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Hyundai has released two teaser images of its forthcoming Kona sub-compact SUV - the fastest-growing sector of the market - and it could be argued the Korean manufacturer is a little slow in joining the supermini/SUV party, a sector the Nissan Juke pioneered seven years ago.
Hyundai's new model is named after the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the firm claimed the island's projected lifestyle and image matches that of the car's character.
Little is known about the forthcoming SUV other than its name and that it will fit into the small crossover segment.
That means the new model could share its underpinnings with the firm's i20 supermini. This puts it against rivals such as the forthcoming Ibiza-based Arona crossover, the Nissan Juke, Peugeot 2008 and Renault Captur, while the car could make its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show in the Autumn.
No announcements have been made regarding engines as of yet, but the firm's 120hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol and a 94hp 1.4-litre diesel could be used.
The new model will join the firm's existing range of SUVs, which currently consists of the Grand Santa Fe, Santa Fe and Tucson, and Hyundai said the Kona "features a progressive style that reflects the lifestyle of modern customers."
Said to be an important milestone for the brand, Hyundai claimed the launch of the Kona would help it become the leading Asian brand in Europe by 2021 as it ramps up a new product offensive which will see 30 new models and derivatives in the next four years.
Hyundai also said the model is a "true SUV" and that the vehicle will "build on Hyundai's SUV credibility" which could suggest the vehicle may have the option of four-wheel drive and could share technology with the brand's larger SUVs - in contrast to the likes of the Juke which is marketed with a focus on those in towns and cities.
We expect the Kona to go on sale either at the end of 2017 or the beginning of 2018, likely to be priced from £16,500.
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