Hyundai Kona named City Car of the Year at 2023 Hispanic Motor Press Awards

MANILA: The Hyundai Kona was hailed as the City Car of the Year in the 2023 Hispanic Motor Press Awards. The 13th annual awards program recognized the best vehicles for Hispanic customers based on design, driving pleasure, technology, safety, environmental impact, mechanical dependability, and value.

“At Hyundai, we continuously strive to address the needs of today’s automotive buyers, and this award further validates that our class-leading vehicles are resonating with Hispanic consumers. Kona offers our consumers sporty and eco-focused powertrain options combined with advanced technology, upgraded connectivity, generous convenience and comprehensive safety features,” Hyundai Motor North America Vice President for Product Planning and Mobility Strategy Olabisi Boyle stated.

“Hyundai continues to deliver quality vehicles with the right combination of technology and attributes that are important for Hispanic drivers,” Hispanic Motor Press Foundation Founder and President Ricardo Rodriguez-Long said. “The 2023 Kona available with different powertrain options ranging from a zero-emission electric, turbo, sporty N-line or high-performance N model, provides the right balance to appeal to a diverse set of Hispanic consumers and their families seeking a fun, stylish, spacious, and safe vehicle perfect for city driving.”

The Hyundai Kona has been highly recognized by different international award-giving bodies for a number of attributes — exceptional performance, comfort, and safety features. It is also known for its head-turning looks and cozy interior.

The Hyundai Kona features a separated headlight design with LED automatic headlights, front fog lamps, and daytime running lights. The roof-mounted center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) and LED taillights further improve illumination and visibility on the road.

On the inside, the Hyundai Kona is equipped with a 10.25-inch color touchscreen with AM/FM, SiriusXM, and Onboard Navigation. To enhance driving comfort, the Hyundai Kona comes with an eight-way power driver's seat. The vehicle is also equipped with 60:40 split back folding rear seats to provide additional luggage space when needed.

The Hyundai Kona’s audio system also comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility so occupants can stream their favorite playlist on the road. It is also equipped with Harman Kardon premium audio with Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology for an even more enhanced in-cabin music streaming experience. The driver can also conveniently manage the playlist while driving, using the audio and Bluetooth controls on the steering wheel.

Other notable cabin features include ambient lighting, automatic temperature control, cabin air filter, storage tray, rear center armrest with cup holders, bottle holders, 12-volt accessory power outlet, and wireless device charging.

To ensure that each occupant is highly protected in the event of a collision, the Hyundai Kona is equipped with dual front airbags and side airbags. It also comes standard with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TCS) and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Individual Tire Indicator.

Active safety features include Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Highway Driving Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning.

The Hispanic Motor Press Awards is the premier independent Hispanic awards given in the US to help the Hispanic community choose the best vehicles available. The jury panel for this year's awards is made up of 22 national Hispanic journalists, content creators, and influencers who evaluated vehicles while taking quality, dependability, style, safety, technology, and value into consideration.

Photo from Hyundai

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