Hyundai unveiled the U.S.-production version of its convention-shattering Kona crossover at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Kona rides on an all-new CUV platform and is Hyundai’s first B-segment crossover for the U.S. market, appealing to consumers with active lifestyles of all kinds.
2018 Kona Highlights
Bold, fresh design elements with optional color-contrasting roof and extroverted color options
LED headlight, taillight and daytime running light illumination signature
2.0-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine with 6-speed automatic transmission
Standard floating touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™/Android Auto™ capability
Available 1.6-liter turbocharged, direct-injected engine with 7-speed DCT
Hyundai Smart Sense (HSS):
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Warning
Lane Keeping Assist
Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
High Beam Assist
Premium technology availability:
8-inch Navigation System
Standard Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™
Next generation Blue Link®
Heads-up Display (with active pop-up display screen)
Rain-sensing Wipers
Wireless device charging
ALL-NEW CUV PLATFORM
Kona offers a pair of fuel-efficient drivetrains and a stylish, roomy interior. A whole host of advanced safety features are also available including a Lane-Keeping Assist system, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, Lane Change Assist, Parking Distance Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection.
The all-new Kona compact platform has been developed to provide customers with true CUV capabilities, CUV-level ground clearance and an elevated, command seating position to ensure better visibility and comfort on long journeys, as well as easy ingress and egress. Kona offers occupants generous interior space by optimizing the underfloor layout, including the AWD drivetrain and exhaust system, to reduce central tunnel intrusion on interior space. .
POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS
Kona powertrain offerings have top efficiency levels as a primary target. Kona is offered with a choice of two gasoline powertrains. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine produces 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Atkinson cycle design maximizes the effective cylinder expansion ratio (compression stroke vs. power stroke) for greater efficiency.
SOPHISTICATED, RESPONSIVE CHASSIS TUNING
Kona was developed with a focus on enhanced driving dynamics and responsive performance for a variety of urban and multi-surface driving conditions. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track create a planted stance that results in exceptional agility in urban environments with enhanced linear stability and ride comfort.
Kona also offers Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to customize dynamic responses, such as steering feel, transmission and overall powertrain responsiveness to their preferences, and to changing road or traffic conditions.
STEERING
Kona’s motor-driven power steering is more efficient and quieter than traditional hydraulic systems by reducing parasitic losses from ancillary belts and their continual drag on the powertrain. Further, the steering system was engineered and tuned specifically for Kona’s precise and rapid adjustments in steering feel with changing driving conditions. The steering wheel itself offers a wide range of tilt and telescopic adjustment for greater driver comfort.
SAFETY STRUCTURE
Hyundai is the only global car manufacturer to produce its own steel for vehicle production for specific benefits to Kona structural integrity and safety. The lightweight unibody structure has been developed with 52 percent Advanced High Strength Steel to deliver leading levels of inherent passive safety characteristics.
Proprietary hot-stamping methods produce lightweight, ultra-strong structural elements to maximize the cabin’s central safety cell. The length of structural adhesives used in Kona production exceeds 375 feet, providing additional torsional rigidity and further reducing overall structure weight for better fuel efficiency, acceleration and handling.
ACTIVE SAFETY
Kona offers advanced active safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), which uses the car’s front-facing camera and radar to detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously. Three additional systems also utilize the front-view camera to boost safety and convenience: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
Kona radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) to detect approaching vehicles that may be obscured from view during highway driving. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collison Warning (RCCW) detects when another vehicle may have entered the car’s rearward path, such as backing out of a parking spot, and provides a driver alert.
ADVANCED INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
Kona offers a full suite of sophisticated technologies paired with user-friendly functionality to keep passengers informed and entertained. The premium infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including standard Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™, SiriusXM® Radio, HD Radio and next-generation Blue Link® LTE-powered connectivity.
Because some Kona buyers will have downsized from a larger CUV, Kona offers features that they would be accustomed to in larger CUV segments, such as a four-inch color LCD electroluminescent gauge cluster, power driver’s seat, leather heated seats, automatic air conditioning and proximity key.
NEXT-GENERATION BLUE LINK® CONNECTED CAR SYSTEM
Kona Ultimate models are equipped with Blue Link®, including complimentary three-year Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and guidance services. Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Google Home®, Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google®, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery.
“KONA” NOMENCLATURE
Kona is named after the idyllic west-coast region of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Kona region is famous among endurance triathletes and thrill-seeking travelers, and this energetic image is further reflected in the innovative and functional design of this lifestyle-focused CUV.
Tags: 2018 Hyundai Kona
