Hyundai Reveals Facelifted 2020 Kona and N-Line variant – But Will The New Versions Come Here?

Hot off the heels of finding out that we are just months away from the official introduction of the Hyundai Kona SUV in Malaysia, Hyundai has debuted the facelifted version which among others, offers a sporty N Line version for us to further salivate over.

After what seems like an eternity of teasing and spyshots, Hyundai Sime-Darby Motors (HSDM) recently announced that the Kona will be coming in the fourth quarter of 2020 with an estimated retail price of RM115k. This puts it firmly within the crosshairs of cars such as the Honda HR-V, Proton X70, and Kia Sportage.

First launched in Korea back in 2017, the Kona has seen popularity in various markets around the world with a whopping 600,000 units sold worldwide up until the second half of 2020. The Hyundai Kona was first teased at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show (KLIMS).

The display car at KLIMS was fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 177 PS at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque between 1,500 rpm and 4,500 rpm. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) distributes power to the front wheels.

While it is understandable that we will not get the facelifted Kona and Kona N-Line just yet, it is worth looking at what the new version of this award-winning SUV offers:

• The new Kona is 40mm longer than the previous version, giving it a more sleek and dynamic look.
• New powertrain line-up includes seven powertrain options, three of which are turbocharged internal combustion, and another four hybrid powertrains (3 of which feature 48 Volt hybrid architecture).
• New design updates. First time offered with an optional N Line trim package. The N Line Kona features an aggressive front bumper and splitter, wheel arch claddings, new rocker panels and 18-inch alloy wheels on the flanks. The rear bumper incorporates a large central aerodynamic diffuser in a contrast colour to the body, as well as a one-side double muffler, and bumper fins at the sides.
• The regular Kona models get similar design updates at the front and rear bumper albeit with a more rugged look compared to the N Line variant. New 17- and 18-inch wheels are offered as well.
• The Kona gets updated LED DRLs at the front, and taillights with horizontally-stretched graphics.

• On the inside, the centre console has been revamped, and an electric parking brake is now standard.
• New ambient light technology illuminates the centre cup holder as well as in the passenger and driver side foot lamps.
• New interior colour options and seat cover designs and fabrics.
• New infotainment system includes a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and an optional 10.25-inch AVN screen. Additional functions include multiple Bluetooth connections, and voice-activated functions for climate control.

• New active safety features include Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA), which automatically adjusts steering to assist the driver to keep in the centre of the lane.