[Hyundai Kona News]

Hyundai’s new funky CUV was expected to go on sale in North America early next year, but now Wards Auto says the Kona could arrive at select U.S. Hyundai dealers earlier than expected.

Speaking with Mike O’Brien, vice president-product, digital and corporate planning for Hyundai Motor America, they were told that some Konda vehicles could appear on showroom floors before January 1. Perhaps this may come as no surprise to some because the Kona has been on sale since June in Korea and production for U.S. spec models will commence before the end of this year.

Once on sale, buyers can choose between two petrol powertrains: a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission or a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The former is good for a punchy 175hp and 195 lb-ft of torque while the latter will deliver 147hp and 132 lb-ft.

Of course performance isn’t everything these days, thus the plethora of tech features and gadgets available to the Kona. Infotainment systems with a 5-, 7- or 8-inch display will include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, HD Radio, rear camera, and 4G telematics. There’s even a smartphone wireless charging option and a combiner Head-Up Display (HUD) offering.

We should see a full list of specs at its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month.

 

[npaladin2000]

So that begs the question: grab one now or wait for the new powertrains that are supposedly coming soon....

 

[HKSKS]

So that begs the question: grab one now or wait for the new powertrains that are supposedly coming soon....

Depends on your situation and if you're in a rush then just get the initial model. The worst thing someone can do with buying a car is to keep waiting for the next latest thing, unless it really matters to you and will make a big impact in your experience.

 

[Crona]

I was under the impression it was only on sale in Korea so far and the rest of the world won't be getting it until next year at the earliest. Of course I much prefer the 1.6-litre turbo, though price will play a part on deciding which model I'll ultimately go with.

 

[HKSKS]

I was under the impression it was only on sale in Korea so far and the rest of the world won't be getting it until next year at the earliest. Of course I much prefer the 1.6-litre turbo, though price will play a part on deciding which model I'll ultimately go with.

Inital model for your region of course and even though North America will be getting these later there's no telling if it will come with the new powertrains on that initial launch. 1.6 is also preferred in my case due to how much cheaper it will be to maintain and get parts for down the road compared to newer powertrains.

 

[K-car]

Seems like Hyundai is preparing something special for us... The vice president of product planning for Hyundai Motor Americ said, that they will introduce eight new or re-engineered crossovers by 2020, including the Kona."Pretty soon we are going to have the most diverse CUV powertrain lineup in the industry,". Can't wait to see it.

 

[HKSKS]

Seems like Hyundai is preparing something special for us... The vice president of product planning for Hyundai Motor Americ said, that they will introduce eight new or re-engineered crossovers by 2020, including the Kona."Pretty soon we are going to have the most diverse CUV powertrain lineup in the industry,". Can't wait to see it.

From what it seem the Kona is leading the pack right now and will continue to with the powertrains they have planned. Electric is one of them and that will be a major shift in what Hyundai does. I just hopes this spreads far enough into other attainable and fun products. The Elantra being one of them.