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Hyundai has just announced Irish prices for the new Kona small SUV, and they will start at €20,995 for a Comfort model using the latest 1.0 T-GDI petrol turbo engine. That pitches the Kona at a higher price level than its in-house rival, the Kia Stonic, but it gets an engine superior to the Stonic's older 1.4-litre petrol (the Stonic can only be had with the 1.0 T-GDI in its most expensive form) as well as being bigger and roomier (slightly) than the Kia.
The new Kona will hit Hyundai's Irish dealerships from the 1st of November, with what the Korean firm describes as "a bold, sharp design" which buyers can add to with contrast roof colours, and ten exterior paint choices.
The engine range for now comprises the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine, and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol with with an automatic gearbox. In 2018, a new 1.6-litre diesel engine will come on stream, and there'll be an all-electric Kona in 2019.
Co2 emissions start from 117g/km for the 1.0-litre T-GDI, and rise to a maximum of 153g/km for the 1.6 T-GDI automatic.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, roof rails, cruise control, a five-inch touchscreen, lane keeping assist, a driver fatigue warning, and LED daytime running lights. Executive models (priced from €22,995 and likely to be the best seller) include automatic air conditioning, a seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, privacy glass, a rear view camera, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Top spec Premium models, from €25,995, come with leather, 18-inch alloys, blind spot warning, front parking sensors, and a rear cross-traffic alert.
The Kona has some big expectations on its shoulders - with the Tucson nicking the best-seller spot both in the class and in the country, Hyundai Ireland expects the Kona to at the very least become the biggest seller in the small crossover segment.