THE NEW HYUNDAI Kona compact crossover has been officially launched in Ireland with a starting price of €20,995. It will compete with the likes of the Nissan Juke and Renault Captur.

It is priced higher than its in-house rival, the Kia Stonic, but the Kona is slightly roomier and has a newer, better engine.

In terms of styling, it is some of the most adventurous we’ve seen from the Korean manufacturer, and the model is most definitely aimed at a younger buyer.

That entry-level price of €20,995 will get you a ‘Comfort’ model with the latest 120hp 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol turbo engine under the bonnet mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, LED daytime running lights and roof rails, as well as a five-inch touchscreen, air conditioning, cruise control, lane keeping assist and a driver fatigue warning.

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One trim level up is ‘Executive’ (priced from €22,995 and likely to be the best seller) which features 17-inch alloys, a larger seven-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic air con and a rear view camera. This trim level is also powered by the 120hp 1.0-litre T-GDI.

The top trim level is ‘Premium’ (priced from €25,995 for the 1.0-litre T-GDI) and features 18-inch alloys, leather interior, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Front Parking Assist System. At this trim level there is an option of a 1.6-litre T-GDI petrol engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission starting at €29,995.

The two-tone roof pack is available on every trim for an additional €600.

Co2 emissions start at 117g/km for the 1.0-litre T-GDI in Comfort and Executive trim (tax Band A4, €200 a year), and rise to 125g/km for the 1.0-litre T-GDI in Premium trim (tax Band B1, €270 a year) and top out at 153g/km for the 1.6-litre T-GDI automatic (tax Band C, €390 a year).

There will be a 1.6-litre diesel offered at some stage next year as well as an electric version, too.