It looks like the small crossover is about to bring a lot of interesting novelties in the next year. The latest reports suggest we are about to see some visual updates on the all-electric version, a kind of facelift. Interestingly, these visual changes won’t affect standard internal-combustion versions. Still, that doesn’t mean they will come without novelties, as we are about to see a hi-performance version, under the familiar N badge. Other than these two big novelties, the 2021 Hyundai Kona should carry on in the same year.
The Kona is one of the most popular small crossovers on the market and there are several reasons for such popularity. First of all, this is a quite affordable crossover. Furthermore, it offers a hi-quality interior, nimble ride and some pretty peppy powertrain options. On the other side, this is a pretty small vehicle, so don’t count on some spectacular amount of legroom and cargo volume. The 2021 Hyundai Kona should hit the market late in the year.
2021 Hyundai Kona EV Facelift
If we can rely on the latest reports, it looks like the 2021 Hyundai Kona EV is about to get a facelift. Although a pretty fresh model, it looks like the fans aren’t particularly impressed with the look of this model. While the standard internal-combustion version looks really good, this one comes with a couple of aesthetical solutions that completely close the attractive lines of this subcompact crossover. Therefore, the company will introduce a new version, with a new front face. At this point, we don’t know the exact details.
On the other side, the rest of this model will remain pretty much untouched. The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric will carry on with the same setup, which includes a quite powerful 200hp electric motor. Besides great driving dynamics, this crossover also features a pretty large battery pack, so it’s no wonder you may count on some of the longest ranges among electric cars. This crossover can make nearly 260 miles on a single charge.
2021 Hyundai Kona N
Another big novelty we expect to see in the next year is the 2021 Hyundai Kona N. This means we are about to see a hi-performance version, the first N-badged crossover from the Korean carmaker. We count on the same 2.0-liter turbo-four you can find in the i30, which is good for 246 horsepower in this case. Of course, a new engine won’t be the only upgrade to this model. You may count on a lot of other mechanical upgrades, including new suspension setup and other chassis tweaks.
Visual upgrades are also a certain thing. Count one new wheel, new bumpers and many other exclusive details. The same thing refers to the interior design, where we should see new seats, new trim, pedals, steering wheel and more.
2021 Hyundai Kona Design
On the other side, standard models are expected to carry on in the same way. That includes both mechanics and aesthetics. Therefore, count on a familiar look, which makes this crossover one of the most attractive models in the class. Eventually, we could see a couple of new color options for the next year.
When it comes to the powertrain, things will remain pretty much the same. Count on two familiar powertrain options. Base models will carry on with a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder unit, which is good for about 147 horsepower and comes in pair with a 6-speed automatic gearbox. There is also an optional 1.6-liter turbo-four, which delivers 175 horsepower and comes with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Both transmissions feature manual modes.
When it comes to fuel economy, the base engine returns around 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The optional turbo-four returns around 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.
Interior
None of these models will feature bigger changes on the inside, except or the new 2021 Hyundai Kona N. The rest of the lineup will continue in the same way. This means you may count on a high-quality interior, which is characterized by quality materials and also pretty attractive aesthetics. As we already mentioned, this is a pretty small vehicle, so don’t be surprised by the pretty tight second row. On the other side, the front seats are pretty amazing. You can also get things like power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery and much more.
When it comes to the cargo capacity, you may count on about 19.2 cubic feet behind the second row, while the overall cargo volume goes just a little bit over 45 cubic feet. These are subpar ratings for the class.
Release Date and Price
We expect to see 2021 Hyundai Kona sometime in the second half of the year. Base models will go around 20.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3, Kia Soul etc.