Hyundai Kona 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Named after the Kona Coast in Hawaii, Hyundai will be hoping its first compact SUV will surf to the top of the sales charts. (Highlander variant pictured)

Its eight-variant line-up consists of four model grades – Active, Active with Safety Pack, Elite and Highlander. (Highlander variant pictured)

The Kona will go head-to-head with the sales-leading Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai among others. (Highlander variant pictured)

Hyundai Australia has introduced its first-ever compact SUV to the local market, with the Kona kicking off from $24,500 before on-road costs.

Its eight-variant line-up consists of four model grades – Active, Active with Safety Pack, Elite and Highlander – with two petrol powertrain options for each trim level.

The entry-level 2.0-litre 'MPi' naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces 110kW of power at 6200rpm and 180Nm of torque at 4500rpm.

Three driving modes – 'Comfort', 'Eco' and 'Sport' – are standard on every Kona.

With drive exclusively sent to the front wheels via a six-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission, atmo variants can sprint from zero to 100km/h in 10.0 seconds while drinking a claimed 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test.

Alternatively, the 1.6-litre 'T-GDi' turbocharged four-pot powerplant punches out 130kW at 5500rpm and 265Nm from 1500rpm to 4500rpm.

Paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, variants fitted with the turbo unit can complete the triple-digit dash in 7.9s while sipping 6.7L/100km.

This T-GDi option adds $3500 to the MPi's asking price, except for on the flagship Highlander model grade where the difference in cost is $3000.

Three driving modes – 'Comfort', 'Eco' and 'Sport' – are standard on every Kona and allow the driver to adjust throttle, transmission, steering and engine settings.

Checking in from $24,500, the Active trim level includes 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, six airbags, reversing camera, rear park assist, tyre pressure monitoring, 16-inch alloy wheels, 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, 3.5-inch digital instrument cluster, leather steering wheel and gear shifter, cruise control, power windows and roof rails.

For an additional $1500, the 'Safety Pack' adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, driver attention warning and power-folding, heated side mirrors.

Starting from $28,500, the Elite model grade's equipment levels extend to 17-inch rims, leather-appointed seats, keyless entry/start, climate control, rear privacy glass, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, front-row seat back pockets, 'Carbon Grey' grille and exterior cladding, side garnish insert, rear skid plate and a luggage net.

Priced from $33,000, the Highlander trim level features 18-inch alloys, LED head- and tail-lights, front park assist, high beam assist, head-up display, power ventilated/heated front seats, 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, auto-dimming rearview mirror, smartphone wireless charging and a heated steering wheel.

There are nine exterior paints colours – 'Phantom Black', 'Chalk White', 'Lake Silver', 'Dark Knight', 'Pulse Red', 'Tangerine Comet', 'Acid Yellow', 'Blue Lagoon' and 'Ceramic Blue' – to choose from, with premium hues attracting a $595 charge.

The Kona will go head-to-head with the sales-leading Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai among others.

Additionally, a two-tone roof – coloured either 'Phantom Black' or 'Dark Knight' – can be added to the Elite and Highlander model grades for $295.

Service intervals are 12 months/15,000km for the MPi and 12 months/10,000km for the T-GDi, with the former costing $1395 over a five-year period, while the latter costs $1405.

Every Kona comes with Hyundai's five year/unlimited kilometre factory warranty as standard.

Having entered the highly competitive compact SUV segment, the Kona will go head-to-head with the sales-leading Mitsubishi ASX, Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai among others.