April 27, 2024

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[THE INVESTOR] Hyundai Motor has named its first compact SUV “Kona” before its planned launch in May, local news outlet Chosun Biz reported on Feb. 14.

The Korean auto giant has used names of cities around the world for SUV models, including the Santa Fe, Tucson and Mohave. The latest Kona comes from a district in Hawaii that is famous for quality coffee beans. 

Hyundai Motor's Intrado concept

The Kona comes in three engine models -- 1.4-liter gasoline turbo, 1.4-liter diesel and 1.6-liter diesel. An electric version is also under development.

The design is based on Hyundai’s Intrado concept car that was unveiled at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

The car will hit the Korean market first but Hyundai is said to be gauging the global launch as well. The unveiling event is planned to be held at the carmaker’s new brand museum, called Hyundai Motor Studio, in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province.

With the new entry, competition in the nation’s compact SUV market is expected to further heat up. Last year, the top seller was Ssangyong Motor’s Tivoli that sold 28,886 units.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)