After suddenly showing up undisguised on Ara Damansara streets last week, the 2020 Hyundai Kona is now officially open for booking per Hyundai Malaysia's website. 

It's welcome news for Malaysians who have been eagerly waiting for this Korean B-segment SUV, since the last time any of us got a glimpse of it was at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).

What is the Hyundai Kona?

Long story short, the Kona is Hyundai's answer to the Honda HR-V and the Proton X50.

Hyundai quotes prices to start at 'RM 11x,xxx', which is slightly higher than what the HR-V goes for (from RM 104,000). As you know, prices for the X50 - expected to launch in October, by the way - hasn't been announced yet.

As our sources have indicated, the Kona will be an imported model - which explains its marginally higher price tag. 

Powertrain and variation

The Kona could retain the same powertrain as first previewed here a couple of years ago.

If that's the case, then the Kona will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that churns out 177 PS and 265 Nm, paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Other than that, Hyundai Malaysia's funky teaser video pretty much shows that we'll be getting the pre-facelift version.

Note how the front fascia and headlights are way sharper on the 2021 Kona facelift, which are noticeably rounder on the version imminent on our shores.

Booking details

Interested parties can log on to Hyundai Malaysia's website and sign up to book a unit for RM 288.

Customers who book now will also stand a chance to be invited to the Kona's launch event.