Aware of the importance of the subcompact SUV/crossover segment, but also of electric vehicles, Hyundai seems to have invested a lot of effort in the next generation of its Kona. The model, previously shown in late 2022, is opening its game slightly ahead of the official unveiling scheduled for next month at the New York Auto Show.

As announced in December, the second generation of the model will be more imposing.

It will gain up to 170 mm in length depending on the livery, while benefiting from a wheelbase extended by 60 mm. However, it remains more compact than its toughest rivals at Honda (HR-V) and Subaru (Crosstrek), which nevertheless do not offer an electric livery.

Regarding its electric version, this Kona will remain traction and will be powered by a 214 hp electric motor. It will draw its resources from a 65.4 kWh battery, according to the preliminary technical sheet, which could be slightly modified when the veil is lifted on the North American variant. That said, it’s almost identical to the current model that can travel up to 415 km in perfect conditions. The charging power will also remain at 100 kW.

Roominess also benefits from the significant technical change to an electric platform, as all seating measurement points increase in clearance, with an emphasis on rear legroom (77mm).

Hyundai is currently much less talkative compared to thermal versions of Kona. The two 2.0L and 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinders of the current generation should logically be part of the transition, without this being confirmed to us. Will the boiling version N survive in its current form? Nothing is less certain at the moment.