New Hyundai Kona 2023. First meeting
At the end of the year, Hyundai unveiled the new 2023 Hyundai Kona, the second-generation compact SUV. The first generation appeared in 2017 and was restyled in 2020. The restyled version is still sold with great success in Israel. All the details have not yet been disclosed, but it is already known that a larger and more spacious novelty will approach the segment of family cars. The SUV will be offered in versions with a classic internal combustion engine, with a hybrid system and a fully electric motor. There will also be sporty N Line models with a more aggressive design. So this is our first meeting.
All versions of the first generation Hyundai Kona are available in Israel. A gasoline version is front-wheel drive and is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 198 hp with a 7-speed robotic gearbox. The hybrid version's powertrain includes a 1.6-litre Atkinson engine and synchronous electric motor integrated into a 7-speed dual-clutch robotic gearbox, producing 141 hp, plus a 1.56 kWh traction battery. The electric Kona EV is equipped with a 136 horsepower electric motor and a 39.2 kWh battery, with a driving range of 305 km.
Interestingly, the new Hyundai Kona is designed as an electric vehicle that can be equipped with different engines, while all versions will be different from each other. The vehicle will become a more spacious, almost family SUV and will receive an interior inspired by the Hyundai Ioniq 5. In other words, the company is confident that the new Kona buyer will choose the electric version first.
Exterior
The second generation SUV has become much larger: the vehicle is now 4,355 mm long (150 mm longer) and 1,825 mm wide (25 mm wider), while its wheelbase reaches 2,660 mm (60 mm longer).). And these dimensions put the new Hyundai Kona 2023 on a par with such models as the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-30 and Nissan Qashqai.
The electric version looks futuristic, featuring a lot of pixel elements. They are used to decorate the front grille, rear bumper and 19-inch wheels. At the same time, a central section of the wide strip of position lights was made more discreet for the Electric version, unlike the rest of the modifications.
Kona gasoline and hybrid versions have massive black wheel arches, while the sporty N Line version features a more aggressive design front and rear with a wing-like bumper to accentuate the lower stance, black side mirrors and roof, spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels and dual mufflers. .
Interior
The interior of the 2023 Hyundai Kona, clearly inspired by the design of the electric Hyundai Ioniq 5, is much more modern, offering optional bright color combinations, a bright atmosphere and better materials. Also, thanks to the increased wheelbase, the interior has clearly become more spacious, moreover, there is no longer a center tunnel in the second row. There are many useful compartments for storing items, background lighting, etc. A rear seat is longer, which makes it more comfortable, and it offers more space for luggage in the back.
In front of the driver is a combined display for instruments and multimedia system with a diagonal of 12.3 inches each. The physical controls have been preserved: a button unit for the separate climate control, sound system control buttons, etc. The gear lever is now located not on the center console, but behind the steering wheel, freeing up more space for a smartphone and other things. The steering wheel is new, equipped with levers which will allow you to control the power for the electric model.
