2018 Hyundai Kona Launches In Manila (With Video)

Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (HARI), the Philippines’ official distributor of Hyundai passenger and commercial vehicles, brings “The Greatest Show From Hyundai” to this year’s Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) from April 5 to 8, 2018 at the World Trade Center. This is composed of a series of heart-stopping performances dedicated to Hyundai’s Four Great Acts: the all-new Hyundai Veloster, the all-new Hyundai Santa Fe, the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, and the new Hyundai Kona. These models have never been seen in the country before. For this article, our focal point will be the Hyundai Kona.

The Kona is not Hyundai’s first small crossover, as this has been the Creta’s duty. The Kona, however, is Hyundai’s first small crossover designed for the global market. As such, it needs to cater to multiple tastes while still remaining distinctive enough to stand out in an already competitive subcompact crossover crowd, and it starts with its distinctive exterior styling. The Hyundai Kona adopts the brand’s corporate SUV design language, highlighted by the use of its Cascading Grille and twin headlamp design language. Its voluminous, bold styling is characterized by the liberal use of black plastic cladding that highlight the Kona’s rugged nature.

The interior of the Kona is simple but ergonomically laid out. Smooth, contoured surfaces give out a refined and sensuous feel inside the car, while some of the car’s trim pieces can be color-matched to the car’s exterior color. Lending an upmarket vibe are the car’s mixed use of soft trim pieces and piano black panelling all around the vehicle. Front and center is an integrated audio system that is laid out in a tablet-like fashion.

Powering the Kona is a 2.0 Nu MPI Atkinson Cycle petrol engine that produces 149 hp and 179 Nm of torque. Power is sent through a 6-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Pricing has not yet been announced, by HARI says that the Kona will be priced around P1.1 million to P1.5 million.