Hyundai took advantage of the New York Auto Show to orchestrate the unveiling of the 2024 model year of its Kona subcompact crossover. Like its first world presentation organized a few weeks ago, the North American livery emphasizes electric while offering two combustion engines.
Its new platform, first designed for the electric version, therefore increases the model, which is now 4,350 mm long, a gain of 145 mm compared to the previous generation. The wheelbase now reaches 2600 mm, growing by 60 mm. This is intended to promote roominess and thus make it more attractive compared to compact SUVs. Its design is also more modern with an emphasis on horizontal lines to act as daytime running lights as well as taillights.
The electric variant in the foreground offers virtually the same range as before with a slight gain of 4 km for an estimated 418 km. The battery has the same capacity as the previous version (64.8 kWh) and the motor driving the front wheels also produces the same power (201 hp). However, the voltage of the electrical architecture increases from 356 V to 400 V, which would theoretically reduce the recharge time. Just like the Ioniq 5, it will have two-way charging capability.
The thermal engine versions will receive known mechanics. A naturally aspirated 2.0L (147 hp) four-cylinder engine is paired with a CVT gearbox. A turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder (190 hp) will be advanced as an option with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, if you opt for two-wheel drive and a combustion engine, the rear suspension will be a torsion beam, while the electric and all-wheel-drive version gets a more sophisticated multi-link configuration.
Versions with internal combustion engines will arrive at Canadian dealerships this summer. However, it will be necessary to wait until 2024 to see the first electric copies appear.
