KONA is an EV-derived urban-centric SUV with bold styling that conveys a more dynamic road presence and driver-centric interior. KONA’s clean, distinctive nose characterizes the front section’s pure volume, which contributes to the model’s smooth aerodynamic performance. The pure volume is highlighted by the stretched Seamless Horizon Lamp.

KONA comes with several styling variations between the powertrain variants. The EV gets pixel graphic details on the intake grille and rear bumper, a pixel-inspired wheel design, and a black embracing line. The ICE and HEV share a bold and rugged bumper, skid plate design, and cladding. N Line boasts a wing-type spoiler and wing-shaped bumper to emphasize a lower stance.

KONA’s interior ‘living space’ provides practical features and an evolved in-car experience to accommodate diverse lifestyles. The sporty layout with a floating horizontal C-Pad emphasizes KONA’s slim and wide interior, providing a versatile space for drivers and passengers.

The design of the new Kona has its own personality according to the characteristics of the powertrain, and all three models radiate their own charm without superiority or inferiority. The secret lies in Kona’s unique design development process. Unlike the typical automobile design process, which starts designing for an internal combustion engine model, the new Kona starts design development for an electric vehicle model and then extends it for internal combustion engine models and N-line models.

Kona Electric housed the Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp – a parametric pixel shape added to The brand’s unique lighting design. In addition, the lower part of the bumper has a common parametric pixel structure, the lower part of the vehicle shows a black point line, and the pure and future-oriented image of the electric vehicle is further emphasized by unifying the wheel arch cladding with the body color.

The internal combustion engine and hybrid models inherited the sensibility of a tough SUV that strives in a harsh natural environment while making various attempts to break away from the traditional design. New design elements that replace the radiator grille, thicker skid plates, and black-painted wheel arch cladding give off a sturdy and strong impression.
The Kona N line has developed into the most aggressive look among the Kona lineup with a more three-dimensional front and rear bumper design. A low and stable stance is created through silver-colored side skirts, and a sporty image is emphasized through a bold wing-shaped bumper and wing-type rear spoiler.

The interior of the new Kona stands out with unique changes suitable for the new generation. In particular, Kona’s driving cockpit, where the driver sits, has evolved into a functional look that handles various lifestyles. First of all, the driver-oriented structure considering usability stands out in the driver’s seat; The panoramic display, which integrates a 12.3-inch cluster and 12.3-inch navigation, is tilted toward the driver, and each component is configured as a module to emphasize a high-tech image.

One of the features of the new Kona interior design is that all models have an identical slim and wide basic structure unique to EV. In addition to the cockpit, which emphasizes a sporty atmosphere with a driver-centered structure, the overall interior embodies a sense of space with a horizontal layout and slim crash pad. The interior of the new Kona has a simple structure that encompasses a wide customer base, and the gear knob is moved to the steering wheel column to improve space utilization. In addition, the ample storage space and the open console that can be used in various ways depending on the situation are practical.

In addition, the interior of the new Kona has secured class-leading spaciousness through a larger body. The longer overall length and wheelbase clearly expand the interior space, and the second row of bench seats that spread out like a sofa provides a smooth ride quality that goes beyond the class.

The all-new KONA provides roomier, more versatile interior space for increased passenger comfort and easy cargo storage. The all-new KONA also provides the best-in-class space with 60 mm longer wheelbase length, 77 mm longer leg room and 11 mm higher headroom in the second-row seats, compared to the previous generation. The second-row shoulder room is 1,402 mm, also the largest in its class, providing the best habitability in ‘living space’ for passengers. KONA’s slim and rigid seats, which are only 85 mm thick, also add more living space for the second-row passengers.

In addition, the column-type electric shift-by-wire gear selector set behind the steering wheel allows more space for an open, clean console structure that can be used for cupholders or storage for big bags. The fully foldable second-row seat and rear compartment provide up to 723 liters (based on SAE) of cargo space to meet the highest level of customer needs with improved loading convenience.

The 12.3-inch integrated dual-screen display supports ergonomically comfortable use, while the first row’s relaxation comfort seat option is optimized for ‘weightless’ body pressure distribution to help alleviate fatigue after long-haul driving.

Kona comes with various safety technologies which not only care for the driver and the passengers but also for pedestrians. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and High Beam Assist (HBA).

For safe-assured parking, Kona provides various advanced technologies, such as Surround View Monitor (SVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW), Reverse Parking Collision- Avoidance Assist (PCA) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA). Further, Kona brought its commitment to sustainable mobility and technology-led design thinking to expand its electric vehicle (EV) offerings — innovated and advanced by its award-winning IONIQ lineup. From its shark nose to tailgate, the front and rear Seamless Horizon Lamps give the new model a harmonious and unique appearance for each variant. The EV variant is further differentiated by its Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamps and is the first brand’s model to apply this iconic design flourish.

The SUV’s sporty character is embodied by rugged wheel arch cladding with integrated front and rear lamps, side panels with dynamic wedge proportions and characteristic chrome molding that runs from the belt line to the spoiler. Its specially designed spoke 19-inch wheel design is a first for KONA.

The ICE and HEV variants carry over many of the EV’s design characteristics with a distinctive twist. The front bumper is distinguished by a three-dimensional garnish and skid plate instead of a radiator grill. The ICE and HEV variants also add contrasting black wheel arch cladding for emphasis.

The HEV variant uses upper and lower active air flaps (AAF), and the ICE variant has an upper active air flap for a drag coefficient improvement. The exterior active air flap conveys an EV-like appearance to the ICE and HEV while improving the aerodynamic performance of both variants.
The performance-inspired N Line variant adds more aggressive front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumper, twin muffler and silver side skirt to emphasize its sporty image. Additional options include a black roof and a 19-inch N Line exclusive alloy wheel design. Inside, the N Line variant is equipped with exclusive metal pedals and an N-brand gear shift (TGS) lever.

Category:TransportationYear:2023Designers:Hyundai Design Center, Seoul, KoreaManufacturer:Hyundai Motor Company, Seoul, Korea