It would appear as though Hyundai has decided to take on the popular Nissan Juke with a stylish sub-compact crossover all its own. The unnamed future model was recently spied by the carparazzi undergoing road tests in Germany in full camouflage, leading to speculation over what lies beneath the covers. If rumors are to be believed, the upcoming Juke fighter from Hyundai will pull from the i20 and i30 parts bins, boast a good deal of youth-oriented exterior styling, and most likely come equipped with the latest interior gadgets.
Backing the rumors are statements made in August of 2014 by Hyundai’s American CEO Dave Zuchowski, who suggested in an interview with Edmunds that the South Korean brand might be interested in a sub-compact SUV that would slot under the Tucson. Such a vehicle “would be really designed for Gen Y, for new first-time buyers,” Zuchowski said, later adding, “Think of maybe something that looks like a Juke or something that has edgy, dramatic styling.”
It’s not a lot to go on, but we’ve done more with less. Read on for our speculative review.
Updated 04/07/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Hyundai Kona out for a new testing session. According to Hyundai, the name “Kona” is derived from the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii, reflecting the island’s energetic image and unique lifestyle
Continue reading to learn more about the upcoming Hyundai Kona.
Spy Shots
April 7, 2017 – Hyundai Kona caught testing once again
Exterior
By all accounts, the upcoming Juke fighter from Hyundai will rely heavily on slick styling to attract younger buyers. Of course, it’s not easy to see what’s in store with these spy shots, but before we throw on the x-ray specs, let’s take a look at some of the other evidence.
By all accounts, the upcoming Juke fighter from Hyundai will rely heavily on slick styling to attract younger buyers.
For starters, Dave Zuchowski’s interview from 2014 included a comment that the upcoming sub-compact SUV would have to use a unique aesthetic that breaks from the look seen on the slightly larger Tucson SUV. As Zuchowski points out, youthful buyers would end up rejecting Hyundai’s Juke Fighter if it just looks like a miniaturized Tucson.
So then – we know what it won’t look like. Where can we gather more clues?
Some rumors point to the Intrado Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2014. While offering a look at Hyundai’s hydrogen ambitions, the Intrado also gave us a look at the brand’s “Fluidic Sculpture 2.0” styling language, characterized by a high stance, large wheels, a coupe-like roofline, and a bold fascia.
While a production-ready model (left) will undoubtedly get toned down significantly compared to the Intrado Concept (right,) it’s helpful to see Hyundai’s ideal look when examining the camo’d tester.
Starting in front, we find a honeycomb grille flanked by ultra-thin headlights and high-set fog lights. The fascia would appear to give the car a bold, aggressive look right from the get-go, which is complemented by a high stance and large tires and wheels in the corners.
Moving to the side, the shoulder line is slanted upwards towards the rear, giving the mini-SUV a raked appearance. The roofline is nicely curved, falling back into the rear hatch in a gradual bend.
In back, the headlights are also high on the body, and appear to include LED strips and thinly shaped housings that jut out from the sides. Finally, a single exhaust tip appears to be located on the right-hand side.
It definitely looks like this thing has the potential to look good, but for now, it’s hard to pinpoint anything definite.
Interior
Inside the upcoming mini-SUV, I think it’s safe to assume something similar to the exterior, with a toned-down version of the Intrada calling the shots. That said, the production sub-compact crossover will need to tone down the Concept’s cabin significantly, as many of the awesome features (oblong steering wheel, copious digital screen and gauges, rear captain’s seats, etc.) are unlikely to make it past the chopping block.
What I would like to see is the inclusion of at least a central touchscreen and a simplification of the controls across the dashboard. It’s okay if Hyundai decides to pull a little from the i30 or Tucson, but to attract Gen Y, it’s gonna need a little more futuristic gloss, and a little less of the rental vibe.
The production sub-compact crossover will need to tone down the Concept’s cabin (shown here) significantly, as many of the awesome features are unlikely to make it past the chopping block.
