The 2023 Hyundai Kona is taking shape as the latest render shows the possible design direction of the larger Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan Qashqai small SUV.

The render shows the evolution of the design of the first generation Kona. (Image credit: NYMammoth)

The 2023 Hyundai Kona should get a sharper new look, judging by the latest renders.

Render published Korean Automotive Blog, was produced New York Mammoth, and was based on second generation Kona spy photos taken during cold weather testing.

While these are just renders, they give us an idea of what the next Kona could look like.

When the first generation Kona was introduced in mid-2017, the look was polarized, mostly due to separate narrow LED daytime running lights (DRL) and low-set headlights, as well as the dominant grille treatment making the front end busy. the end.

Hyundai is tackling that issue to some extent with the 2020 mid-life facelift, but the next-generation small SUV could smooth those lines even further.

The split headlight treatment remains on the render, but is more in line with the facelift, with the headlights still integrated into the massive wheel arch cladding. LED DRLs are built into the exposed hood line above the Hyundai badge, and the grille is more aggressive than the current model.

Previously released spy images show that the next Kona will grow in size, which is not bad considering the current model is one of the smallest offerings among its small SUV competitors.

The longer wheelbase will give it plenty of room for passengers and possibly a bigger trunk.

The interior is also due to receive an update and large digital screens are expected.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is taking shape as the latest render shows the possible design direction of the larger Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan Qashqai small SUV. The Kona has undergone a mid-life facelift that arrives in Australia in 2021.

Rumor has it that there will be a new version of the Kona Electric, which will match the foundations of the upcoming second-generation Kia Niro EV.

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

The debut of the new small SUV should take place in early 2023, and production in Europe is rumored to begin in the first half of 2023.

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

The Kona, like a number of other Hyundai models, rose slightly in early February due to ongoing supply chain issues affecting global production.