Hyundai Motor's second-generation Kona / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

By Kim Jae-heun

Hyundai Motor introduced the latest model of its Kona subcompact SUV at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul, Tuesday. It is a fully changed second-generation model of the Kona series, which the carmaker originally launched in June 2017.

"We want to present a higher standard of compact SUV with our all-new Kona, which has innovative marketability beyond the next level to change the market dominion," Hyundai Motor President and CEO Chang Jae-hoon said during the press conference. "It will be the best option for customers who enjoy various lifestyles and new challenges."

For the second-generation Kona, the company designed its electric vehicle version first ― among other models that share the same powertrain ― so as to implement a future-oriented design. It plans to apply the same exterior style to internal combustion engine models later.

The upper part of the front body of the new Kona adopts a horizontal LED lamp called the Straight Eyebrow to give the vehicle a futuristic feel. It integrates positioning lamps and daytime running lamps into one line. Such a design was adopted on Hyundai Motor's new Grandeur sedan model revealed recently too.

The side of the subcompact SUV gives off a sleek impression with a belt line that connects to the spoiler and its 19-inch wheels provide dynamic driving performance.

The rear part adopted the same horizontal tail lamp look that is applied in the front, creating a sense of unity in the overall exterior design of the car.

The interior space is one of the new Kona's biggest improvements compared to previous models. The shift control system was rearranged to improve the storage practicality of the open console. It also expanded cargo space in the car to a generous 723 liters in size, which is about 30 percent larger compared to the previous Kona model, and added a fully folding function to the back seats.