cars news 10: Hyundai Kona Will Debut This Summer

Hyundai has released a second teaser image previewing its Kona subcompact crossover. The model will make its official debut this summer before heading to the U.S. market in early 2018.

The teaser image gives us a clearer look at the Kona’s twin headlamps, which include LED daytime running lights that sit atop the LED headlights. The Kona adopts Hyundai’s cascading grille design that can be seen on new models including the 2018 Sonata and 2018 Elantra GT. Hyundai promises the Kona will have a wide stance, an elevated seating position, and “voluminous, aggressive body styling.”

Many of the design elements we see in the teaser image aren’t surprising, given that we spotted a Hyundai Kona prototype recently. Despite the heavy camouflage, we were able to notice that the model is rather small in size and has the appearance of a raised hatchback. Interior shots revealed a cabin layout similar to the Elantra GT’s, with a free-standing touchscreen positioned in the middle of the dash.

Engine options remain unclear, but Hyundai says the Kona will offer optional all-wheel drive. The new model is expected to compete against the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Nissan Juke, and Chevrolet Trax.

Before it arrives in the U.S., the Kona will launch in the Korean market this summer. It will also be an important product in Europe, where Hyundai has set a goal of becoming the leading Asian automotive brand by 2021. The automaker will launch 30 new or revised models in Europe to help it achieve this goal.

Source: Hyundai