Hyundai has given its Kona a reboot with a new futuristic design, more space and powertrain improvements. 

Despite a similar basic appearance to the outgoing model, the new Kona is much more than a facelift, with a stretched bodyshell to give more interior space. The new car grows 150mm in length to 4,355 mm, while also gaining 25mm in width and 60mm in wheelbase. 

As with the outgoing model there will be all-electric, hybrid and internal combustion engined versions with subtly different appearances. The head and tail lamps which stretch across the width of the car are the most obvious and distinctive feature of the new models. Called ‘Seamless Horizon Lamp’, the light is pixelated on the front of the electric model, using the same technology seen on the IONIQ 5 tail lamps.

Hyundai has not released any other technical details at all, but it is known that the new Kona will share its powertrain with the Kia Niro EV. This means the current car’s 39kWh version will be dropped and just the 64.8 kWh battery pack will be offered.

The front and rear lamps use pixel technology borrowed from the IONIQ 5

It will be mated to a 201bhp electric motor driving the front wheels. The Kona currently has a 300 mile range, and it is unlikely that the new car will dip below this benchmark, despite its extra size.

The Kona is also likely to have the same rapid charging spec as the Niro EV, which means it will not have the super fast capability as the bigger IONIQ models. In fact, it may have a slower peak DC charge rate than its predecessor (72kW vs 77kW in the case of the Kia), but modifications to charging software will mean it can charge at a higher speed for longer than previously, shortening the overall charge time.

Vehicle-to-Device (V2L) functionality with a three-pin plug socket will also be offered as an option.

The Kona’s larger interior features 12.3-inch dual displays, with the gear selector relocated from the centre console to behind the steering wheel to open up the floor space for storage.

More pictures, pricing and confirmed specification details will be revealed in the coming months, before the car goes on sale in the early summer of 2023.

The interior is far more spacious for passengers and luggage