Hyundai Styx 2019: Sub-Kona SUV confirmed for Australia

Hyundai is rumored to debut a new sub-Kona SUV at April’s New York motor show, which may be called Styx. Aimed mostly at North America and Australia, the Styx has been confirmed for local release in the second half of 2019. 

Rumoured to be under 4.0 metres in length and offered in front-wheel drive only, the Styx will be priced below the Kona, which lists from $23,500 before on-road costs in Australia.

Not much else is known about the Styx at this time, though its model codename is QX and that could potentially be its name in Australia. 

It’s likely to take its styling cues from the HND-14 'Carlino' concept car that debuted at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo, which featured a boxy body and details such as small LED tail-lights and a large glasshouse. 

Competing at the entry-point to the small SUV class, the Styx has been developed with cars such as the Ford EcoSport and overseas Nissan Kicks in mind. 

It’s likely to use the same platform as the overseas Hyundai i20, and will likely serve as the basis for a Kia equivalent within time. 

Internationally, a wide range of engines will be offered with the Styx, including a 1.2-litre petrol, a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel and a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol. 

Within a few years of the Styx’s release, an electric version is expected as well. Down Under, we expect just the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol to be offered, though the electric version could be sold here too.

Hyundai Australia has confirmed the Styx will be launched locally with public relations specialist Tatiana Suchecki explaining: “Yes, the ‘QX’ will be available locally in the second half of 2019.”

While the Styx will be made in markets such as India, we expect Australian-spec Styx models to come from South Korea, and feature a higher level of equipment and safety features than the Indian model. 

Does the idea of a sub-Kona SUV tempt you into buying a small SUV? Let us know in the comments below.