Now the EV focused design means theres. Obviously, some pretty significant changes to the look of the Kona at the front end. Now, because this is the petrol end line, we do have a lower air intake that we dont get on the electric model, but we do have this horizontal seamless light feature at the front which does miss the pixelation. Like you get on ioniq 5, you can get that on the Kona electric, so it does have a very ionic vibe to it. But as you can see, this is the end line so its a bit sporty and a bit chunkier. But one of the elements, I think, really stands out on this new cone design. Is these sharper crease lines along the side here and especially around the rear three quarter that do give it a bit of a familiar tucsonish appearance but overall, its more aerodynamically curved again at the rear? Which again is that nod to the electric focused design? So, even on this petrol model, you do get those elements that have shaped the very structure of this car. The major design changes continue on the inside where theres a lot of element, moments that have come from the ionic 5 electric vehicle, for instance, weve ditched the Hyundai logo on the steering wheel. Weve got this huge long panel here, thats, actually a pair of 12.3 inch screens for the instrument panel, but also the infotainment system. Weve got the Ionix gear selector on the steering column and thats freed up a lot of small item storage space in the center console.

So its a much more practical car and that practicality continues in the rear, where the wheelbase has actually been extended by 60, millimeters and thats. Specifically, to give second row passengers a lot more space and it does noticeably feel a lot bigger and roomier in the back and in the rear theres a 466 liter boot, which is also larger to make the Kona a bigger, more practical SUV, Hyundai, Australia, hasnt confirmed Final details just yet, but its expected that well get a more upmarket lineup to choose from with Hyundais aspirations. For this new, larger Kona expect at least two trim grades across each model, including the n line, treatment on the petrol models and potentially even the electric, but its possible Hyundai will drop its entry level model as part of its repositioning. This combined with the larger size and the increased levels of standard equipment will likely lead to price increases across the range so expect the Kona lineup to now begin above thirty thousand dollars. Instead of the current 26 900 entry price, the Kona is very much a car of its time, so it will have three powertrain options. Weve already had a look at the petrol car. This is the hybrid and theres, also a fully electric version. So lets take a look at the powertrains that are headed our way. Hyundai Australia has confirmed. It will offer all three powertrain options available in the new model. While final specifications are yet to be announced, we do have a good idea of what to expect the petrol engine.

Choices will be upgraded versions of the current Kona, which means a two liter four cylinder, with a CV2 automatic and a 1.6 liter turbocharged petrol. With a new eight speed automatic replacing the 7 speed Dual clutch from the outgoing model, the two liters expected to make 110 kilowatts and 179 newton meters, while the 1.6 will punch out 146 kilowatts of power and 265 newton meters of torque, the hybrid Kona will pair A 1.6 liter four cylinder petrol Engine with an electric motor for 104 kilowatts and 265 newton meters of performance. Finally, theres the Kona electric, which will be available in both standard and long range variants. The former gets an electric motor making 114 kilowatts and 255 newton meters powered by a 48.4 kilowatt battery that provides a cleaned range of 342 kilometers. The long range option has more power: 160 kilowatts, but still 255 newton meters of torque, but thanks to its 65.4 kilowatt hour battery, it can drive up to 490 kilometers. As I say, while local specifications havent been confirmed, its notable that, despite Hyundai talking up the new Kona, has been designed as an electric vehicle. First torque has actually been significantly reduced to down 140 newton meters, and the range has only increased by six kilometers on the wltp cycle. Well, have to reserve final judgment until we see the new Kona in Australia, but appears to have taken somewhat of a backward step in some regards. The good news for Australians is, we wont, have to wait too much longer for the Kona to actually make its way down under the petrol versions like this inline will start arriving in the middle of the year and then by the fourth quarter, the EV and the Hybrids will be in showrooms now well have to wait for pricing and final specifications until then, but as always, you can stay up to date with all the news and reviews at carsguide.

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