wide, strong visual stance. At the front, the stretched bonnet now ends sharply over the centre grille, with a wide, distinctive shape giving the Kona a powerful look.

Enhanced LED daytime driving lights provide a narrow, piercing look to the road ahead. Lower down, the main bumper fascia connects smoothly to the wheel arch claddings, forming a unique and robust armour in a contrasting material to the main body.

At the rear, the new taillights feature horizontally-stretched graphics. The new rear bumper also follows the protective armour concept of the front and sides and is also built with a contrasting material. Five new exterior colours are offered with the updated Kona, and include Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Cyber Grey, and Misty Jungle. Every colour can be combined with the Phantom Black two-tone roof.

The interior of the new Kona has been designed to express a more sophisticated and progressive look than its predecessor. It features a rugged yet refined look to match the exterior boldness, and to appeal to customers with an active lifestyle.

The new console area is disconnected from the instrument panel to stress the horizontal layout. The dashboard appears wide and airy to create a generous, spacious atmosphere. An electric parking brake has been added as a new convenience feature in response to customer demand.

New ambient light technology illuminates the centre cup holder as well as in the passenger and driver side foot lamps, emphasising the lifestyle character of the vehicle, while new rings around the speakers and the air vents with an aluminium finish establish a higher level of quality and refinement.

New seat cover options include a black woven houndstooth design, cloth seats with black and grey embossing, and perforated leather seats in black, beige, or khaki.

New to this model is a 10.25-inch digital cluster and an optional 10.25-inch Audio Video Navigation (AVN) screen, bringing with it new connectivity features.

The new AVN screen comes with a split-screen function and the ability to pair multiple Bluetooth connections. In addition, it comes with the latest Bluelink upgrade, which includes User profile, Last Mile Navigation, Connected Routing, Live Parking Information, and more. Customers can have a personalised user profile, which can be transferred to other Hyundai vehicles with the same feature.

At the top of the Kona lineup is an enhanced 1.6-litre T-GDI Smartstream engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which brings 195bhp to the table. This powerful, sporty powertrain is available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variations.

For increased fuel efficiency, the new Kona will be equipped with 48V mild hybrid technology. This technology is applied to the 1.6-litre Smartstream diesel engine with 134bhp as standard and is available with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or a six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT), as well as optional four-wheel drive.

The 1.0-litre T-GDI Smartstream petrol engine with 118bhp can also be equipped with 48V mild hybrid technology and the 6iMT as an option. The new Kona is also available as a hybrid option, which was added to the Kona lineup in 2019. This powertrain features a 1.6-litre GDI engine and electric motor with a combined output of 139bhp, paired with a six-speed dual clutch transmission and with two-wheel drive. The 43bhp electric motor draws its energy from a 1.56kWh lithium polymer battery.

The front end of Kona N Line meanwhile, is characterised by the dynamic features of the front bumper, harmoniously connected and unified with the body colour treatment of the wheel arch claddings.

Instead of the rugged skid plate of the Kona, the N Line version features a characteristic N-style aerodynamic lip with low-lying corner fins for a road-hugging appearance. Larger, more technical air intake features are further distinguished by a unique mesh design and surface treatment.

On the side, the body colour claddings and new rocker panel are complemented by the dedicated 18-inch alloy wheel design.

The rear bumper incorporates a large central aerodynamic diffusor in a contrast colour to the body, as well as a one-side double muffler. At the rear corners, the bumper fascia is formed with sharply-creased lines and N-style fins for better air flow detachment.

The interior is now available with a dedicated N Line colour package in one-tone black with cloth, leather or suede seats. In addition, the distinctive red stitching, metal pedals, and N logo on the gear shift and on the seats all contribute to a sportier look and feel.