2023 Hyundai Kona takes shape as latest render reveals possible design direction of larger Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan Qashqai small SUV rival

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is set to get a sharper new look, if these latest renders are anything to go by.

The render, published by The Korean Car Blog, was produced by NYMammoth, and was based on spy pics of the second-generation Kona that were taken while it was undergoing cold-weather testing.

While they are just renderings, it gives us an idea of what the next Kona could look like.

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When the first-generation Kona was revealed in mid-2017, the exterior design was polarising, largely due to the separated slimline LED daytime running lights (DRL) and low-set headlights, as well as the dominant grille treatment making for a busy front end.

Hyundai address this to some degree with the 2020 mid-life facelift, but the next-gen small SUV could smooth out those lines even further.

In the render, the split headlight treatment remains, but it’s more in keeping with the facelift, and the headlights are still integrated into the chunky wheel-arch cladding. The LED DRLs are incorporated into an open bonnet line above the Hyundai badge and the grille is more aggressive than the current model.

Previously revealed spy images reveal that the next Kona will grow in size, which isn’t a bad thing given the current model is one of the smaller offerings among its small SUV rivals.

A longer wheelbase will give it mode occupant space and potentially a larger boot.

The interior should get an upgrade too, with bigger digital screens expected.

The Kona underwent a mid-life facelift that arrived in Australia in 2021.

A new version of the Kona Electric is rumoured to be coming too, and it will match the underpinnings of the forthcoming second-generation Kia Niro EV.

It’s unclear if Hyundai will produce a second-gen Kona N hot SUV, or if the new Kona will be offered with a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The new small SUV should make its debut early in 2023 ahead of a rumoured European production kick-off in the first half of 2023.

Kona sales grew by 1.9 per cent in Australia last year to 12,748 units, making it the fourth best-selling mainstream small SUV behind the MG ZS (18,423), Mitsubishi ASX (14,746), Mazda CX-30 (13,309).

The Kona, along with a number of other Hyundai models, copped a slight price increase in early February due to ongoing supply chain issues affecting global production.