It will be the brand’s entry-level offering for SUV buyers
UPDATE: The Korean automaker has released a new teaser photo showing the entire front end of the car.
The image reveals the twin headlamp design, with the LED daytime running lights positioned on top of the LED headlights, as well as the brand's new "Cascading Grille." Hyundai also says the Kona will be available with optional four-wheel drive, something that's not very common in the European B-segment. The official unveiling is scheduled for summer 2017.
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Hyundai has announced the launch of an all-new B-segment SUV in Europe that will expand the brand's lineup to four crossovers on the Old Continent.
Called Kona, the new subcompact SUV will be positioned below the Tucson, Santa Fe, and Grand Santa Fe in Hyundai's European range and will go against rivals such as the Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and the like.
The new model's name is derived from the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii, with Hyundai saying the SUV reflects "the island's energetic image and unique lifestyle." We have no further information about the Kona other than it's a milestone in Hyundai's quest to become the leading Asian automotive brand in Europe by 2021.
Hyundai describes the Kona as a "true SUV," which in our book means it should offer all-wheel-drive versions. The model is also said to bring premium features that will help enhance the brand's appeal to attract new buyers.
As for the design, the automaker describes it as progressive, "reflecting the lifestyle of modern customers." The only photo released so far gives us a peek at the Kona's front end and the sleek, thin LED headlights. It's only one photo, but we get the impression the Kona will sport a very different design language than the current models.
We'll learn if that's the case in the "near future," when Hyundai says more information about the Kona will be released.