Did Hyundai just tease the return of the Kona in PH?
The all-new Hyundai Kona Electric could face up against the BYD Atto 3
Hyundai Motor Philippines Inc. (HMPH) is on a roll as the Korean automaker is set to reveal a brand-new model. After launching the all-new Elantra at the 20th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) and revealing the refreshed Creta last week, Hyundai is set to debut yet another nameplate, and we reckon it's the return of a familiar nameplate.
Recently, HMPH sent us an invitation for an upcoming vehicle launch slated for June 20, 2025. There are no exact details about the mystery vehicle, but the automaker did say that “A New Vibe Is Coming Your Way”. A teaser image of the upcoming vehicle then accompanies the invite.
Despite Hyundai's best efforts to hide what they will be launching, it's quite obvious that the Hyundai Kona is set to make a Philippine comeback. First launched in the country over half a decade ago, the second-generation Kona now features a Staria-like design thanks to its sleeker and more futuristic appearance.
The all-new Kona was first revealed before the end of 2022 and is available with various powertrains. First up is the 1.6L Smarstream GDi Hybrid, which makes 141 PS with 265 Nm of torque and is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). If the figures look familiar, that's because it's the same 1.6L powertrain that powers the Elantra Hybrid.
Next up is the Kona N-Line, which trades the 1.6L GDi Hybrid for a more powerful Smartstream G 1.6 T-GDi that generates 198 PS with 265 Nm of torque. Instead of a six-speed DCT, the Kona N-Line can be mated to a 7-speed DCT or an 8-speed automatic.
Last but not least is the Kona Electric, which was also previewed in Thailand earlier this year. From its namesake, it trades internal combustion for an all-electric powertrain and is available in Standard and Long Range variants. The former makes use of a 48.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack while the latter gets a bigger 66 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. On a full charge, the Kona Electric Standard Range can travel up to 448 km while the Long Range is rated to reach up to 600 km based on the NEDC cycle.
As far as propulsion is concerned, the Kona Electric comes with a single electric motor that is available in two states of electric tune. The Standard makes 156 PS with 255 Nm of torque while the Long generates 217 PS with 255 Nm of torque. There's even an N-Line version available for the Kona Electric, but it gets the same output as the Long Range version, albeit with a sportier appearance.
Since the Hyundai Kona Electric is already on sale in Indonesia and is made at the company's Cikarang factory, we won't be surprised if HMPH decides to reveal the electric Kona soon. Heck, the Hyundai Kona Electric could go up against the likes of the BYD Atto 3, which has long been a popular choice among crossover buyers who want something electric.
Do you think the Kona Electric will make sense in the Philippines, and could it compete with the BYD Atto 3 in the compact crossover EV segment?
