Hyundai has added the availability of Smart Cruise Control and interior accent choices on 2020 Kona models. 2020 Kona models are available now.
2020 KONA MODEL CHANGES
- Newly-developed Smart Cruise Control added to Ultimate models
- Former SEL with Tech Package renamed SEL Plus
- 4.2-inch color multi-information display moved from Ultimate to SEL Plus trim
- Wireless device charging moved from Ultimate to SEL Plus trim
- Newly-developed orange interior accents available on Limited with Sunset Orange exterior
- Iron Man Edition no longer available
POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT POWERTRAINS
Kona powertrain offerings have top efficiency levels as a primary target. Kona is offered with a choice of two gasoline powertrains. A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine produces 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Atkinson cycle design maximizes the effective cylinder expansion ratio (compression stroke vs. power stroke) for greater efficiency. The six-speed automatic offers SHIFTRONIC™ manual-shifting mode and includes an overdrive lock-up torque converter for higher fuel economy at highway speeds.
Limited and Ultimate trims offer the Gamma 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine generating 175 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1500-4500 rpm, an advantage over its key competitors. Peak torque delivery starts at only 1,500 rpm and holds through 4,500 rpm, for low-RPM responsiveness and performance in everyday driving conditions. The turbocharger features low-inertia turbo-spooling response characteristics and an electronic wastegate control for more precise control of manifold pressure. Internally, piston-cooling oil jets ensure cooler piston temperatures for enhanced engine life. The Gamma engine also features a water jacket insert that prioritizes cooling in the upper level of the cylinder block where more combustion heat is generated, resulting in lower cylinder-head temperatures and allowing for leaner air/fuel mixtures for better fuel efficiency.
The turbo engine is coupled to a seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This Hyundai-developed dual-clutch transmission offers outstanding efficiency with quick, seamless shifting and brisk acceleration. When compared with some competitors’ continuously-variable transmissions, this DCT is able to handle more torque with minimal power interruption throughout the engine operating range for natural acceleration and premium aural character with greater durability.
SOPHISTICATED, RESPONSIVE CHASSIS TUNING
Kona was developed with a focus on enhanced driving dynamics and responsive performance for a variety of urban and multi-surface driving conditions. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track create a planted stance that results in exceptional agility in urban environments with enhanced linear stability and ride comfort. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut system using an innovative sub-frame bushing design for enhanced comfort and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The MacPherson strut design uses gas-filled shock absorbers and a hollow stabilizer bar for lower weight and enhanced responsiveness. Available 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45R18 tires give surefooted, agile handling character on a variety of road surfaces.
Differentiated rear suspension design has been developed for 2WD and AWD models. 2WD models have a rigid torsion beam design for overall stability and control. The AWD drive model uses an independent, dual-arm multi-link design, optimizing ride comfort and stability in the wider ranges of off-road suspension articulation. Its geometry was specially designed for refined body movement on rough roads and off-road terrain. Rear suspension control arm design also minimizes camber and toe changes throughout the wider suspension travel range.
Kona also offers Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to customize dynamic responses, such as steering feel, transmission and overall powertrain responsiveness to their preferences, and to changing road or traffic conditions. Two differentiated driving modes (Normal and Sport) optimize the torque distribution and shift mapping, tailoring Kona to a variety of driving preferences. In Sport mode, there is a greater emphasis on acceleration with earlier downshifts on braking, while Normal mode slightly prioritizes fuel economy over performance with a more conservative, lower-rpm shift schedule.
STEERING
Kona’s motor-driven power steering is more efficient and quieter than traditional hydraulic systems by reducing parasitic losses from ancillary belts and their continual drag on the powertrain. Further, the steering system was engineered and tuned specifically for Kona’s precise and rapid adjustments in steering feel with changing driving conditions. The steering wheel itself offers a wide range of tilt and telescopic adjustment for greater driver comfort.
ACTIVE SAFETY
The new standard Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies (listed below) on the Kona add additional protection for drivers and passengers. For example, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can detect and help warn the driver of a potential collision. If the driver does not react to avoid the impact, the system may apply emergency braking.
