Hyundai Motor's compact SUV Kona gets bigger

Hyundai Motor Co. on Tuesday unveiled the new design of its compact SUV the new "all-new Kona."

The all-new Kona is a second-generation model being introduced five years after the model's launch in June 2017.

The all-new Kona is 4,350 mm long, or 145 mm longer than the current model. It also gained 25 mm in width and added 60 mm to its wheelbase length compared with the outgoing model.

Hyundai unveiled it in three versions: all-electric (EV), internal combustion engine (ICE), and a sporty N Line.

Unlike a conventional design process that starts from an ICE-based model, the new Kona has seen an EV-focused approach.

"Unlike most vehicles that are made available with a variety of powertrains, the Kona started with the EV variant design, which was then adapted for the ICE and N Line models," Hyundai said.

In terms of design, the all-new Kona features a seamless horizon lamp, which is pixelated on the EV variant. The horizon lamp is a Hyundai family icon that has recently been applied to several new models, ranging from the Staria recreational vehicle to the Grandeur sedan.

"The all-new Kona has inherited Kona's unique character, but it has become bolder and more evolved in every way," said Lee Sang-yeop, vice president of the Hyundai Design Center.

Hyundai Motor plans to unveil the all-new Kona early next year and launch sales starting with the ICE model.

Write to Il-Gue Kim at black0419@hankyung.com