SPOILED FOR CHOICE

2022-09-24 - DAVID MCCOWEN

VALUE

Choosing a new Hyundai Kona isn’t easy. Hyundai’s high-riding alternative to the i30 hatchback has a broad array of models – you can pick front-wheel-drive or all-wheel traction, conventional or turbo petrol models or even electric power.

All up, there are no less than 10 models with distinctly different prices, trim levels and performance.

The range starts with the Hyundai Kona, priced from $29,490 drive-away. We climbed one rung up the ladder and tested the updated Hyundai Kona Active priced from about $32,300 drive-away.

Recently tweaked with a new front-end design, updated safety features and a fresh transmission, the Kona Active counts an 8.0inch touchscreen, wireless charging, Apple Carplay and Android Auto among its standard features.

There’s a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloy wheels but no satnav or a digital radio.

COMFORT

Every drive in the Kona Active starts with the twist of a manual key, as opposed to a more modern push-button start.

It scores points for having leather trim on the steering wheel, gear knob and seats.

Back-seaters get a USB power outlet and a fold-down centre armrest but have to negotiate airconditioning terms with the pilot, as the Kona makes do with single-zone manual airconditioning controlled from the front seat.

Australian Kona models have the convenience of an electronic parking brake, along with a locally-tweaked suspension tune that returns predictable handling with a surprisingly comfortable ride.

SAFETY

Mid-life tweaks to Hyundai’s compact crossover saw the introduction of auto emergency braking, active cruise control and lane following assistance to every Kona model.

But you miss out on blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and safe-exit assistance features at this price point. If they are musthaves, budget a further $3400 for a mid-grade Kona Elite.

Tyre pressure monitors are a welcome feature, though we’re less convinced by a driver attention monitoring system that interprets subtle changes in course (to avoid pot holes or road debris) as cause for alarm.

Interestingly, Kona pilots can leave the reversing camera on all the time while driving – a feature that could come in handy if the boot is stuffed to the ceiling with cargo.

DRIVING

Petrol Kona models are divided between naturally aspirated 2.0-litre models with relatively rudimentary suspension and more up-market turbo versions with snappy dualclutch gearboxes and more sophisticated underpinnings.

The Active lies on the basic side of the equation, making do with a 2.0-litre, 110kw/180nm motor mated to a new CVT automatic transmission. Hyundai’s CVT uses eight stepped ratios to simulate the behaviour of a conventional auto. It works well for the most part but occasionally needs a bit of thinking time before delivering forward thrust.

The engine is an unremarkable unit that needs revs on board to deliver progress. It’s effective enough in town but doesn’t impress away from city limits, where overtaking requires patience.

ALTERNATIVES KIA SELTOS SPORT, FROM $32,790 DRIVEAWAY

Hyundai’s small softroader has a model range to suit all tastes and budgets

The Seltos has won fans over with its blend of space and equipment, plus a long warranty. HONDA HR-V, FROM $36,700 DRIVE-AWAY Not cheap, but well equipped and interesting to look at.