Standard Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), uses the car’s front-facing camera and radar to help detect an imminent collision and avoid impact or minimize damage by braking autonomously. Three additional systems also utilize the front-view camera to boost safety and convenience: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), High Beam Assist (HBA), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW).
By sensing road markings, Lane Keeping Assist helps to prevent accidental lane departure and may automatically steer the car if required. High Beam Assist automatically controls the high beam headlights depending on surroundings, while the Driver Attention Warning system monitors a spectrum of driver-related characteristics to help detect driver fatigue or careless driving.
Kona radar systems also assist with the Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) to help detect approaching vehicles that may be obscured from view during highway driving. The Rear Cross-Traffic Collison Warning (RCCW) helps detect when another vehicle may have entered the car’s rearward path, such as backing out of a parking spot, and may provide a driver alert.
2020 Kona also includes a newly-developed Smart Cruise Control feature on Ultimate models. Smart Cruise Control functions as a typical cruise control system and adds radar sensors that help the vehicle to maintain a fixed following distance behind any vehicles in front.
ADVANCED INFOTAINMENT AND CONNECTIVITY
Kona offers a full suite of sophisticated technologies paired with user-friendly functionality to keep passengers informed and entertained. The premium infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including standard Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay™, and available SiriusXM® Radio, HD Radio and Blue Link® LTE-powered connectivity. The standard seven-inch color LCD display includes AM/FM/MP3 touchscreen audio, auxiliary input jacks, voice-command recognition and Rear View Monitor. The available eight-inch touchscreen navigation display includes Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car System, traffic flow and incident data via HD radio, Infinity® premium audio with eight speakers, subwoofer and Clari-Fi ™ music-restoration technology. Smartphone integration is also included in the premium system.
Because some Kona buyers will have downsized from a larger CUV, Kona offers features that they would be accustomed to in larger CUV segments, such as a four-inch color LCD electroluminescent gauge cluster, power driver’s seat, leather heated seats, automatic air conditioning and proximity key. A Heads-Up Display system is available, projecting a virtual image onto the transparent panel mounted behind the instrument panel and helping the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road. With a generous, eight-inch projected-image size and outstanding luminance, the Heads-Up Display provides both excellent day- and night-time visibility. Information projected includes speed, navigation instructions, Lane Keeping Assist and audio system information. Deployed vertically by a simple touch of a button beside the steering wheel, the display disappears into the dashboard when not in use.
Kona also offers Wireless Device Charging; to charge a device, simply place a compatible smartphone on the wireless-charging interface located in the center console storage, recharging without the need for cables. The system indicates when the phone has fully charged, reminds occupants to remove their phone when exiting the vehicle, and detects when a foreign object is in the recharging area that could interfere with charging.
BLUE LINK® CONNECTED CAR SYSTEM
Kona SEL Plus, Limited, and Ultimate models are equipped with Blue Link®, including complimentary three-year Blue Link services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and guidance (Ultimate model only) services. Blue Link brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Google Home®, Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google®, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Blue Link features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the Blue Link smartphone app, Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill and using the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Some features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest release of the Blue Link smartphone app includes:
- Widgets for easy access to remote features
- Access to Blue Link notification settings
- Access to the Hyundai accessories website
More details on specific Blue Link-equipped vehicles available at www.hyundaibluelink.com.
Hyundai Motor America
At Hyundai Motor America, we believe everyone deserves better. From the way we design and build our cars to the way we treat the people who drive them, making things better is at the heart of everything we do. Hyundai’s technology-rich product lineup of cars, SUVs and alternative-powered electric and fuel cell vehicles is backed by Hyundai Assurance—our promise to create a better experience for customers. Hyundai vehicles are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide and nearly half of those sold in the U.S. are built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.
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Smart Cruise Control…
Rod is a blogger, writer, filmmaker, photographer, daydreamer who likes to cook. Rod produces and directs the web series, CUPIC: Diary of an Investigator. He is also the editor, producer and administrator of STM Daily News, a part of the TNC Network.
