At the New York Auto Show, the all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona compact SUV was unveiled. Just like the current models the new Kona is a unique animal in the automotive universe, available in both gasoline powered and all-electric models.
One of the more affordable entries in the brand’s lineup, the Kona is now brought into the collection of striking lines, creases and artful forms that the rest of the Hyundai models have inside and out. It’s larger too, now 5.7-inches longer at 171-inches with a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase and is now a full inch wider than before.
The new flexible platform was designed first as an EV that can also be an ICE powered vehicle as opposed to the current model which was first designed as an ICE model then converted to work as an EV. The result is a vehicle that is better formed to be a more optimized EV in design but continue to be a competitive ICE model which is what we’re talking about here.
The interior for instance gains most of that extra space added to its length and its width, gaining a the same futuristic mid-century style we’ve been seeing in Hyundai’s latest ground-breaking designs. New is a dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screen layout for the cockpit and an artful steering wheel with oval center pad. Featured is a shift-by-wire paddle on its right, replacing a conventional shift lever at the console.
There, is a minimalist floating pod design that takes advantage of the extra space and allows more versatility to the cabin for storage and gear. The wide horizontal dash is accented by a continuous color line that cuts across and through the vents. Infotech options abound including the top-end 8-speaker Bose Premium Sound System plus subwoofer.
This is an SUV though so there’s a good deal of cargo space starting with 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding down the rear seat gets you up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space and available is a power rear hatch to help you get into it easier.
Powering the ICE Kona are two distinct powertrains. Standard is a proven 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine with 147 horsepower 132 pound-feet of torque that comes with a continuously variable transmission.
For those wanting a more vigorous driving character, available is the also proven 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected four-cylinder turbo with a targeted 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet torque. Available in the Limited and sport minded N-Line, the 1.6 turbo comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
With a longer wheelbase, suspension has bee retuned to offer a more stable and refined driving experience. All models get a conventional MacPherson strut front suspension. FWD models will get a torsion beam suspension at the rear and AWD models get an upgraded multi-link rear suspension.
And since I mentioned the N Line, the Kona for more sporting intentions gets a good number of upgrades including 19-inch wheels, a sport tuned suspension, more aggressive body cladding and rear spoiler, a really nice set of dual exhaust tips and a good deal of upgrades inside to elevate the driving experience.
The all-new 2024 Kona ICE models will begin showing up at dealerships this summer with pricing and more detailed specifications to be announced closer to that time.
