Kona has style to ride SUV sales wave
Korean maker’s new SUV has the looks. But does it have the substance? Damien O’Carroll decides.
Small SUVs are the thing to have in the range for a carmaker these days. Hyundai has done rather well with its mid-size Tucson (and prior to that the remarkably popular iX35) and staggeringly well with the large Santa Fe, so the decision to reach down into the smaller segment with the funky and brilliantly named Kona really is a no-brainer for the Korean company.
A hugely popular and stylistically interesting segment means you can take a few risks in a styling sense, but also need to deliver a convincing package to stand out. So has Hyundai managed it with the Kona?
It certainly seems to have found a sweet spot with the styling – a basically conventional shape with a whole bunch of interesting and daring features over the top.
The interesting and daring bits are the highlight of the Kona’s looks. The bold wheel arches dominate the sides and the way they also integrate with the headlights at the front and backing lights/indicators at the rear is superb.
That’s right, those angular lights up top at the front are the daytime running lights.
The nose is distinctive, with the narrow DRLs and brilliant little intake above the main grille giving an almost split-level look to the front of the little Kona.
The Kona has come to New Zealand in two models, with two specification levels each.
The entry car is FWD only and powered by Hyundai’s naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque.
The AWD version is powered by the Korean company’s excellent little 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 130kW and 265Nm.
The FWD 2.0-little model has a six-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD 1.6 gets a sevenspeed automated dual-clutch transmission. Both models are available in entry and up-spec Elite variants.
The entry model comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, split cloth and artificial leather upholstery, manual air conditioning, keyless entry, electrically adjustable folding side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights and a backing camera.
The entry FWD car starts the pricing off at an impressive $31,990, while the turbo AWD ups that to $36,990.
The Elite model adds 18-inch wheels, a full leather interior, electrically adjustable heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, a heads-up display, LED tail-lights, climate control and rear privacy glass.
The 2WD Elite lands at the same price as the entry AWD at $36,990, while the turbo AWD Elite tops the range at $41,990.
Both versions of the Kona are packed with standard safety and driver assist features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, emergency autonomous braking, lane keep assist and driver attention monitoring.
Neither model of the Kona has standard fitment of satellite navigation, instead relying on the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone projection on all models.
The phone mirroring and standard infotainment system are complimented by Hyundai’s new Auto Link connected driver app – again, available on Apple and Android devices – that allows realtime connectivity to the Kona’s onboard computers to display everything from vehicle diagnostics to driving statistics and parking information.
On the road the Kona in both its guises feels well-planted and nicely settled over New Zealand’s unpredictable road surfaces.
Steering response is lively and feel is good, without being startlingly so.
The AWD 1.6-litre car has a distinct advantage through the corners, with a lighter nose, more powerful and responsive engine and a multi-link rear end making it noticeably sharper and more responsive than the 2.0-litre car and its torsion-beam rear suspension setup.
However, the FWD 2.0-litre car would appear to have an advantage around town, with its conventional six-speed auto being more decisive and smoother than the AWD’s DCT.
Both possess an excellent and well-controlled ride both around town and out on open roads, as well as a comfortable and refined cabin.
Speaking of the cabin, you might want to consider some of the more adventurous colour options (several bright alternatives for the stitching, seatbelts and trim highlights), because, while the standard interior is nicely designed, it’s unrelentingly black without the optional colour.
While it doesn’t exactly break any new ground, the Kona is a thoroughly convincing package that looks great and has the equipment, pricing and abilities to take on the best.