The covers have come off Hyundai's latest SUV - the Kona - at a special launch event in Milan.

The brand new model features a ‘sleek, sharp’ design adopting Hyundai's new family identity, the Cascading Grille. New twin headlamps enhance the visual impact, with the LED Daytime Running Lights positioned on top of the LED headlights. A bold front and rear are emphasised by the car’s wide stance and its ‘voluminous, aggressive body styling’ says Hyundai. The Kona’s two-tone roof and the choice of ten exterior colours offer many individual combinations. Those colours are carried through to the inside where coloured stitching adorns the seats and steering wheel, with matching highlights are found throughout the cabin. Luggage space totals 361 litres but with foldable rear seats (60:40 split), when folded flat, the Kona offers 1,143 litres of space.

For the first time in a Hyundai, a new head-up display (HUD) projects relevant driving information directly to the driver’s line of sight. There is also plenty of safety features onboard including Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Static Bending Light and Smart High Beam.

Hyundai describes the Kona a ‘true SUV’ with four-wheel drive, 7-speed DCT and brand’s latest powertrains. The downsized turbocharged engines offer increased efficiency with the 1.6 T-GDI four-cylinder turbo petrol engine offering 177 PS and 265 Nm for a 0-62mph time of 7.9 seconds.

Drivers seeking more economy can opt for a downsized 1.0-litre T-GDI 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 120 PS (88 kW) and 172 Nm. The engine is offered with front-wheel drive and 6-speed manual gearbox.

A newly developed, 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine will be available in two power outputs later in the year - a 115 PS (85 kW) (preliminary) version with a 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive, and a high-power diesel version with 136 PS (100 kW – preliminary) and 320 Nm in combination with the 7-speed DCT. The latter also comes with a choice of four-wheel and front-wheel drive.

A new 'Display Audio', another Hyundai first, makes connectivity accessible, allowing passengers to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the seven-inch screen. A new high-end sound system by Krell, featuring eight speakers and an amplifier delivers concert hall sound also features on the new Kona.

“The All-New KONA is not just another car among Hyundai Motor’s established SUV range - it is an important milestone of our journey to become Asian automotive brand number one in Europe by 2021,” says Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe. “With its true SUV genes, a progressive design and premium features, KONA reflects the lifestyle of modern customers, enhancing the brand’s appeal and attracting new customers.”