I’d also like to see an extensive customization program, with the fabric upholstery offered in a plethora of colors and patters. These customizable features should extend to the dash, door panels, and central tunnel, not to mention the rear bench. For inspiration, Hyundai should look to the Nissan Juke Color Studio program.
Infotainment will also be critical, and Hyundai’s Juke fighter will need to get all the latest bells and whistles buyers expect in the segment in order to be competitive. That means Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free calling and streaming audio, an auxiliary audio input, USB inputs, phone charging in front and back, 12-volt outlets, and extensive app support. And if I’m not mistaken, there’s a rear backup camera already equipped, or at least it looks like that’s what’s peaking out from just above the rear license plate.
Safety wise, I expect the basics in terms of semi-autonomous features, with stuff like lane-keep assist, automatic cruise control, adaptive headlights, and automatic braking at least making the options list.
As far as practicality is concerned, I’m guessing Hyundai’s Juke fighter won’t come with a whole lot of space in back, especially with a more stylish roofline. But that’s okay – this thing is more about showing off and enjoying your ride, not hauling stuff around.
Drivetrain
Making Hyundai’s Juke Fighter go will most likely be a selection of engines plucked from the i30 hatchback line. That means there should be both diesel and gas engines on the menu, at least in overseas markets.
Starting things off is a 1.6-liter gasoline engine offering 128 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 116 pound-feet of torque at 4,850 rpm. Next up is a 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 134 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 192 pound feet of torque at 1,500 rpm. Finally, there’s a 1.8-liter gas engine that pumps out 148 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4,700 rpm.
Given the current perception of diesel powertrains in the U.S., I’d expect stateside versions of Hyundai’s Juke fighter to stick with the range-topping 1.8-liter gas engine as the only powerplant option.
Given the current perception of diesel powertrains in the U.S., I’d expect stateside versions of Hyundai’s Juke fighter to stick with the range-topping 1.8-liter gas engine as the only powerplant option.
However, transmission options should open it up a bit, with either a six-speed automatic, or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic making the options list. Elsewhere, there should be a six-speed manual as well (most likely as an option on the diesel Euro-spec).
Base models will come with FWD as standard, but AWD should be available as well.
Chassis And Handling
Under the skin, you’ll find the same underpinnings as the i20, a.k.a. the Hyundai-Kia PB platform. This is the same platform that’s used for the Kia Venga, Kia Soul, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Hyundai Veloster.
Making it handle should be a MacPherson strut front suspension, although this won’t really be the kind of car you’d use to attack any corners. Stops should come courtesy of four-wheel disc brakes, while the usual safety stuff (ABS, EBD, stability control, traction control, etc.) should all come as standard equipment.
Prices
Rumors point towards a worldwide debut for Hyundai’s Juke Fighter sometime in 2017, with sales ramping up soon afterwards as a 2018 model year.
As you might expect, pricing should slot in around squarely with the Nissan Juke, which currently starts at $20,250. I’d say $18,995 sounds about right.
Competition
Nissan Juke
When it comes to funky, small crossovers, the Nissan Juke is the go-to answer. Making 188 horsepower thanks to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, it’s pretty zippy as well, hitting 60 mph in less than seven seconds. Odds are Hyundai’s answer won’t have the power to out-muscle it, which means it’s gonna need to beat it with features and price.
Read the full review here.
Renault Captur
Venture over to Europe or the U.K., and you’re likely to cross paths with the Renault Captur. Offering two-tone exterior paint and a number of options for customization, the Captur is right in line with the youth-oriented philosophy of the Juke and Hyundai’s Juke Fighter. Power comes from a variety of diesel and gasoline engines, including a 1.4-liter oil burner producing 90 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.
Read more about the Renault Captur here.
Conclusion
The crossover market is still unbelievably popular here in the states, especially when the model in question comes equipped with loads of tech, an efficient powertrain, and slick styling. Hyundai is smart to be looking to add to this segment with a smaller crossover offering, and to style it after the Juke should make for a solid contender. The real key will be standard features and price – if it arrives for a few thousand under the Nissan with more gear and an attractive exterior, it should play remarkably well with target audiences.