Hyundai have launched the second generation of their Kona mid-size SUV and it’s in dealers now around the country.
While the styling takes on elements of the bigger Tucson, particularly at the front, it’s clear to see that the new car is substantially bigger than before and there’s real space now for rear seat passengers, making the Kona ideal as a family car.
There’s a band that runs the full length of the leading edge of the bonnet, which gives the new model a very distinctive look and on N Line trim, this band is also illuminated. It’s complemented by a similar lighting band at the rear of the car.
For now, there are two engine options, a 1.0 litre petrol turbo, which comes with a six speed manual gearbox and a 1.6 litre petrol hybrid, which of course is automatic.
There will be no diesel option and a full EV will arrive later this year, possibly around September or October.
In the last five years, the outgoing Kona sold over 12,000 units, becoming the number two seller in the segment, behind the Toyota CH-R. Of those, the majority sold were standard ICE cars but the mix will probably change for this generation, particularly once the EV comes on stream.
We started out in the 1.6 hybrid and it proved a nice, easy driver, with plenty of power available when it was needed.
The cabin of the Kona has also been substantially upgraded with good quality materials and a pleasing design. Instrumentation is provided by a digital cluster up to 12.3” in size and an additional 12.3” infotainment touch screen. The Kona introduces an infra-red ‘camera’, which observes the driver and warns of drowsiness. This is just one of a suite of safety systems, smart parking and lane keeping assist which are all fitted as standard across the range.
The extra space inside is evident and when you look at the figures, they back up the feeling of space. The wheelbase is almost identical to that of the larger Tucson so even with the front seats occupied, there’s plenty of leg room in the back. Even so, there’s a generous 466 litres of boot space available. In an underfloor area, the 1.0 litre cars get a spare wheel while the hybrids are provided with a tyre fixing kit, although there’s a facility to replace this with a spare wheel.
You can now connect to your car via the Bluelink Smartphone app and over the air upgrades to the car’s software are also available.
We briefly tried the 1.0 litre turbo and even with four of us in the car, there was no lack of power. It produces 120bhp against the hybrid’s 141bhp.
Trim and Equipment
There are three trim levels available: Signature, Elegance and N Line, which adds a sporty feel, although mechanically there are no changes.
Standard equipment across the range includes 16” alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control with smart stop/go, LED headlamps and rear lights, smart beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth with Android Auto and Apple Carplay, parking camera and the full suite of safety systems.
Elegance trim adds items including 17” alloy wheels, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, privacy glass, power folding mirrors, 12.3” driver cluster, wireless and a charging pad.
The sporty N Line trim adds 18” alloys, an N Line exterior and interior pack and N Line seating with red stitching.
Pricing
Prices start from €30,895 which gets you the Signature model with a 1.0 litre turbo engine. A similar Elegance model costs €31,995 with N-Line trim coming in at €34,395.
The 1.6 hybrid starts at €34,295 for the Signature model, with Elegance trim costing €36,045.
