Hyundai Automotive South Africa has confirmed that it will add the Kona crossover to its local line-up later in 2018, with a handful of other new or updated models also on the cards.
At a recent press briefing, the local arm of the Korean automaker confirmed that the Kona was scheduled to arrive in SA in October 2018. The small crossover will be sold alongside the popular Indian-built Creta, although we suspect the Kona will command somewhat of a premium.
The Kona is a little smaller than the Creta, measuring 4 165 mm long (some 105 mm shorter than its sibling), although its wheelbase is slightly longer at 2 600 mm.
Although local engine options have yet to be revealed, the Kona is offered in Australia with a naturally aspirated 2,0-litre petrol engine (110 kW/180 N.m) linked to the front wheels via a six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and a turbocharged 1,6-litre petrol unit (130 kW/265 N.m) sending oomph to all four corners thanks to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
In Europe, the Kona can furthermore be ordered with an 88 kW/172 N.m turbocharged 1,0-litre petrol mill (teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox), while a 1,6-litre diesel powertrain is also on the way for that market.
What else is coming to South Africa? Well, Hyundai says the new Santa Fe will likewise hit local dealers in October 2018, while facelifted versions of the Tucson and Creta have been pencilled in for around August or September 2018.
Finally, the new Veloster is expected to arrive in January 2019. No word yet on whether the latest-generation i30 (nor the N-badged hot hatch derivative) is still in Hyundai’s local plans…
