Hyundai Motor has unveiled the latest vehicle in its expanding lineup of stylish Sport Utility Vehicles (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 the Tucson, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport in a growing lineup of Hyundai Motor SUVs, as the company continues to widen customer choice in the segment.

At the world premiere of its new compact SUV, Hyundai Motor reaffirmed its promise to deliver SUVs that feature progressive design with high interior refinement and spaciousness. 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 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.

The new Kona is offered with a combination of gasoline and diesel engines of various power outputs - dependent on the market. A 2.0-litre MPI Atkinson engine produces 147bhp, 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 179Nm at 4,500rpm.

The Gamma 1.6T-GDI engine boasts 175bhp, a 0-100km/h time of 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 210km/h. The engine delivers maximum torque of 265Nm from 1,500rpm to 4,500rpm and is mated to Hyundai's efficient and responsive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. 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 turbocharged powerplant is optimised for efficiency and produces 118bhp, a 0-100km/h time of 12 seconds, top speed of 181km/h and maximum torque of 172Nm from 1,500rpm to 4,000rpm. Also available will be a 1.6-litre diesel engine for select markets, including Europe. The Kona will go on sale in South Korea later this month, followed by the U.S.A and Europe.