Hyundai is finally giving us a peek at its long-rumored subcompact crossover. The automaker's first B-segment SUV, called the Kona, will launch in the Korean market this summer before making its way to the U.S. in early 2018.
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Just like many of Hyundai's other offerings, including the Santa Fe, Tucson, and the previous Veracruz, the Kona SUV is named after a North American travel destination. And the automaker definitely picked a good spot.
"The Hawaiian destination is valued by North Pacific adventurers as a base for many thrill-seeking activities, including surfing, water skiing and scuba diving, among other extreme sports," Hyundai said in a press release. "The island's energetic image is reflected in the innovative, practical and highly functional design of Hyundai's new lifestyle-focused SUV."
Plenty of subcompact crossovers look and feel more like hatchbacks, but Hyundai says the Kona has "true SUV genes." The styling of the Kona provides clues to the future design direction of the Hyundai brand.
Last year, we spied aHyundai subcompact CUV testing in Death Valley, Calif., equipped with what sounded like a turbocharged engine. According to recent reports, it's possible the car could be based on the global i20, which is closely related to the Accent subcompact sold in the U.S. The Kona is expected to compete with the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, Toyota C-HR, Nissan Juke, and the Chevrolet Trax.
Despite the timing of the teaser, Hyundai says it will not bring the Kona to the New York auto show. Expect some news about the Sonata instead, Hyundai says.
Source: Hyundai
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
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