2021 Hyundai Kona Night Edition launches in the US, Australia to ‘study’ its performance
Hyundai has released a blacked-out 'Night Edition' of its popular Kona crossover SUV in the United States, with the brand's Australian arm revealing it's considering similar special editions locally.
The limited-run model lands in US showrooms from September 2020 and brings mostly aesthetic updates, with Hyundai jumping on the bandwagon of manufacturers offering top-selling models with sportier, all-black trim packs.
The Night Edition receives the same 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine found in the regular Kona, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
However, it adds gloss black exterior and interior accents, including black interior door handles and 18-inch semi-gloss black alloy wheels.
On the inside, the model also gains aluminium sport pedals, while on the outside, it loses some of the chrome details seen on the regular Kona, including the grille surround and tailgate trim.
The special edition is available in the paint shades of galactic grey, ultra black and chalk white.
Australian plans
The Kona regularly ranks as one of the top-performing small SUVs under $40,000 in Australia, selling 1385 units in June 2020 – just behind the top-performing Mitsubishi ASX.
However, Hyundai Australia says, at this point, the Night Edition is a US-only release.
"There are currently no plans to bring the Kona Night Edition to Australia," a Hyundai spokesperson told Driv.
"However we will be studying the model’s reception in the US market, which could lead to Kona special editions in the future."