The New York Auto Show is two months away and Hyundai will use the event to introduce a new crossover that slots beneath the Kona.
Speaking to Motor Trend, the head of Hyundai’s Global Design Center in Namyang revealed the crossover will be smaller and “distinctively different” than the Kona. SangYup Lee went on to describe the model as having a “very boxy, bold, bull-doggy character.”
The crossover will go on sale later this year and be positioned as an entry-level, niche vehicle. As a result, the model will likely be more affordable than the Kona which starts at $19,990 before destination fees.
Little else is known about the model, but it will likely become one of the smallest crossovers in the United States. There’s no word on dimensions at this point, but the Kona measures 164 inches (4,165 mm) long, 70.9 inches (1,800 mm) wide and 61 inches (1,549 mm) tall.
Specifications also remain a mystery and it’s unclear if the model will be offered with all-wheel drive. An increasing number of small crossovers aren’t available with all-wheel drive and Toyota has admitted this is negatively impacting sales of the C-HR.
Regardless, Hyundai has high hopes for the model and Lee said the automaker wants to be “ambitious with CUVs.” It remains to be seen if ambition will result in increasing sales, but the company apparently sees the A-segment as a white space that is ripe for the picking.
Note: Hyundai Kona pictured
