PETALING JAYA: If you have been looking for more choices in the compact crossover segment, wait a little longer for the Hyundai Kona to hit town.
Sime Darby Auto Hyundai is accepting bookings for the vehicle, expected to launch in the last quarter of 2020. Its tentative price is around RM115,000.
The fully imported Kona takes the fight to other B-segment rivals like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR and Mazda CX-3.
With Kona's arrival, Sime Darby Auto Hyundai would have a fleshed-out crossover line-up to sell as the Kona will join the Tucson and the 7-seater Santa Fe.
The Kona is Hyundai's first B-segment crossover and had its world premiere in June 2017. It's about time for a mid-cycle facelift and just last month, Hyundai previewed the updated Kona and an N Line version that expressed Hyundai’s "Sensuous Sportiness" global design identity.
The new Kona gets a wider stance and a shark-inspired nose that gives the model a sleeker look.
The Kona was first shown to Malaysians at the 2018 KL Motor Show and was supposed to launch locally in early 2019 but was delayed.
The Kona is expected to be offered in several variants although the all-electric version is unlikely at this point. Globally, Hyundai powers the conventional Kona with a choice of 2.0-litre, 1.6-litre and 1.0-litre 3-cylinder engines.
Sime Darby Auto Hyundai is offering a "special introductory package" for those who place a booking at RM288.
