Hyundai Kona 2023: dimensions, characteristics and differences

Hyundai Kona 2023

Six years after the official debut of the first version, Hyundai Kona is renewed with a new model that stands out both in terms of design and substance; the new crossover from the Korean company also grows in size, becoming to all intents and purposes one of the largest models in its segment (B). But how is it and what changes compared to the previous model in practice?

Exterior

The shapes of the Hyundai Kona remain almost unchanged compared to the previous model; in fact, even in this new version we find soft lines combined with clean cuts on the sides that give greater three-dimensionality and presence on the road. The front, as well as the rear, have been extensively revised and now integrate a subtle luminous signature that is almost unprecedented for the production car sector. The side lights remain, a hallmark of the Kona, and the side bands, however, now in the same color as the bodywork. In general, Kona appears more massive and valuable almost with a look coming from the future; in this context the references to the Ioniq 5 sedan are present even if Hyundai intends to keep a clear distinction between the two families.



During the presentation, the manufacturer also showed the N Line set-up, i.e. the more sporty one. Compared to the traditional model, the N Line boasts more elaborate bumpers and an eye-catching rear spoiler that nods to the current high-performance N models. Present, even if almost in contrast with the market, a double terminal set in the rear bumper.

Interior

The biggest differences compared to the past are concentrated inside the 2023 Hyundai Kona which now boasts a richer and more characterful interior. The central tunnel is lowered with numerous compartments available, while the dashboard is simpler and cleaner.

The section of the dashboard is dominated by a large 12.3-inch display dedicated both to on-board entertainment and to the management of information intended for the driver. Also available is a sophisticated head-up display capable of projecting a 12-inch screen onto the windshield, so as to offer a large amount of information always within sight. The commands dedicated to climate control, seats and, in general, cooling/heating are physical while there are two small knobs for controlling some functions, such as the volume, on the on-board computer.



Thanks to a length greater than 15 centimeters compared to the previous model, the space on board increases as well as the buale; now the load capacity is closer to rival proposals and in the order of 466 liters depending on the version. The seats are, of course, electrically adjustable with the possibility of functions dedicated to heating and cooling depending on the set-up.

Safety

The new generation of Kona is equipped with advanced ADAS features that ensure the highest levels of safety and comfort on the road. Driver Status Monitor (DSM) uses an in-vehicle camera to analyze the driver's face and warn them if they are drowsy, while Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) helps the driver enter and exit parking spaces. Also available Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) facilitates the driver when changing lanes by displaying the images of the camera positioned on the blind spot on the instrument panel.



The Electric version also offers Forward Collision-avoidance Assist 2.0 (FCA 1.5 in ICE and HEV versions), evasive steering, junction crossing, lane change ongoing and lane change side lane. Also available as standard are Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed ​​Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

None information still for the EuroNCAP evaluation but we are sure that it will obtain excellent scores in all areas.

Engines

The Kona 2023 range is also renewed in terms of engines offering two electric versions, one endothermic pure and two hybrids (HEV and MHEV); no plug-in (PHEV), diesel or LPG/CNG models are currently planned.

petrol, 3-cylinder, 120 horsepower, 172 Nm; 48V petrol, 3 cylinders, 120 horsepower, 172 Nm; 6 petrol HEV, 4 cylinders, 141 horsepower, 147 Nm; Electric Standard 48.4 kWh; Electric Long Range 65.4 kWh. The new generation of Hyundai Kona Electric offers the choice of two battery packs, Standard and Long Range, respectively of 48.4 kWh (WLTP of 342 kilometers) and 65.4 kWh (WLTP of just under 500 km). Both versions are equipped with a front-mounted electric motor, with an output of 114.6 kW (154 HP) on the Standard model and 160 kW (214 HP) on the Long Range and a maximum torque of 255 Nm. Charging takes advantage of the 400 Volt architecture and Hyundai has declared that the battery percentage can go from 10 to 80% in 41 minutes.

For the hybrid and petrol versions, set-ups with or without automatic it is clear which configurations will be available in Italy.

Price

At the moment Hyundai has not released any details on the matter but a small upward price adjustment is expected for both hybrid and electric models. The debut on the Italian market is expected for the summer of 2023 and at the moment the configurator is not yet available on the official website.

Positioning within the range

The current Hyundai Kona has won over 400,000 customers throughout Europe in its six-year career, recording boundless success. The new Kona 2023 will therefore have to compete with the numbers of the previous model and collect a heavy legacy in some ways; among the obstacles, the price increase and the more premium positioning. Kona will distinguish itself more from Bayon and will approach the SUV segment currently populated by Tucson and Santa Fe.

Previous model differences

What changes compared to the previous model? Pretty much everything. From the exterior design to the timeless, naturally passing through the architecture and the engines. Hyundai Kona 2023, compared to the previous model and still on the market, is renewed at 360 degrees: the dimensions grow, the design is embellished while the passenger compartment becomes more functional.

Hyundai Kona 2017 Hyundai Kona 2023 Length 4205 mm 4350 mm Width 1800 mm 1820 mm Height 1565 mm 1575 mm Wheelbase 2600 mm 2660 mm The transition to electric is stepping up at Hyundai and the new model is available in two more powerful electric versions (standard and long range) to the previous series.

Hyundai Kona 2017 EV Hyundai Kona 2023 EV Battery 39.2 and 64 kWh 48.4 and 65.4 kWh Power 100 kW and 150 kW 114 kW and 160 kW Autonomy (WLTP) 305 and 484 km 342 and 500 km Warranty 8 years or 160,000 km TBA

Kona N 2023

The most performing variant in the range may not find a real heir. At the moment these are the rumors circulating on the net and suggest that the 280 horsepower 2.0 Turbo equipped on the Kona N and i30 N may no longer find space in the Korean manufacturer's range. Pure and sincere sports car enthusiasts could therefore stay dry and necessarily opt for other brands if they want a high-performance crossover. Speaking of high-performance models, only the i20 N could remain alongside the long-awaited all-electric Ioniq 5 N.



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