Hyundai unveiled the 2024 Kona crossover on December 2022, featuring the radical styling that the rest of its lineup now has.

The Korean carmaker released more details about the all-new Kona on January 2023.

Size-wise, the latest model is much larger than the previous Kona. The wheelbase has been stretched by 60 mm to 2,660 mm. 

Meanwhile, the Kona’s overall length has increased by 145 mm to 4,350 mm, while its width is now at 1,825 mm. These dimensions are for the non-electric vehicle (EV) models, although there should hardly be any differences.

Roomier, quieter cabin

As a result of the larger dimensions, Hyundai said the five-seat crossover now has a roomier cabin than before.

Second-row legroom is 77 mm longer, while headroom is 11 mm higher than in the old model. In addition, cargo space with the rear seats folded now measures 723 liters.

Hyundai also said it has added sound-deadening material, double-laminated sound-insulating glass on the windshield, thicker floor carpeting and sound-absorbing tires for the 19-inch wheels for a quieter passenger experience.

Hybrid Kona available

In the South Korean market, there are three Kona variants that use internal-combustion engines.

One gets a 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine pumping out 149 PS and 180 Nm of torque. This is mated to a continuously variable transmission.

The other uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine that produces 198 PS and 265 Nm of torque; all coursed through an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The last one is the hybrid model that uses a special 1.6-liter inline-4 mated to an electric motor. The combined output is 141 PS and 265 Nm of torque, which will go through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.

There are no details yet about the much-awaited, fully electric Kona EV.

Plenty of safety and convenience features

Hyundai has also decided to offer a wide range of convenience features for the 2024 Kona.

These include things like customizable smart power tailgate opening, memory seats, wireless charging, and over-the-air updates. You can also get near-field communication technology that turns your smartphone or smartwatch into a digital key.

Safety-wise, the new Kona gets a bevy of active-safety systems, such as:

• Forward Collision-avoidance Assist

• Lane Keeping Assist

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist

• Safe Exit Warning

• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist

• Driver Attention Warning

• Blind-spot View Monitor

• High Beam Assist

Do you think the Hyundai Kona should make a comeback on Philippine roads?