2019 Hyundai Kona hybrid spied inside and out
Electrified version doesn't look radically different, but it does sport an upgraded infotainment system. Is this the in-between hybrid to link the electric and internal-combustion ranges?
The Hyundai Kona crossover is available with both traditional internal combustion engines, and a fully electric drivetrain, so it makes sense an in-between version is also in the works.
According to the photographers from our spy agency, the prototype seen here was filled up at a petrol station, but drove away in electric-only mode.
The key visual difference between this development vehicle and regular petrol- and diesel-powered Kona models are the aero-style alloy wheels.
We expect to see a different grille and, possibly, revised bumpers on the production version of the car.
Inside the cabin, the hybrid Kona has an upgraded infotainment system with a touchscreen display that's both wider and taller than currently featured. To accomodate this, the system's physical controls have been slimmed down and moved underneath the screen.
We're not sure if this model is a hybrid or plug-in hybrid model. While our agency believes it's the latter, this vehicle doesn't feature a charging port behind the left wheel arch, which is where Hyundai and Kia typically place this item.
Either way, it's likely the Kona hybrid, be it regular or plug-in, will share its drivetrain with Hyundai Ioniq and Kia Niro.