Hyundai Kona 1.0 T-GDI
Bright young thing shouldn’t get lost in the crossover crowd
Compact crossover rated
t’s been a while coming, but if you’ve been waiting for Hyundai to offer a compact crossover, then now is the moment. The Kona – a rival to the Stonic of sister brand Kia (see right) – is not only Hyundai’s first example of this hot-selling species, but also the first car from the company on this particular new platform. Evidence of its modernity is to be found beneath the boot floor, and in an electrical architecture that includes an extensive suite of electronic safety features, a head-up display and three infotainment grades.
The rear end’s modernity lies in its ability to accommodate the battery pack for next year’s electricpowered Kona, as well as the multilink axle offered with the all-wheeldrive version; lesser models are fitted with a simpler torsion beam axle.
More obviously striking than these technical niceties is a colour palette far brighter than Hyundai’s usual offering, your choice matched by the upholstery stitching and various decor elements in an otherwise rather black cabin.
The UK best-seller will be the 118bhp petrol 1.0 turbo triple coupled to a six-speed transmission. A broad torque spread ensures adequate-tobrisk performance and, when the triple’s worked hard, a pleasingly energetic beat. A slick gearchange complements it too.
The Kona tackles corners with early zeal, the steering’s response initially quite quick, although tighter turns demand more lock than expected given that sharper turn-in. Roll is fended off pretty effectively and, if the Kona is hardly a keen driver’s delight, it’s certainly game for being hustled.
Spain’s well-graded roads revealed little of the Hyundai’s absorbency potential, but the odd bump and limited roll suggest a ride that rounds off more than it soaks up. But all the usual noise sources are well muff led.
Those banished to the back will find an adequate helping of space, the storage of any luggage eased by the boot’s sill-free flat floor, which stays that way when the split backrests are dropped to extend it.
The Kona is unquestionably a contender in this fast-expanding class. The dark interior is disappointing and the ride will probably feel firm at times, but this is an attractively styled, pleasingly hued crossover that scores with well-sorted fundamentals and an unusually wide range of electronic features. Expect it to become a regular sight on our roads.