HOW WILL YOU TAKE YOUR KONA?

KONA coffee from Hawaii is one of the most expensive premium coffees in the world; but Hyundai's new Kona is aimed at the budget end of the SUV market, competing against the segment's favourite, the Mazda CX-3.

Joining the Santa Fe and the Tuscon, the Kona is aimed at the B-segment and its Californian-designed body, and small-but powerful turbo engines look set to really shake up the compact SUV segment, wherever it is sold.

Hyundai has its eyes on the USA, Europe and of course Australia - all markets where compact SUVs are making huge sales gains. I think this car will be BIG news for Hyundai.

The Kona will come in two forms initially - both with turbocharged petrol engines. A 1.0L three cylinder will come with a 6-speed manual; and a 1.6L four cylinder will offer Hyundai's inhouse-developed 7DCT (dual clutch) auto.

In addition to the Golf-challenging new Hyundai i30, I believe this new compact SUV has the potential to reshape the compact SUV market.

It's a stylish, contemporary shape, with an equally stylish interior and all the bells and whistles in terms of safety tech, and touchscreen connectivity - including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.