The upcoming Hyundai Kona, the South Korean brand’s attempt to break into the hot subcompact crossover segment, will get “twin headlamps” with running lights positioned above the main lights as Hyundai looks to set its entry apart from an increasingly crowded field.
A teaser photo of the Kona released April 28 shows a frontal view with sliver-thin chains of LED running lights up high near the seams of the hood. The unorthodox arrangement is reminiscent of the funky placement on the Nissan Juke, another subcompact crossover known for its edgy styling.
“The new twin headlamp enhances the visual impact, with the LED daytime running lights positioned on top of the LED headlights,” Hyundai Motor Co. said in a release. “The separated lights at the front deliver a confident, progressive appearance with sleek and sharp shapes.”
Hyundai said the Kona will launch this summer.
The U.S. version, also named Kona in keeping with a Hyundai crossover nomenclature based on travel destinations, is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2018.
Kona takes its name from the lava-lined coastal district of Hawaii’s Big Island.
The vehicle fills another gap in Hyundai’s lineup.
Subcompact crossover sales in the U.S. climbed 15 percent in the first quarter, while compact crossovers were up 11 percent, even as the overall market retreated 1.5 percent.
Hyundai, a latecomer to the small crossovers, has been unable to tap that growth.
The Kona will deliver good driver visibility and comfort, with agile handling, Hyundai said.
“The imminent arrival of Kona,” Hyundai said, “marks Hyundai Motor’s bold first move into the B-SUV segment and leads the wider expansion of its SUV range.”
