New Hyundai Kona Subcompact SUV Unveiled: Will It Come To India?

The new Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV has been officially unveiled ahead of its official debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. In the past few months we have seen several teaser images and teaser video of the car but the real deal in now finally here. Built on the company's all-new B Platform, the new Kona SUV comes with a very quirky design, which is a lot different from signature design language of Hyundai cars.While the Hyundai Kona SUV has been specifically designed for the US and the European markets, there is a chance that the carmaker might consider bringing the car to India, given the incentives for small cars less than 4 metres in length might no longer be relevant under the new tax rate.

Hyundia Kona SUV comes with the company's new cascading grille design

Globally, the Hyundai Kona will rival the likes of the Nissan Juke, Jeep Cherokee and even the upcoming Toyota C-HR. And to warrant this comparison, the new Hyundai Kona comes with a very bold appearance. Up front, the Kona SUV comes with Hyundai's signature cascading grille design with chrome surrounds and a sleek air intake above for increased air inflow. The car also features a unique two-tier headlamp cluster with sharp dagger shaped LED DRLs above and larger primary projector lamps placed below in large plastic cladding that merge into the wheel arches on either side. The front bumper is also quite stylishly designed with underbody plastic cladding, a silver bumper lip and a central airdam flanked by fog lamps on both sides. Even the bonnet comes with a set of sharp character lines that add a bit of muscle to the car.

The profile of the Hyundai Kona SUV is muscular and well-designed

From the sides, the Hyundai Kona has the muscular crossover/SUV look thanks to the flared wheel arches, underbody plastic cladding, and the muscular shoulder line. The Kona comes in a dual tone colour format with a floating roof design coloured in black along with other features like sleek outside rear-view mirror, sporty two-tone chrome and black alloy wheels and roof rails. Even from the rear the car looks equally imposing thanks to the similar two-tier taillamp setup, beefy rear bumper and rear diffuser.

Hyundai Kona rear end looks well-designed and proportionate

While the company still hasn't revealed the interior of the Hyundai Kona but, the carmaker is said to claim that the subcompact SUV will offer best-in-class interior space. The Kona will come with a sleek and simple cabin layout, a contrast to its bold and stylish exterior, loaded with smart and comfortable features. An advance AVN system with smart infotainment features will be a part of the package, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto of course. Automatic climate control, keyless entry, plus seats are some other attributes of the cabin we expect to see.

Hyundai Kona will get a combinations of petrol and diesel engines

The new Hyundai Kona will be offered in several combinations of petrol and diesel engines along with both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RDW). Primarily the car will come with a 2-litre MPI petrol engine that makes 147 bhp and develops 179 Nm of peak torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. There is also a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine that makes 175 bhp and 265 Nm of peak torque and comes mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Hyundai will also offer a 1-litre turbo diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that makes 118 bhp and 172 Nm of peak torque. There will also be a 1.6-litre diesel engine for select markets, including Europe.

Now, it is said that the Hyundai's sub-4 metre SUV for the Indian market, which will rival the likes of Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport, will be a different model, possibly based Carlino concept showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo. Having said that, we think Hyundai should bring the Kona to India instead considering the growing trend for premium compact cars in India.