Preliminary Australian particulars for the new-generation 2024 Hyundai Kona have been launched, with an expansive vary of powertrains confirmed for the native market together with a hybrid and two EV choices.
The all-new Kona will proceed to be sourced from Korea, though we are able to hope for first rate provide of the Kona EV given European variations of the electrical mannequin will probably be sourced from the model’s Czech plant – fingers crossed.
Talking of, the Kona Electrical will once more provide Normal Vary and Prolonged Vary battery choices in Australia, with a new-to-Australia Kona Hybrid to hitch the vary across the identical time (This fall 2023), with up to date variations of the present 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre turbo petrol fashions kicking off proceedings from mid-year.
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Hyundai’s native arm has additionally indicated what options we are able to anticipate to be provided throughout the line-up. Here is every thing we all know to this point.
Mannequin Vary
The total line-up has not been confirmed as but, however Hyundai Australia says its “present plan” is to supply two key trim ranges for every powertrain (2.Zero FWD, 1.6T AWD, 1.6 HEV, EV Normal, EV Prolonged). Count on a decrease Energetic or Elite-type base mannequin, with a Highlander flagship in every guise.
A sporty N Line choice bundle will probably be provided as an choice for ICE and Hybrid variants, in an analogous technique to the bigger Tucson, quite than the present mannequin which has the N Line as a standalone variant. It seems the native Electrical will not provide this bundle regardless of European fashions being confirmed to get an N Line model.
Additional particulars of this selection pack will probably be introduced in the end, however we now have world photos of this variant from the reveal – try the wing!
Whereas the Kona Electrical will miss out on the N Line choice pack, Hyundai has confirmed an optionally available Expertise Pack for the high-grade EV for our market, though stopped in need of confirming what inclusions this may carry.
As famous earlier, the Kona Electrical will differ from the associated Kia Niro (which shares its K3 platform) in providing two totally different battery sizes. The Kia solely gives the Prolonged Vary choice globally in its newest era.
Powertrains
The powertrain line-up for Australia will embody new choices or revised variations of present choices.
Petrol-powered Kona fashions will once more provide a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated FWD entry model, complemented by a 1.6-liter turbocharged AWD variant.
Hyundai says each ICE fashions will obtain upgrades for “better effectivity”, with the turbo AWD drivetrain swapping out the outdated mannequin’s seven-speed dual-clutch computerized for a traditional eight-speed computerized like the brand new one. Kia Seltos.
The bottom 2.0-liter will proceed to drive the entrance wheels by way of Hyundai-Kia’s Clever Variable Transmission; or CVT. Additional particulars like outputs and effectivity figures will probably be confirmed nearer to launch.
New to Australia is the Kona Hybrid, which is able to run the identical 104kW/265Nm 1.6-litre hybrid drivetrain because the Kia Niro HEV.
It pairs a 1.6-liter GDi direct-injection and naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with an electrical motor and small lithium-ion battery. Drive is distributed to the entrance wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch computerized.
As for the Kona Electrical, it can provide each Normal Vary and Prolonged Vary choices as famous earlier.
Hyundai has indicated that the Kona Electrical’s powertrain and specs will “differ barely” between European and Korean-produced fashions, though earlier this week the model’s European arm launched preliminary specs for the EV mannequin.
The Normal Vary in Europe will get a 48.4kWh lithium battery – round 9.0kWh greater than the outdated mannequin – mated to a 115kW/255Nm electrical motor on the entrance axle. Driving vary has not been confirmed for the European model of this variant, though its predecessor with a smaller battery pack managed 305km on the WLTP cycle.
In the meantime, the Lengthy Vary will get a extra highly effective 160kW/255Nm e-motor, hooked as much as a 65.4kWh lithium battery. The brand new mannequin has a claimed vary of over 490 kilometers on the WLTP cycle, which is an enchancment on its smaller predecessor’s 484km declare.
Additional particulars of the powertrain line-up will probably be detailed nearer to every variant’s respective launches, with ICE fashions lobbing mid-2023 whereas the Hybrid and Electrical will probably be arriving through the fourth quarter of 2023.
Chassis
The brand new Kona strikes to the Hyundai Group’s newest K3 small automobile structure, which underpins the i30 Sedan (Avante/Elantra) in addition to the newest Kia Niro.
With new underpinnings comes revisions to the chassis dimensions, which within the case of the brand new Kona is a reasonably substantial improve in most metrics.
Adjustments embody:
- 145mm improve in size
- 60mm improve in wheelbase
- 95mm improve in rear overhang
- 25mm improve in width
- 20mm improve in peak
- 77mm improve in rear leg room
- 33L (5 seat) and 144L (2 seat) improve in boot volumes
CarExpert understands the brand new Kona will probably be a lot nearer in dimension to the Kia Seltos as having one of many bigger cabins in its class, in comparison with its predecessor which was smaller than the i30 Hatch on which it’s based mostly.
Hyundai has additionally confirmed substantial developments below the pores and skin to scale back NVH, which was a key criticism of the outgoing mannequin. The corporate has elevated physique and chassis rigidity, utilized “best-in-class” sound absorption supplies in additional locations, added acoustic movie to the windscreen glass, and added new hydro bushings to the suspension which enhance each NVH and trip high quality.
New Options
Whereas full pricing and specs for the Australian market are nonetheless below wraps, Hyundai’s native arm has confirmed a number of new options for the Kona line-up which will probably be provided Down Underneath.
Highlights embody:
- Energetic Air Flaps (no conventional grille) throughout the vary
- LED headlights and tail lights throughout the vary
- 12.3-inch touchscreen throughout the vary
- Twin-zone local weather management throughout the vary
- Driver Standing Monitor in-car digital camera – section first
- Shift-By-Wire selector
- Entrance-center airbag
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Encompass View Monitor
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- ‘Huge Glass’ sunroof
- Energy tailgate
Hyundai has indicated the Kona will provide a tow ranking of “over 1000kg” (remaining determine TBC), and is concentrating on a five-star ANCAP security ranking – as you’d anticipate.
Keep tuned to CarExpert for all the newest Kona updates, and tell us your ideas within the feedback
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