The year 2017 marked the d\u00e9but of one of the most disruptive models in recent years: the Hyundai Kona. Its commercial success \u2013 which occurred on the European market at the time of the B-segment SUV explosion \u2013 has allowed the second generation to mature, grow in size and offer new content in terms of style and technology. \u201cWhen you want to improve an already successful model, the right thing to do is to listen to the customers,\u201d says SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Centre, who we meet in Berlin at the model presentation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
![\"Hyundai](\"https:\/\/autodesignmagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2023050902_HyundaiKona.jpg\")
<\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Customers’ requests<\/strong><\/span> Focus on aerodynamics<\/strong><\/span> Three versions, one clean front<\/strong><\/span>
\nSo what were the customers asking for? \u201cFirst of all, more space: that\u2019s why the length was increased by 15 centimetres (almost all concentrated behind the rear wheels to increase the size of the boot, Ed.) and the wheelbase by 6 centimetres. They requested a more spacious cabin, a bigger boot and, in general, a vehicle that could be more versatile. We satisfied them by trying to combine style and function in the best possible way, but also by driving innovation\u201d.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nAnd indeed, the design of the new Kona has changed radically from its predecessor. It remains, admittedly, a B-SUV, but the new proportions bring it closer to the upper end of the segment to please a larger segment of the public. \u201cThe exterior design remains highly distinctive and is a continuous search for balance between soft and hard lines. This gives it an unprecedented dynamism, a very wavy side and an imposing rear end for the benefit of road presence.\u201d The decision to have a 100% electric version in the range \u2013 \u201cWe started with that one,\u201d Lee points out \u2013 forced the designers to deal with aerodynamics more than ever: \u201cConsidering the height and type of vehicle, we managed to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.26. On the previous generation it was 0.29 and we are talking about a smaller car.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
\nOn all versions, be they thermal or electric, the front appears very clean with air intakes down to a minimum in the case of the zero-emission model or cleverly concealed on the Kona hybrids or thermal engine versions. For all of them, the design team envisaged a large strip of LEDs stretching across the full width of the nose, while the headlamps are placed at the ends of the bumper, lest it blemish the design. \u201cThe side was one of the major points of discussion. The interplay of lines that develop here come together in a balance of their own and it is difficult to find a similar execution on a car in this segment that, by its very nature, has to come to terms with price and market logic to be very competitive.\u201d The tail develops in more concave surfaces and the large tailgate is crossed by a band of LEDs that is intended to recall the front one.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>