Looks like Hyundai is hurrying up the development of the second generation Kona. Codenamed as SX2, our colleagues at Shortscar captured it for the first time with production lights back and forth already mounted.
We spied two different prototypes for the new Hyundai Kona out testing and we think that one of them had a little more fun during its test session.
Playing on ice is always fun and far more entertaining then driving on the roads but hey, both versions of testing are necessary.
By the looks of it the next generation Kona will grow slightly but it will keep the familiar look. The Kona was the brand’s first model featuring the split headlamps, and the second-gen model is set to carry the feature forward. However, while the model started off with horizontal lower lamps, the 2023 Kona could have vertical lower (main) lamps, as seen on Palisade, Tucson, and other recent Hyundai SUVs.
The next generation Hyundai Kona is likely to continue offering petrol and all-electric powertrains. In this cased the Kona prototype was a petrol powered version. Its EV sibling is codenamed SX2e EV, with ‘e’ denoting Europe, according to some reports. Also the codename SX2 N Line has been mentioned, indicating that Hyundai will continue to offer the next generation Kona with a sportier styling package and performance enhancements for the enthusiasts.
The “engine label” is giving away that the prototype had the 1.6 liter HEV engine set-up , FWD and the DCT gearbox. The K behind the SX2 means that specific prototype is for the Korean market.
Some rumors say that this new Kona could actually replace the i30 family in the Hyundai line-up given the fact that the entire i30 range was outsold by sister brand Kia’s Xceed, a crossover that shares Hyundai Motor Group’s K series platform with the i30. People wants crossovers and SUV’s as for now and that’s not likely to change in a while.
A quick view into the cabin on our earlier photos was showing a digital screen in front of the driver but it’s hard to see how big it will actually be. The rest of the interior is pretty much covered. The peek inside the parked car doesn’t reveal much either as we can see.
The debut should take place in 2023.
