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U.S.-spec 2018 Hyundai Kona

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Old 11-29-17, 02:49 PM
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Default U.S.-spec 2018 Hyundai Kona






Hyundai unveils the U.S.-production version of the Kona at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Americans will have their choice of two gasoline powertrains for the Kona. One is a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine running on the Atkinson cycle. It's good for a peak 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The 2.0-liter will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode and an overdrive lock-up torque converter for highway efficiency.

The second powertrain option is a turbocharged 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This setup provides 175 hp at 5,500 rpm, and 195 lb-ft available from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. The turbocharger uses electronic wastegate control, and oil jets and a water jacket insert help cool pistons and the top of the cylinder block, respectively. These features help preserve the engine and provide more efficiency. The 1.6-liter turbo will be available in the Limited and Ultimate trim levels.

​​​​​​​The Kona will be available in front-wheel- and all-wheel-drive models, each with its own suspension setup. Both will feature MacPherson struts up front. 2WD models will have a rigid torsion beam in the rear, while AWD models benefit from an independent multi-link suspension. The Kona also offers 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheel options, depending on trim level.

Inside, the Kona provides a variety of technology features. It has a standard 7-inch touchscreen display, with an 8-inch nav touchscreen also available. It offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, Hyundai's Blue Link LTE connectivity technology and wireless smartphone charging. An available head-up display helps keep eyes on the road where they belong. Other safety features include forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and high beam assist.

Hyundai will offer the Kona with "extroverted" paint colors. An optional color-contrasting roof will help it stand out even more. The Hyundai Kona will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the first quarter of 2018. Hyundai hasn't revealed fuel economy figures or pricing for the Kona yet, but we'd expect it to start in the $20,000 ballpark.
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Old 11-29-17, 03:43 PM
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another kia soul variant...
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Old 11-29-17, 06:11 PM
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My, that sure is green.
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Old 11-29-17, 06:24 PM
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Not a fan of Tonka Toy styling I wish it would go away.
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Old 11-29-17, 06:33 PM
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kind of like a stubby reared Subaru Crosstrek. Nice to see AWD available.
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Old 11-29-17, 07:17 PM
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Thanks for posting. Since it is going to be displayed at L.A., Hyundai must have changed their mind. Earlier sources I was reading at first, indicated that Hyundai was not going to bring it stateside. Glad to see it.....it will be good competition for the Mazda CX-3, Ford Ecosport, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, and the Nissan Kicks (which replaces the Juke).
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Old 02-09-18, 04:27 PM
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Whoa. Kona electric has upped its range estimate to over 290 miles or 470 km. Should be interesting if it catches buyers attention. Geneva Auto Show debut. Still an issue with sourcing batteries though.

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/02/09...leading-range/

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Old 02-09-18, 05:13 PM
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Looks good. Should be a winner, Leaf and Bolt have better be worried.
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Old 02-09-18, 05:20 PM
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I was very impressed with the Kona, great combination of sporty driving & utility inside, like the looks too!

Jay Leno seemed to like it too, saw it on Jay Leno's Garage.

Last edited by Byprodrive; 02-09-18 at 05:21 PM. Reason: more info
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Old 02-09-18, 05:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
Looks good. Should be a winner, Leaf and Bolt have better be worried.
I agree. It looks pretty good.
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Old 02-09-18, 05:39 PM
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NVM deleted my comment I was thinking of another model. This is their electric offering

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Old 02-09-18, 05:41 PM
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Originally Posted by MattyG
Whoa. Kona electric has upped its range estimate to over 290 miles or 470 km. Should be interesting if it catches buyers attention. Geneva Auto Show debut. Still an issue with sourcing batteries though.
Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
Looks good. Should be a winner, Leaf and Bolt have better be worried.
Originally Posted by LexsCTJill
I agree. It looks pretty good.
I'll be surprised, though, if Hyundai actually releases a full-electric version of the Kona in the U.S. It would (likely) compete too closely with Hyundai's own all-electric Ioniq coming up.

https://m.hyundaiusa.com/ioniq-electric/
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Old 02-09-18, 05:48 PM
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Originally Posted by mmarshall
I'll be surprised, though, if Hyundai actually releases a full-electric version of the Kona in the U.S. It would (likely) compete too closely with Hyundai's own all-electric Ioniq coming up.

https://m.hyundaiusa.com/ioniq-electric/
Volt and Bolt both exist. No reason Kona and Ioniq can't either.
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Old 02-09-18, 05:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Hoovey2411
Volt and Bolt both exist. No reason Kona and Ioniq can't either.
Apples and oranges. Unless some very recent changes have been made that I am not aware of, Volt is an extended-range hybrid....Bolt, a pure-electric, battery-only.

In fact, that is why GM cancelled the small Chevy Spark EV this year...it was essentially making way for the new Bolt.

Last edited by mmarshall; 02-09-18 at 05:57 PM.
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Old 02-09-18, 05:57 PM
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Right now, it's about market segmentation so it's interesting to see how Hyundai/Kia are approaching this. You have the Kia Niro electric as well and the fact there's some press buzz about the Ioniq electric at 290 miles with the Bolt being mentioned tells us that there is some sort of intention.

I think it's Elon who should be worried. He's still waiting for his German automation equipment to come over to Freemont and wants you to look at his Roadster in space. I really like the Model 3, but fit/finish issues are holding up production. This is stuff that all the major automakers do in their sleep, Hyundai/Kia included.
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