SPONSORED: The small SUV section is bursting on the seams. Each model has a participant, however few have struck the identical chord with Aussie patrons because the Hyundai Kona – and after dwelling with the most recent technology, it’s apparent why.
In a sea of sameness, the Kona is totally different. It doesn’t simply comply with tendencies – it boldly veers off-course, setting a brand new design benchmark in a section that usually performs it secure.
An idea automobile for the suburbs
That daring, ultra-modern front-end, punctuated by Hyundai’s Seamless Horizon Lighting – a full-width LED strip straight from the Ioniq playbook – units the tone.
There’s nothing conservative about it. It’s clear, sculpted, progressive… It’s a really cool gentle signature that’s simply as visually fascinating on the rear.
Look nearer and also you’ll discover cut up LED headlight clusters up entrance, sculpted wheel-arches, and even lively aero flaps instead of a conventional grille.
It seems like an idea automobile dropped at life – not in 2030, however now. And in eye-catching hues just like the Soultronic Orange paint you see right here, it’s prone to generate FOMO.
The N Line edge
Need extra edge? The N Line bundle dials up the aggression, including unique bumpers and facet skirts, plus twin exhaust retailers and a centre-mounted rear-positioning LED.
Inside, it’s simply as sharp. There’s high quality leather-based and Alcantara trim, darkish metallic accents, and sporty touches that wouldn’t look misplaced in a sizzling hatch.
And, crucially, the N Line appear and feel isn’t locked away just for top-end variants. You’ll be able to spec it throughout a number of trim ranges – a intelligent transfer that Hyundai’s rivals haven’t fairly matched.
Inside: Premium with out pretension
Step inside, and the Kona continues to punch properly above its price ticket.
Even the bottom mannequin feels tech-rich and well-finished, with normal options that will’ve been luxuries just a few years in the past – like dual-zone local weather management, Good Cruise Management with cease/go, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, fashionable 18-inch alloys, LED lighting, distant engine begin and each entrance and rear parking sensors.
However go Premium and the entire Kona expertise is noticeably elevated. You get ventilated and powered entrance seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, 64-colour ambient lighting, a BOSE premium audio system, powered tailgate, and Hyundai’s intelligent Distant Good Parking Help – sure, the Kona can reverse itself out of a decent spot whilst you stand beside it. Forwards too.
Even the interface feels high-end. Twin 12.3-inch shows (within the Premium grade) stretch throughout the sprint, providing slick graphics and intuitive menus. The shift-by-wire gear selector not solely seems and feels trendy – it frees up area within the centre tunnel for open storage. All the things feels designed, not simply assembled.
Bluelink: A better connection
Hyundai’s Bluelink related providers come normal throughout the vary and enhance on a regular basis usability.
Forgot to lock your automobile? Do it out of your telephone. Need to begin the engine and funky the cabin earlier than you allow the café? Straightforward. Can’t discover it within the Westfield carpark? Flash the lights and beep the horn remotely – it’s lifeless straightforward.
You’ll be able to even use the sensible key to maneuver the automobile ahead or again into a decent area with out sitting inside. It’s intuitive, seamless and after getting it you received’t need to dwell with out it.
The Kona additionally advantages from over-the-air updates (OTA), delivering the most recent software program (together with new options) wirelessly.
Surprisingly roomy, significantly sensible
Regardless of being underneath 4.4 metres lengthy, the brand new Kona is deceptively spacious.
Hyundai has stretched the wheelbase and widened the cabin, that means extra legroom, headroom and shoulder room for everybody – even with the non-compulsory sunroof. Hip room is up on its predecessor, too.
Cargo area has additionally improved. The boot has grown by 33 litres to 407L, and with the rear seats folded you get an enormous 1241L.
Load peak is decrease and the opening is wider, making it far simpler to deal with groceries, prams or gear. It’s sensible in all the fitting methods.
Powertrains for everybody
The place the Kona actually blows previous its rivals is powertrain variety. There are three distinct drivetrains: a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (with 2WD), a punchy 1.6L turbo-petrol engine (with AWD), and the hero of the lineup – the 1.6L hybrid.
The hybrid affords the perfect of each worlds: sturdy off-the-line efficiency (even in Eco mode), paddle-controlled regenerative braking, and excellent economic system – Hyundai claims simply 3.9L/100km (we noticed 4.0L/100km).
Much more spectacular? You may get the electrified drivetrain from the bottom grade.
There’s additionally an all-electric Kona and it’s out there in a number of trim grades, however the petrol and hybrid variants are compelling sufficient on their very own.
Refined and rewarding
The Kona doesn’t simply appear and feel like a premium automobile – it drives like one, too.
Constructed on Hyundai’s third-generation Okay platform, Hyundai’s newest small SUV is quieter, extra inflexible, and extra responsive than earlier than. Wind and street noise are down thanks to higher insulation – together with sound-absorbing pads underneath the carpet. It’s next-level refinement for the class.
Dealing with is tidy, steering is correct, and the experience consists – whether or not you’re navigating backstreets or chewing via freeway miles. There’s confidence within the chassis and maturity in the best way it responds to Aussie roads.
It’s snug, too, due to the softness of the Alcantara trim and beneficiant seat help, even after hours behind the wheel.
Security with out shortcuts
In fact, all that is backed by a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense security options and 7 airbags.
The lengthy checklist of security options consists of Ahead Collision Avoidance, Lane Following Help, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Visitors Collision Avoidance, Driver Consideration Warning, and Protected Exit Help.
It’s not simply secure – it’s cleverly secure. The suite of Superior Driver Help Techniques (ADAS) work easily and don’t over-police the motive force like some rivals do. Hyundai will get the steadiness just about proper.
Verdict: The brand new benchmark
With its head-turning design, feature-rich cabin, beneficiant area, and unmatched drivetrain selection, the Hyundai Kona feels prefer it belongs in a category of its personal.
It’s premium with out the worth tag, sensible with out being advanced, and sensible with out sacrificing persona.
There actually is a Kona for everybody – from tech-savvy city drivers to households wanting security and area, and hybrid converts demanding effectivity with out compromise. And all of them will discover it genuinely enjoyable to drive.
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