2023 Hyundai Kona: Australian arrival timing outlined

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is inching closer to Australian showrooms, and arrival timing of the first new model in six years is becoming clearer.

Hyundai Australia has previously said the new-generation Hyundai Kona is due to arrive in the second half of this year.

But more detail has now been revealed, indicating the regular petrol variants will be the first to arrive – ahead of hybrid and electric models in limited numbers by the end of this year.

Hyundai Australia expects supply of the new Kona to improve next year after production ramps up to capacity.

As previously reported, the new Hyundai Kona will offer a choice of petrol, electric and – for the first time – hybrid power in Australia, as the new model range expands to match the new Toyota Corolla Cross.

Hyundai dealers have been advised production of petrol-powered Kona variants is due to commence in June or July – pending any delays – ahead of hybrid and electric variants from September onwards.

MORE: 2023 Hyundai Kona detailed, on track for Australia with hybrid power

As previously reported, the revamped model range with have five variants, with a choice of front-wheel-drive petrol or hybrid, all-wheel-drive N Line petrol, or front-wheel-drive electric power.

All model grades are expected to offer the option of the Hyundai N Line styling package.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed; the current model ranges from $30,500 drive-away to $50,000 drive-away.

Given the significant changes – a bigger body on new underpinnings, and with more technology – the 2023 Hyundai Kona is expected to be subject to price rises.

Prices and exact specifications for the Hyundai Kona in Australia are expected to be announced closer to local showroom arrivals.

As previously reported, the cheapest model grade in the range – simply named 'Kona' – is expected to offer a choice of front-wheel-drive petrol, hybrid or 'Standard Range' electric power.

Dealers have been advised the current Active, Elite and Highlander model grades are expected to be replaced by a single 'Kona Premium' model – offering front-wheel-drive petrol, hybrid or 'Extended Range' electric power.

Overseas the new Hyundai Kona is available with a choice of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/180Nm), a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol (146kW/265Nm), and 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid (104kW/265Nm) claimed to offer similar real-world fuel economy as the new Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

As previously reported, these engines appear to be carried over from the outgoing range, and are matched with front-wheel drive in the 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre hybrid, or all-wheel drive in the 1.6-litre turbo petrol.

The high-performance Hyundai Kona N is not expected to be carried over to the new-generation model, making the first and last car of its type for the South Korean car maker.

The Kona Electric is expected to be available in Standard Range and Extended Range versions once production ramps up next year.

In today's model, the Standard Range combines a 115kW/255Nm motor with a 48.4kWh battery for a 342km claimed driving range.

The Extended Range claims 160kW/255Nm, a 65.4kWh battery, and a 490km claimed WLTP driving range.

MORE: 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric announced with 490km of range

As reported previously, the new Hyundai Kona is 150mm longer, 25mm wider and 60mm taller than the car it replaces, which is said to deliver more passenger and boot space.

A camouflaged example (above) was earlier this year caught on camera while testing on Australian roads.

Drive reader Stacie sent in the photos of what appears to be a sporty N Line model with 19-inch wheels, though it is unclear what engine is under the bonnet.

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