The all-new Hyundai Kona today has been recognized as 2019’s Best Small Utility vehicle by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC). After making its international debut in Summer 2018, the Kona quickly claimed top market share in the subcompact SUV segment and has sold more than 14,400 units in Canada to date.
With a strong, impactful design and uncompromised individuality, the Kona is Hyundai’s first entry into the fast-growing subcompact SUV segment. The vehicle’s new platform and enhanced driving dynamics resonated incredibly well with Canadians, quickly making it the hottest selling all-new vehicle in Canada in its inaugural year. As a category winner, Kona is now on the final list of contenders for the 2019 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year title to be announced on February 14, 2019.
The Kona serves as Hyundai’s answer to rapidly changing customer preferences towards technology, style, and flexibility. The vehicle was designed with the needs of urban, active customers in mind, boasting a spacious interior and best-in-class driving in the subcompact SUV segment. The Kona blends exceptional fuel efficiency with a fun driving experience, delivering power and performance levels that are not often found in vehicles in its segment.
“It’s been an incredible first year for the Kona and we’re thrilled to be recognized for our innovative, industry-leading work in this segment,” said Don Romano, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “Expanding our range of SUVs to best meet the needs of Canadians is a top priority for Hyundai, and being acknowledged as leaders in the category shows that we’re absolutely moving in the right direction.”
With an all-new subcompact SUV platform developed for the Kona, Hyundai looks to set new standards for the category. The vehicle’s chassis is engineered to be rigid, topped with a lightweight body for dynamic driving performance and a comfortable ride. The powertrain layout is optimized to create a compact platform capable of incorporating the car’s four-wheel-drive system while maintaining interior space.
