2023 New-Gen Hyundai Kona Breaks Cover: India Launch?

• The 2023 Second Generation Hyundai Kona makes its first global appearance.
• To get four powertrain options globally i.e. EV, HEV, ICE and N-Line.
• Could make it to Indian shores in its EV form, thus skipping the facelifted Kona EV.

Hyundai has finally uncovered the new generation of its popular mid-size SUV, the Kona. The new model will be sold in four distinctive powertrain options globally i.e. fully electric (EV), Hybrid (HEV), ICE and the sporty N-Line. As of today, Hyundai sells the first-gen Kona in India in its EV form and a facelifted model is set to arrive in the first quarter of 2023. Will the Korean carmaker bring the new-gen Kona to India? and how it is different from the current model. Let's find out.

Also Read: Hyundai Kona Electric Gets New Dual-Tone Colour Palettes - Details

New-Gen Hyundai Kona: What's New?

The new-gen model is a huge step from the current iteration in terms of design, dimensions as well as equipment on offer. Speaking of design, the Kona EV definitely looks like a future-ready car which speaks of its up utopian characteristics. The seamless front fascia is contributed by horizon lamps running across the hood lining, Parametric Pixels in the lower section which are specific to the EV powertrain and a lot of unique styling elements.

In terms of dimensions, the new Kona has grown by 150 mm in length translating into a 4,355 mm long track, and 25 mm in width and the wheelbase is up by a total of 60mm. Inside the cabin, Hyundai has opted for a driver-oriented layout for the new model coupled with a host of practical features. The interiors are slim and wide with a 12.3-inch dual wide display and floating module housing an array of physical controls. The new model also comes with ambient lighting and the gear shift lever has now been placed behind the steering wheel.

New-Gen Hyundai Kona: Powertrain and Underpinnings

The next-gen Kona sits on the brand's K3 platform which also underpins the Kia Niro. This universal architecture supports a host of powertrain options including EV, ICE as well as hybrid and Hyundai can use the suitable option depending upon the country of launch. Since it uses the same platform as Niro, the powertrain option will likely remain more or less the same. The EV version will use a 64.8 kWh battery pack, putting out 204 bhp and 255 Nm of peak torque with a claimed range of 459 kilometres. The current Kona comes with a smaller 39.2 kWh battery pack in India.

New-Gen Hyundai Kona: India Launch

Hyundai sells the Kona in the Indian market in its EV form. The first-gen Kona EV is currently priced in the range of Rs. 23.84 lakh to Rs. 24.03 lakh (ex-showroom). It was speculated that the Korean brand will launch the facelifted Kona EV in India by the end of this year or early 2023. Now with the global unveiling of the new-gen Kona, Hyundai could possibly skip the facelift and directly bring the new generation model, however, nothing can be ascertained as of now.

Also Read: 2022 MG ZS EV Vs Hyundai Kona EV - Spec Comparo, What To Pick?

Verdict: The New-Gen Hyundai Kona seems to be a major step from the current-gen model. The mid-size SUV plays a major role in the brand's global line-up, so bringing it to the current market standards was the need of the hour. Along with this, the universal architecture supporting multiple powertrains will help the brand tweak the four-wheeler in the best way possible, depending upon the market requirements of different countries. As far as the India launch is concerned, Hyundai should skip the facelift of the current model to make way for the new-gen model in the country.