The sister model to the more conventionally styled Kia Stonic that debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month, the Kona, which remains unconfirmed for South Africa as it could potentially clash with the Creta, will initially go on sale with a choice of three trim levels, two petrol engines and either front or all-wheel drive.

While European models are expected to feature the brand's 1.0-litre three-cylinder T-GDI engine as well as a 1.6 CRDi, the Aussie Kona will come equipped with a normally aspirated 2.0-litre developing 110 kW and 180 Nm of torque, or the same 1.6-litre T-GDI used in the Tucson with 130 kW and 265 Nm.

Mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with drive going to the front wheels only, Hyundai claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 7.6 L/100 km of for the 2.0-litre, while the 1.6 T-GDI sends its grunt to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch 'box with rated consumption of 6.7 L/100 km.

In terms of standard spec, the entry-level Active comes equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen display incorporating Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Auto Link app, 16-inch alloy wheels reverse camera, cruise control and dusk sensing headlights with daytime running LEDs.

A $2 500 (R26 663) optional extra is the so-called safety pack that adds Blind Spot Monitoring, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Electrically folding mirrors, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Driver Attention Monitor.

Moving one up, the mid-spec Elite adds 17-inch alloy wheels, climate control, leather seats and push-button start, while the flagship Highlander comes with a 4.2-inch TFT instrument cluster, Auto High Beam Assist headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, Heads-Up Display and wireless smartphone charging.

As mentioned, it remains to be seen whether the Kona will become available on local shores but if so, expect it to arrive sometime next year.

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