Kona more than just a Kia clone

I HAD a close shave with this week’s test. Not in the pranging sense, but in the clanger department.

I assumed the Hyundai Kona shared the same platform with the recently tested Kia Stonic.

It’s a logical assumption – Hyundai and Kia are part of the same group. Both are compact SUVS and companies like to, wherever possible, save money by sharing major components.

Especially the most expensive one to develop and make. But no, the Hyundai is not like the Stonic (based on the Kia Rio), but uses an entirely new chassis. Unlike the Kia, Hyundai’s Kona is available as both a front-wheel-drive car and four-wheel drive.

When you choose the former you get a simple torsion beam rear suspension, and when you order 4WD your car comes with a more sophisticated multi-link rear axle. This is one of the reasons why the Kona has its own chassis. The other is that from later next year there will be an all-electric version.

Also coming next year will be two diesel engines. Unless the Government starts listening to Hyundai Kona 1.0 Premium four-door crossover

Price: £18,580

Engine: 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, 118bhp 0-62mph: 12sec Fuel consumption: 56.5mpg

people who know what they’re talking about (unlikely), the diesel pogrom will continue and buying a diesel car will not be a wise move. Stick then with the current petrol choices of a 118bhp threecylinder turbo or a 1.6 turbo unit that produces 175bhp.

The more powerful of the two motors comes with 4WD and, since most buyers will opt for twowheel drive, we’re testing a Kona