Hyundai Drops First Teaser Of New Kona Small SUV

The first official teaser of Hyundai’s new small SUV entrant has been released, along with the crucial new model’s name: Kona

Little information accompanies the image, which is limited to the Kona’s high-set daytime running lamp and indicator cluster, with just a hint of mesh-filled grille and low-set headlight visible.

Scheduled to arrive locally in the third quarter of 2017, the Kona will be based on the Hyundai i30, which could make the car slightly larger than the Mazda2-based Mazda CX-3 that has proved popular locally.

The Kona is expected to build on technology offered in the next-generation i30, offering advanced driver aids as well as a premium infotainment system, reflecting the upmarket trend starting to take hold in the small SUV segment.

Following in the footsteps of the Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs named after geological locations, the new model takes inspiration from a coastal region of Hawaii.

Hyundai has not unveiled the car's final styling, nor said when the car will be revealed, however with the New York Auto Show just weeks away, the Kona could possibly be given its first public outing sooner rather than later.

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