2024 Hyundai Kona Debuts with Bold New Look and Both EV and ICE Options

The Hyundai Kona is the South Korean marque’s attempt to capitalise on the unprecedented demands for SUV crossovers all across the globe. Originally debuted in 2017, this compact crossover is due for a next-gen redux as Hyundai unveils the 2024 Kona today.

For the next-gen Kona, Hyundai did not entirely ditch ICE or hybrid powertrains, although much emphasis is given to its all-electric variant as the new model was designed around the EV concept first – a reverse approach compared to the current Kona EV that is based on its ICE twin. Coming in four variants, Hyundai offers a hybrid, pure-ICE, as well as sporty N line variants for the new Kona aside from the all-electric model.

Though much can’t be said about its underbelly improvements, the new Kona comes with bolder and more rugged look compared to its predecessor. Sporting a rugged yet futuristic look, the Kona’s front fascia is donned with LED strip that spans across the car’s width – similar to other next-gen Hyundai models such as the Staria MPV and Grandeur flagship saloon. Just like its predecessor, the new Kona’s actual headlights are also flanked on either side of its lower front grille.

Exclusive to the EV variant is the presence of a charging port, located below the front LED strip, just above its lower faux grille finished in pixel-like elements. Another way to differentiate the EV variant from other variants is the lower grille design. While both hybrid and standard ICE Kona boast rectangular lower grille openings, the sporty N line has a more aggressive, trapezoid-shaped front grille.

From the side, all four of the 2024 Kona variants share a rather similar silhouette. Unlike the EV and N line variants, both the hybrid and ICE Kona feature a matte black finish on its wheel arches, giving a more outdoorsy look to it. Another special addition to the N line is the rear spoiler, silver side skirts, as well as blackened side mirrors and roof – giving it a two-tone finish.

Just like its front fascia, the rear part of the new Kona also comes with an LED bar stretched across the car’s length, with its real taillights located on the lower part of the rear bumper. A big Hyundai badge is placed dead centre below said LED bar, with Kona letterings spelled out below it.

All of these design upgrades also see the 2024 Kona being relatively bigger than its previous iteration. Measuring at 4,355 MM long, it’s 150 MM longer than the ongoing Kona, while its wheelbase and body width are increased by 60 MM and 25 MM respectively.

Inside, the new Kona boasts a dual 12.3-inch display setup a la Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX display layout, with one screen functions as the driver’s display, and the other works as the infotainment screen. The central console is rather empty, as Hyundai moved its gear shifter to the back of the steering wheel, leaving a space big enough to fit two cup holders and some other control dials, of which its functions were not disclosed by Hyundai. Sitting below the big displays is a pair of air vents, as well as the climate controls.

The new Kona’s “21-st century urban design aesthetic” is prevalent at its front dash and door cards, as well as the back seat. Both the dash and door cards are decorated with yellow-hued trim that pops against its plain white base, while all of its seats are also draped in plain white – giving the Kona cabin a minimalistic and clean-looking design. Also available inside is the panoramic sunroof, located above the front seats.

As of writing, the South Korean automotive giant has yet to disclose the powertrain specs or pricing details on the 2024 Kona. For comparison, the ongoing Kona is priced from RM124,188 onwards locally, while the EV variant starts at RM156,538 sans insurance.

Folks, what do you think of the next-gen 2024 Hyundai Kona? Digging the cyberpunk-esque look? As always, don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments down below…