Three years since its global unveiling, the Hyundai Kona appears to be finally set for its Malaysian market introduction, as depicted by these spy images on the Facebook page of Mohammad Syahrool Anuar, and the compact SUVs were photographed on the roads around Ara Damansara.
In November 2018, we reported that the internal combustion option for the Kona in our market will be the 1.6 litre Turbo version, and so it likely appears to be, on this lime green example. This engine produces 177 PS and 265 Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Previewed locally at KLIMS18, the 1.6 Turbo variant was initially estimated for a Malaysian market debut in the second quarter of 2019, though delays had beset those plans until now. Despite the passage of time, the Kona’s exterior appears unchanged, and the duo spotted here confirms at least two colours that will be in the local Kona selection.
The Kona will be entering a market segment currently populated by the likes of the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, though the Hyundai can set itself apart with a turbocharged powertrain, in a field mostly powered by natural aspiration.
The Kona is also unique in its segment for having a fully electric option in the pipeline for Malaysia, with the Kona Electric slated for our market via leasing through official channels, and these will get full after-sales support from the manufacturer, according to our report at the end of last year.
It will be the internal combustion engined Kona that leads the pack for the time being, and the equipment list expected for the Korean automaker’s B-segment SUV could feature a head-up display with navigation, Krell sound system, wireless mobile device charging as well as a suite of active safety and driver assist systems.
Of course, its definitive specification is subject to eventual confirmation. For those of you shopping in this B-segment crossover segment, will you be holding out for the Kona?
GALLERY: Hyundai Kona 1.6 Turbo
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(Like) Honda H-RV.
(Dislike) Hyundai Kona
The way how Hyundai sells cars here, it will be same price as CR-V making no sense to buy a Kona.
Hyundai Kona baring Special Edition, next.
(Like) Kona
(Dislike) HRV
Baru mau masuk kah?
In Miri so boring see Bruneian alot drive this since it launched there last year or 2 years ago.
Brunei? MIRI? So far away frm KL, so rural. .
KL too rural ahh? Miri so modern ahh can see kona many on the road 1st? LoL!
Saw brunei kia seltos in miri recently. Nice oso
Did you know currently hyundai testing the facelift Kona worldwide and maybe will rollout soon. The best part is the normal 1.6 turbo version will ditch the DCT for 8 speed torque converter auto while N line will equipped 201 hp with dry clutch dct like elantra N Line. Finally normal tc auto for normal Kona and rest of hyundai range.
I don’t know what management of HSDM doing. They so late to introduce the Kona in Malaysia. For sure it will price above hrv or maybe reaching chr range but it will be only suv in the segment with AWD if really fully loaded when introduce here soon.
How much…
This will be direct competitor to X50. 1.6 turbo vs 1.5 turbo. Can’t wait to try both models.
This will be Kosong Kona vs Full fat X50. No competition at all.
Competitor just on paper. On the road the kona will be much better than x50. Its like comparing iphone to an android. One have fancy specs but another one just feels better.
Agreed. One brings you to holland the other is full on muscles to handle anything thrown at it. Proton X50 has plenty of it.
what does this car have to offer over the rivals now
this is a car that is panned badly by reviewers all over the world
I’m totally looking forward to Kona EV. Hopefully it’s available in Malaysia and doesn’t break the bank.
I’ve test driven it in Europe and while the specs are great, good range for less than a Tesla, the interior and ride are extremely underwhelming.
Lots of hard plastics, messy dashboard, poor traction control en overall not a very great impression.
It does sell well here though, mainly due to price and size.