[Hyundai Kona News]

Already on sale in Korea since June, Hyundai will debut their U.S.-spec Kona at the upcoming 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show next week. The automaker has released a teaser image ahead of the vehicle’s debut and it pretty much looks like the European-spec model.

Once ordering books are open, customers can choose between two engine options: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated unit and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine.

The former is standard in the entry-level variant, delivering 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. Combined with a six-speed automatic gearbox, it should be able to go from 0-62 mph in 10 seconds before topping out at 120 mph.

Opt for the 1.6-liter turbo and you’ll have 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque being sent to the wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to AutoGuide, those who prefer the 2.0-liter engine will have to go with either the SE or SLE trims, while both Limited and Ultimate trims are powered by the 1.6 turbo.

Both should come stranded with front-wheel drive, though those who aren’t a fan can get all-wheel-drive as an option. Not only will the Kona’s handling characteristics see an improvement, the vehicle will also receive a rear multilink setup in place of a torsion-beam axle.

Keep you eyes peeled for more information once the Kona’s official debut in Los Angeles takes place.

 

[Crona]

I don't expect much to ve changed, maybe the tires and small things like that, but overall the vehicle should be exactly the same. I'm not quite sure what the hubub is all about.

 

[K-car]

I don't know what else can Hyundai change in Kona for its US debut. Tires, interior materials, exterior colors options? What else can be changed?? I hope they will just stick with the current Korean model of Kona.

 

[npaladin2000]

Only thing I can think of is new/different powertrains, but I don't think the replacement 1.6T and 8-speed DCT are ready yet.

 

[HKSKS]

Only thing I can think of is new/different powertrains, but I don't think the replacement 1.6T and 8-speed DCT are ready yet.

What they need is a hybrid and on that point I wish this got a diesel but the way the industry is right now, its too late them to get into diesels.

 

[npaladin2000]

What they need is a hybrid and on that point I wish this got a diesel but the way the industry is right now, its too late them to get into diesels.

They may be planning a hybrid, I don't know. They're definitely doing an EV, so a hybrid isn't out of the question.

 

[K-car]

I'd be happy if they will launch the hybrid version of Kona. I really like their current Ioniq and I hope that Hyundai will build their next hybrid around this well-established model.

 

[HKSKS]

At the same time I won't mind seeing a hybrid that launches as hybrid rather than the Kona getting a hybrid powertrain, sort of like what we see with the Ioniq, which so far has proven to be a good strategy, plus they need some dedicated green SUV somewhere in the line up.