Seoul, South Korea
Hyundai’s new KONA is an EV-derived urban-centric SUV with bold styling that conveys a more dynamic road presence and driver-centric interior.
KONA’s clean, distinctive nose characterizes the front section’s pure volume, which contributes to the model’s smooth aerodynamic performance. The pure volume is highlighted by the stretched Seamless Horizon Lamp.
KONA has been awarded a 2023 Good Design Award by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
KONA gets pixel graphic details on the intake grille and rear bumper, a pixel-inspired wheel design, and a black embracing line.
KONA’s interior ‘living space’ provides practical features and an evolved in-car experience to accommodate diverse lifestyles. The sporty layout emphasizes KONA’s slim and wide interior, providing a versatile space for drivers and passengers.
Hyundai Design Center instead of starting to design for an internal combustion engine model, started the design development for an electric vehicle model instead and then extended it for internal combustion engine models and N-line models.
Kona Electric housed the Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp – a parametric pixel shape added to Hyundai’s unique lighting design.
In addition, the lower part of the bumper has a common parametric pixel structure, the lower part of the vehicle shows a black point line and the pure and future-oriented image of the electric vehicle is further emphasized by unifying the wheel arch cladding with the body color.
The all-new KONA provides roomier, more versatile interior space for increased passenger comfort and easy cargo storage. KONA’s slim and rigid seats, which are only 85 mm thick, also add more living space for the second-row passengers.
In addition, the column-type electric shift-by-wire gear selector set behind the steering wheel allows more space for an open, clean console structure that can be used for cupholders or storage for big bags. The fully foldable second-row seat and rear compartment provide up to 723 liters (based on SAE) of cargo space to meet the highest level of customer needs with improved loading convenience.
Kona comes with various safety technologies that not only care for the driver and the passengers but also for pedestrians. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA), Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) and High Beam Assist (HBA).
For safe-assured parking, Kona provides various advanced technologies, such as Surround View Monitor (SVM), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Distance Warning (PDW), Reverse Parking Collision- Avoidance Assist (PCA) and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).
The SUV’s sporty character is embodied by rugged wheel arch cladding with integrated front and rear lamps, side panels with dynamic wedge proportions, and characteristic chrome molding that runs from the belt line to the spoiler. Its specially designed spoke 19-inch wheel design is a first for KONA.
Project: Hyundai KONA
Designer: Hyundai Design Center
Manufacturer: Hyundai Motor Company