[HKSKS]

How likely is this to be a budget compact CUV with real performance behind it? If we look at a number of things like its platform, what Hyundai is saying about the Kona (below), how Hyundai is planning to expand on performance and how the Kona's platform is being used currently... poor-mans macan isn't that far out of the picture.

Let me know what you guys think...

The Hawaiian destination is valued by North Pacific adventurers as a base for many thrill-seeking activities, including surfing, water skiing and scuba diving, among other extreme sports. The island’s energetic image is reflected in the innovative, practical and highly functional design of Hyundai’s new lifestyle-focused SUV.

The KONA has also been developed with a focus on enhancing driving dynamics, as Hyundai looks to set new performance standards for the compact SUV segment. KONA delivers best-in-class interior space and innovative design features that hint at the future direction of the brand's next generation of SUV models.

By adding the KONA into its current SUV line-up that also features the Creta, Tucson, Santa Fe Hyundai Motor continues to deliver on its promise to develop SUVs that feature bold, striking design and high interior refinement and spaciousness. These core attributes have been identified by Hyundai Motor as key selling points in an increasingly popular market for customers.

 

[OlaKona]

Absolutely not. I would not call this the poor-mans Macan by a long way.

Maybe they'll set new standards among Toyota, Honda, Chevy and the likes, but no where near anything German or within that range.

 

[HKSKS]

Absolutely not. I would not call this the poor-mans Macan by a long way.

Maybe they'll set new standards among Toyota, Honda, Chevy and the likes, but no where near anything German or within that range.

You might have a point on that since there is potential for that. Maybe we'll see a Mazdaspeeed CX-3 and maybe we'll even see a GRMN CH-R Toyota. Toyota is most likely, just looking at the GRMN Yaris.

 

[OlaKona]

That's definitely a segment that I think would take off. The high performance SUV segment is hardly attainable for a lot of people. So if we downsize that and go with a high performance CUV segment, it'll be a lot more affordable and just that much more desirable.

 

[tobidog123]

My only complaint without even seeing a Kona (I don't count the videos) is that the independent rear suspension isn't available without selecting the all-wheel-drive options.
We have a 2010 Kia Soul, a fine vehicle, but on our bad roads here in Northern California the torsion beam rear suspension is not comfortable.
When we lived in Orange County, near Los Angeles, the ride quality wasn't such an issue.
I was a Honda tech before retirement. The all wheel drive adds weight and complexity to any car. The purchase price is higher and any repairs out of warranty will be higher. Gas mileage is less, due to the added weight.
For someone living in a colder climate the all wheel drive is a blessing in the winters, but we haven't had a drop of snow in the last three winters here, so I'm not interested in any vehicle with all-wheel drive for the reasons I brought up.
Please feel free to comment.

 

[HKSKS]

I have a feeling it will stay that way till about a mid-production cycle refresh because right now they have the edge with selling these. At the end of the day it will always be a case of what helps them sell. So, we're at the mercy of that. If this was a higher end Hyundai like a Genesis then it would be a bit different.

 

[tobidog123]

So here I sit, waiting for the Kona.
My choices were narrowed down to a Kia Niro, a Hyundai Elentra GT Sport or the new Kona.
We need a hatchback; for the dog. Our other car is a Santa Fe Sport, so we don't need a big car, rather something small and nimble.
I was flirting with the VW GTI, but after lurking on their forums I lost that desire.
Considering where we live, in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California, it could be several months before a Kona comes this way, probably a silver, maybe another in white.
I know our markets, we live far from any large city, which is great until one yearns for a new car.
I am counting on the members here to tell us anything new, the impressions after a test drive, and so fort.
I've driven the Niro and the Elantra GT, but I had to go to Sacramento which is a good two-hour drive for me.
The Elantra was a lot of fun and it is the cheapest. The Niro has more space and more comfortable, with the gas mileage being the icing on the cake. I figure the Kona fits right in the middle.

 

[HKSKS]

So here I sit, waiting for the Kona.
My choices were narrowed down to a Kia Niro, a Hyundai Elentra GT Sport or the new Kona.
We need a hatchback; for the dog. Our other car is a Santa Fe Sport, so we don't need a big car, rather something small and nimble.
I was flirting with the VW GTI, but after lurking on their forums I lost that desire.
Considering where we live, in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California, it could be several months before a Kona comes this way, probably a silver, maybe another in white.
I know our markets, we live far from any large city, which is great until one yearns for a new car.
I am counting on the members here to tell us anything new, the impressions after a test drive, and so fort.
I've driven the Niro and the Elantra GT, but I had to go to Sacramento which is a good two-hour drive for me.
The Elantra was a lot of fun and it is the cheapest. The Niro has more space and more comfortable, with the gas mileage being the icing on the cake. I figure the Kona fits right in the middle.

Biggest perk for me with the Elantra is it has been out enough to flood the used car market and I won't mind buying one used, just the savings alone mean a lot to me. Warranty takes away all the skepticism

 

[tobidog123]

Well, the dealers in Sacramento got their first Konas in. I'd like to drive the Limited with front wheel drive. According to the website the front wheel drive Kona gets 28 mpg in the city, and the all wheel drive gets 26 mpg city, 2 miles less. The all wheel drive is 200 lbs heavier.

 

[JR KONA]

How likely is this to be a budget compact CUV with real performance behind it? If we look at a number of things like its platform, what Hyundai is saying about the Kona (below), how Hyundai is planning to expand on performance and how the Kona's platform is being used currently... poor-mans macan isn't that far out of the picture.

Let me know what you guys think...

I'll do it myself considering they're only in the talking phase. Hyundai has stated, "they aren't in a hurry to develop a N Model Kona." So I wouldn't hold my breath. Besides the N model Veloster isn't due out until the fourth quarter and it is going to be over $30K. So you can expect an N model Kona will follow suit. I can do what they are purposing for well under what they will be asking.

 

[JR KONA]

So here I sit, waiting for the Kona.
My choices were narrowed down to a Kia Niro, a Hyundai Elentra GT Sport or the new Kona.
We need a hatchback; for the dog. Our other car is a Santa Fe Sport, so we don't need a big car, rather something small and nimble.
I was flirting with the VW GTI, but after lurking on their forums I lost that desire.
Considering where we live, in the Sierra Foothills in Northern California, it could be several months before a Kona comes this way, probably a silver, maybe another in white.
I know our markets, we live far from any large city, which is great until one yearns for a new car.
I am counting on the members here to tell us anything new, the impressions after a test drive, and so fort.
I've driven the Niro and the Elantra GT, but I had to go to Sacramento which is a good two-hour drive for me.
The Elantra was a lot of fun and it is the cheapest. The Niro has more space and more comfortable, with the gas mileage being the icing on the cake. I figure the Kona fits right in the middle.

Have your the dealer find one for you, which they are more than capable of doing. I live in NM and Larry H. Miller has at least 37 in stock right now as I type.:wink:

 

[tobidog123]

We got our limited, red and front wheeler in April. I think it's the closest thing to the VW GTi. Love driving it, good gas mileage.