A look in and around the 2018 Hyundai Kona
Hyundai's new compact SUV, the Kona, has optional 4WD, 175hp, heads-up display, and more. Here's how it looks.
2018 Hyundai Kona
Razor-thin LED headlights give the Kona an aggressive stare.
Kona on the street
Engine options include a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that runs on the Atkinson cycle and a 1.6-liter turbo with 175 hp.
Kona 3/4
The Kona's all-wheel-drive system also comes with a more sophisticated rear suspension.
Kona from the back
The narrow LED tailights add to the Kona's overall look as well.
Kona in the wild
Hyundai claims the Kona is for those with "active lifestyles," which apparently means driving in the jungle.
Kona cobblestones
Three driving modes, Sports, Normal and Eco, will adjust the throttle, transmission shift points and torque mapping, to maximize acceleration or fuel economy.
Kona in the jungle
Zero to 62 mph with the turbo engine happens in a claimed 7.7 seconds, presumably on tarmac.
LED eyes
Available advanced driver-assist systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane-Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning and more.
Kona curves
Up front are McPherson struts. In the back is either a torsion beam setup (for front-wheel-drive models) or a dual-arm multi-link system for all-wheel-drive Konas.
Kona on the prowl
Miles per gallon estimates have yet to be announced.
Kona launch event
The world unveiling of the Kona, June 13, 2017 in Seoul.
Kona and Chung
Hyundai Vice Chairman Chung shows off the Kona.
Ironman
A special one-off "Ironman" Kona, complete with Marvel badges. The fog lights look like an arc reactor.
Just Tony?
No mention of a Hulk or Thor edition.
In white
At the Kona premiere, Konas in several different colors were on display.
In blue
Several were part of lifestyle displays.
Atkinson
The 2.0-liter normally aspirated four-cylinder.
147 2.0
It develops 147 horsepower.
LEDs
The headlights are exceptionally thin.
Augment
They're joined by additional illumination from this cluster below.
Orange
Pictures don't quite do this color justice; it's a bold orange that really works on this car.
Side view
The black coverings above the wheels are the "armor."
Shark fin
Hyundai's "shark fin" design for the c-pillar.
Door
Body-color door handles.
Backseat
The colored seatbelts are a nice touch.
Silver/gray
Though more sedate in color, this Kona has the more powerful engine.
175 1.6
The 1.6-liter turbo puts out 175 hp.
7.7
Zero to 62 in 7.7 seconds.
Tail
Thin taillights match the thin headlights.
Trunk
18 cubic feet of trunk space.
Brakes
Disc brakes all around, not surprisingly.
Cockpit
Surprisingly roomy for a small car.
Lots of gadgets
It has all the normal bells and whistles, but also a few that you might not expect, like wireless phone charging.
Buttons
Lots of control without moving your hands.
Dials and screen
The 4-inch LCD offers lots of info.
HUD
The head up display shows speed, satnav directions, and more.
Infotainment
7- or 8-inch screens.
AC and DC
These are the heating/air conditioning controls and USB power port.
6 or 7
The base engine is mated to a six-speed auto. The turbo gets a seven-speed dual-clutch.
Wipers
Stalk 1
Turn here
Stalk 2
Drive safe
Forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning system, and so on.
Audio by...
Sadly, high-end audio company Krell only does the audio outside of the US market.
Hyundai
The company is 50 years old this year.
Taillights (upper)
Great design for something simple like taillights.
Taillights (lower)
The lower rear lights.
Evil eye
Reminds me of some kind of mean animal.
Logos
If you get the 4WD version, there's a little badge below this that says "4WD."
2018 Hyundai Kona on the road
Carving some curves
LED lights
Interior
Note the colored trim pieces.
Center console
Big infotainment at top, USB and 12v plugs at the bottom.
Interior 2
Red from above
The roof is available in black or gray, depending on what color you chose for the rest of the car.
Kona at sunset
Taillights and fender
Parked
Kona and the ocean road
Roadshow accepts multi-day vehicle loans from manufacturers in order to provide scored editorial reviews. All scored vehicle reviews are completed on our turf and on our terms. However, for this feature, travel costs were covered by the manufacturer. This is common in the auto industry, as it's far more economical to ship journalists to cars than to ship cars to journalists. The judgments and opinions of Roadshow's editorial team are our own and we do not accept paid content.