Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) is set to launch its latest compact SUV, the Hyundai Kona sometime in Q4 this year. The company took to Facebook to tease the coming release of the Kona.
The latest addition to Hyundai’s SUV line up is named after the Big Island of Hawaii. It will be sold alongside the five-seater Tucson and seven-seater Santa Fe. According to Paultan.org, there will be three variants brought into Malaysia: a 2.0 Standard, 2.0 Mid and a 1.6 T-GDI High.
The base model is said to be powered by a 2.0 litre Nu MPI Atkinson naturally aspirated engine that is paired with a six-speed automatic torque converter gearbox. The engine is rated to offer 149PS and 179Nm of torque, a top speed of 194km/h and the ability to sprint from 0 – 100km/h in 10 seconds.
At the top end of the spec-list is the 1.6 litre T-GDI turbo petrol four, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It offers a considerable boost from the standard model, outputting at 177PS and 265Nm of torque. It has a higher top speed of 210km/h and is claimed to complete the century sprint quicker at 7.7 seconds.
Safety features on the new Kona include six airbags across all three models. The top-spec model comes with Hyundai Smart Sense active safety suite that provides forward collision avoidance assist (AEB), lane keep assist and Smart Cruise Control.
In terms of lighting equipment, the standard 2.0 model gets halogen headlamps and bulb combination tail lamps while the 2.0 Mid variant gets a bi-function projection-beam LED headlamps and LED combination tail lamps. Meanwhile, the 1.6 T-GDI High has the same set of LED lights as the Mid variant with the inclusion of smart high beam assistance.
On the inside, the Kona’s looks sharp with contrasting elements all around the cabin. This includes stitching on the steering wheels, seats and coloured seatbelts.
The base model comes with manually adjustable front seats. Both the Mid and High variants benefit from an eight-way power adjustment with lumbar support though this is only for the driver’s seat.
The upper two variants come with a head-up display, further distinguishing them from the standard model. Meanwhile, the infotainment system will be the same across the three variants. This includes a six-speaker system with a 7″ touchscreen, auxiliary audio input, USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Adding to that you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
The final price for the cars is yet to be disclosed but the website states that pricing starts from RM11X, XXX.
Interested buyers can visit HSDM’s website to register their interest and book the car at RM288 to enjoy a special introductory package. Hyundai, however, did not disclose details about the package, but it is offered exclusively to pre-book customers only.
Once you place your booking, just wait for Hyundai to extend an invitation to the Kona’s Malaysia launch event and catch a glimpse of the brand new SUV.
Editor’s Note: Take note that images of the SUV above may differ from the model sold in Malaysia.
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