The new Hyundai Kona now comes with an N Line version

MANILA: Three years after it rolled off the production line, Hyundai Motor Company has refreshed the first-generation Kona and heavily updates it with new exterior enhancements, a hybrid powertrain, and even an N Line trim.

“Interestingly, there's a happy vibe that I feel is common with many Kona drivers. Our design inspiration stems from this positive spirit, and this is a dedication to all the adventurers out there who explore life with a smile,” said Head of Hyundai Global Design Center and Senior Vice President SangYup Lee.

The body is longer by 40mm and comes with new front protective cladding panels and a stretched-out hood while the rear sports a new rear bumper that follows the protective armor concept of the front and sides, and new taillights with horizontal graphics.

It comes in 10 colors with the addition of five new body hues. Customers can now choose between Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Cyber Grey, Misty Jungle, Phantom Black, Chalk White, Dark Knight, Pulse Red and Galactic Grey. Every color can be combined with the Phantom Black two-tone roof.

Inside is a redesigned cabin that offers extra cargo capacity and rear seat legroom, in addition to significant technology upgrades.

Its new console area is disconnected from the instrument panel to lengthen the dashboard’s appearance. It comes with an electric parking brake, new ambient light technology that illuminates the center cup holders as well as in the passenger and driver side footwells, and new aluminium finish rings around the speakers and air vents. 

Part of the facelift is the installation of a 10.25-inch digital cluster, the latest Blue Link upgrade, and Last Mile Navigation (which helps customers continue the journey to their destination even after the car is parked, using either Augmented Reality or Google Maps).

New safety features include Smart Cruise Control (upgraded to include the stop-and-go function), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Lane Following Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian and new, optional cyclist detection), Rear Seat Alert, Safe Exit Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW), and eCall, (automatically alerts emergency services if the airbags are deployed or the e-Call button is being pushed)

The new Kona powertrain lineup remains unchanged and is topped by a 1.6-liter T-GDI Smartstream engine with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT) that delivers 195hp. It’s available in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variations.

A mild hybrid version comes with a 48-volt motor and is powered by a 1.6-liter Smartstream diesel engine with 134hp mated to a seven-speed DCT or six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT). An optional four-wheel drive is available.

There’s also the 1.0-liter T-GDI Smartstream engine that can be paired with a Mild Hybrid Starter Generator and combined with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission or a six-speed manual transmission and optional four-wheel drive.

Then there’s the hybrid trim that uses a 1.6-liter GDI engine and electric motor with a combined output of 139hp and paired with a six-speed dual clutch transmission and with two-wheel drive. The 32kW electric motor draws its energy from a 1.56 kWh lithium polymer battery.

To improve the riding experience, the Kona’s suspension has been retuned with modified stabilizer bars and rear bump stop, plus several parts of the vehicle have been updated to improve noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), further increasing cabin comfort.

Finally, Hyundai welcomes the new Kona to the N Line family. The front comes with a N-style aerodynamic lip with low-lying corner fins and larger, more technical air intakes. On the sides, the body color claddings and new rocker panels are complemented by the dedicated 18-inch alloy wheel design. Around back is a rear bumper incorporating a large central aerodynamic diffusor in contrast color to the body as well as a one-side double muffler. The bumper fascia is highlighted by sharply creased corners and N-style fins for better air flow. In the cabin is a dedicated N Line color package in one-tone black with cloth, leather or suede seats. It features distinctive red stitching, metal pedals and N logo on the gear shift and seats. 

Photos from Hyundai

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