Speaking at the launch of the Hyundai Kona - the brand's first small SUV - Hyundai's global vice chairman Euisun Chung confirmed the company was actively looking to form more collaborations as part of its vision towards "freedom of mobility and connected mobility".
The Kona is expected to lift Hyundai's USA sales, which have dropped 7.5 percent this year through May with a lineup dominated by cars and coupes, segments that have slumped in recent years. This allows the Kona more interior legroom than the Juke - particularly at the back - which is a feature that families will appreciate.
Chung Eui-sun, vice chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, introduces the Kona compact SUV during a world premiere event held at the Hyundai Motor Studio in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Hyundai Motor has only four SUV lineups, including Creta, a subcompact SUV targeting emerging markets.
The South Korean automaker said Tuesday that Hyundai Kona will go on sales this month in South Korea before it launches in Europe and North America.
Hyundai is planning to give its new Kona SUV a baby brother - as well as launching a larger model than the Santa Fe as it tries to expand its off-roader line-up. It's paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and will go from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 10 seconds, Hyundai said. The name Kona comes from the Hawaiian Islands, as are other Hyundai names like the Santa Fe.
The number of small-size SUVs in Korea totaled 107,295 units previous year, up 24 percent from 86,233 units in 2015, according to findings released by the Korea Automobile Manufacturers Association. The "composite lamps" and slim daytime running lights add to Kona's high-tech appearance.
James Comey Lied and I'll Testify to That Under Oath
Comey added, "Something about the way I was conducting it, the president felt created pressure on him that he wanted to relieve". And Trump tweeted early Friday morning mentioning "lies" and "so many false statements" that had "vindicated" him.
Inside, the Kona will feature a best-in-class AVN (Audio, Visual, Navigation) monitor, floated into the dashboard, while a variety of fluid design touches will complete the look throughout the cabin.
Of the various engine options that the Kona will be offered with around the world, the US can expect the combination of the Gamma 1.6-liter turbo- cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic combination seen in the Sonata Eco.
The crossover will land in Australia around October, powered by either a 2.0-litre MPI with 110kW and 179Nm, or a 1.6-litre GDI turbo generating 130kW and 265Nm.
Four-wheel drive is optional in the all-new Hyundai Kona, but a drive-mode selector should be standard.
The global editions of the Kona will also get safety features such as the forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, high beam assist, blind-spot collision warning and driver attention warning. On the infotainment side, the Kona will come wired for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, displayed onto a 5-, 7-, or 8-inch screen.
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.
Comments