The launch of the all-new 2020 Hyundai Kona has been a long time coming. Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) first previewed the pending arrival of the car at 2018, but since then news about the car has gone quiet until back in August 2020 when 2 units were spotted on the roads with trade plates on. We’ve already let slip a few details, but what else do you need to know?

Q: Is it imported or locally assembled?

A: The 2020 Hyundai Kona will be fully imported (CBU) from Hyundai’s Ulsan plant in Korea.

This explains why HSDM has no choice but to price the Kona from RM 123,888 and tops off at RM 151,888. But early buyers will enjoy an introductory promo price from RM 115,888. This is still much higher than even closest non-national rival, the locally assembled Honda HR-V (from RM 104,000).

Q: Why aren't we getting the new facelift model?

A: This is where it might get confusing to many. Though there is already an updated model in other parts of the world, the Kona launched here in Malaysia is the pre-facelift version.

It might take a few years before the facelift arrives in Malaysia, because Hyundai has yet to introduce a right-hand-drive Kona facelift.

Q: Is it related to the Kia Seltos?

A: Technically yes and no. Yes, because Hyundai Motors technically owns Kia Motors so the Kona and Seltos are basically cousins.

But if you think that means they are the same car, then you’re wrong. Both cars sit on different platforms, you can say that the Kona is closer related to the Kia Stonic, an SUV that slots below the Seltos, while the Seltos is closer to the Hyundai Venue instead. 

Note that Hyundai-Kia has a wide array of SUVs, as Hyundai has declared a sharper focus on SUVs than other body types. So it is common they sometimes overlap products.

In Malaysia, the Kona and Seltos are powered by different engines. Though the engine in the Seltos is also a 1.6-litre unit, but it is a naturally aspirated engine rather than a turbocharged unit in the Kona 1.6 Turbo variant.

Q: What are the engine options?

A: HSDM is offering 2 engine options for the Hyundai Kona.

The base Standard and mid-spec Active variant will be powered by a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine that produces to 150 PS and 180 Nm. The 2.0-litre engine is mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Meanwhile, the range-topping Kona 1.6 Turbo variant will be powered by a 1.6-litre Gamma T-GDi turbocharged engine that produces 177 PS and 265 Nm. This engine comes mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Q: What's the difference between the variants?

A: Three variants are available for pickings in Malaysia; the Kona Standard is the lowest variant featuring basic equipment such as projector halogen headlamps and bulb tail lamps. It also gets smaller 17-inch alloy wheels. The base variant also gets a 7-inch touchscreen display and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The Kona Active variant might share the same 2.0-litre NA engine as the Standard, but the features on the mid-spec is a huge step up from the Standard. It gets LED projector headlamps with Static Bending lights and LED tail lamps along with larger 18-inch wheels.

It also gets 8-way power-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support, a head-up display, and the added assurance of Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW).

The Kona 1.6 Turbo variant will get all the features on the Active variant but will be powered by a more powerful engine and comes equipped with the aforementioned Hyundai Smart Sense ADAS suite. Other upgrades in this variant include the addition of a wireless phone charger.

Q: What are the safety features?

A: The “middle-child” Kona Active will get features like Blind Spot Detection (BSD) and Rear-Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW). Only the top-of-the-line Kona 1.6 Turbo will come equipped with the full suite of Hyundai Smart Sense ADAS suite.

So, in addition to BSD and RCCW in the Active variant, the ADAS suite in the 1.6 Turbo variant will encompass safety features such as Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) aka ACC, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).