Hyundai’s Updated Kona Hybrid Heads to Taiwan to Challenge the Corolla Cross

Hyundai is bringing its updated Kona crossover back to Taiwan with hybrid power, setting up a new challenge in the country’s popular B-SUV market and against models such as the Toyota Corolla Cross.

The Kona previously entered Taiwan’s entry-level electric vehicle market as the Kona Electric. The facelifted model will instead arrive with a hybrid system. Hyundai will begin nationwide VIP preview events on Sept. 19, giving customers an early look before the official launch.

Hyundai says the Kona Hybrid follows an “EV-First” design approach. A full-width LED horizon daytime running light stretches across the front, while separated lighting units, pronounced proportions and curved body lines give the vehicle a technology-focused, urban appearance. The same digital emphasis continues inside, where a more open horizontal layout accompanies the digital interfaces.

The vehicle uses a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain. According to Hyundai, the system delivers 141 horsepower and 27 kg-m of combined output, with average fuel consumption of 19.5 km/L. The company has not yet released the Taiwan-market vehicle configuration, pre-order information or other product details.

Preview events are scheduled across northern, central and southern Taiwan on Sept. 19-20 and Sept. 26-27, including locations in Neihu, Taoyuan, Taichung, Chiayi, Zuoying and Pingtung. Hyundai said it would release further information in the next stage.