Hyundai 'Kona' Compact-SUV Teased

Hyundai has teased a new compact SUV which is expected to be launched in the US market by mid-2017. Christened the Kona, the new compact SUV is only targeted at the North American market. A teaser image, which shows the headlight of the compact crossover/SUV, is the only other detail that the company has revealed about the new Kona. We know that the Kona is based on the 2014 Intrado concept and is based on the same platform as the Hyundai i20.

Following Hyundai tradition, the Kona is also named after a popular travel destination - in this case, a district of the Hawaii island. The Hyundai Creta is named after the Crete island of Greece, the Hyundai Tucson after a city in Arizona, the USA and the Hyundai Santa Fe is named after the capital of New Mexico.

To be marketed as a lifestyle crossover for thrill-seeking adventurers, the Kona will be "innovative, practical and highly functional" – says Hyundai. According to the Korean carmaker, It will also feature a "bold, striking design and high interior refinement and spaciousness", as these have been identified as key selling points for such a vehicle in the US market.

While the Kona may not make it India, Hyundai is developing a sub-compact SUV aimed to take on the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and the Ford EcoSport. It's design will take inspiration from the Hyundai Carlino concept showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo and will be based on the same platform as the Grand i10. The India-bound compact-SUV will share its engines with the Elite i20 - which includes the 1.2-litre petrol and the 1.4-litre turbo-diesel. It will slot in between the Hyundai i20 Active and the Creta and be priced in the Rs 8-10 lakh, ex-showroom, price bracket. Hyundai officials have confirmed that the new compact-SUV will be launched here in January 2018.

Stay tuned to ZigWheels for the latest information on the Hyundai Kona