The re-energised Hyundai Kona continues to make waves across the global SUV market with its dynamic design of the future.
With 407-litres of boot space, a futuristic and stylish interior and more efficient fuel consumption while retaining its sporty exterior and interior package, it’s easy to see why the popular Hyundai received the top gong in Carsales’ best small SUV category at the 2023 awards.
While the Kona boasts a very futuristic style, the latest instalment also builds on the previous generation Kona with a wider vehicle platform to complement the SUV’s striking aesthetics look inside and out.
At the head of the vehicle a thin LED strip graces the width of the Kona above the traditional beam lighting which is neatly housed in stylish unit, while N Line Option body-coloured cladding sweeps the side profile of the vehicle which sports new geometric lines along both the front and rear doors to tie in the vehicle’s wider platform.
Rounding out the rear of the vehicle is a matching LED strip light across the entirety of the hatch which sweeps around to the sides of the Kona.
All-new ‘minimalistic’ badging also graces the vehicle’s exterior, helping tie in the futuristic styling.
While a number of N Line paintwork options including Ultimate Red, Abyss Black, Soultronic Orange, Atlas White and Neoteric all look great and show off the exterior body lines, the Cyber Grey package as pictured is my personal favourite and while it looks great on a gloomy Mount Gambier day, once you see it glistening in the sunshine is when the colour really pops.
The Kona N Line Option package adds an additional touch of spice to the sporty new-look SUV, with the addition of specific N Line edition 19-inch alloy wheels, high beam assist, LED front headlights in a black bezel, LED rear tail lamps with a tinted lens, silver painted N Line skidplate, N Line steering wheel and gear knob as well as leather and suede trim and a 10.25-inch supervision cluster.
The Kona N Line tested is equipped with a 2.0-litre SmartStream petrol engine IVT front-wheel drivetrain, but for those wanting a bit more punch or less environmental impact, there are turbocharged, hybrid and full electric variants available, so no matter what power delivery you are after, you will not be disappointed.
The power delivery from the petrol 2.0-litre Kona N Line is smooth and precise, with plenty of punch in all driving modes around town and on the open road with a combined fuel consumption of 6.6 litres per hundred kilometres providing impressive economy.
The way the vehicle handles and the lightness and response of the steering is also to be commended, making zipping in and out of tight spaces a breeze with the aid of a host of sensors and high-quality reverse camera.
Despite being in the ‘small SUV’ class, there is no shortage of storage and occupant space inside the cabin.
With the front seat positioned nicely for a reasonably tall pair of front occupants there is still ample leg room in the back and an impressive amount of rear head room for taller passengers, while the front of the Kona is also very spacious.
A host of USB-C charging ports are available up front as well as a wireless charging pad, two rear USB-C ports and even a 180W 12V plug for those devices that need a solid whack of juice to get the charge rates up.
A high-quality six-speaker stereo system is also included to project audio from the on-board infotainment system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as multi-bluetooth connectivity, while a dual zone climate control system is included across the entire Kona range.
The manufacturers Bluelink technology is also helping to keep owners connected in the digital age which has quickly taken over our day to day lives.
Touted as the next evolution of a super-connected lifestyle, Hyundai Bluelink allows you to keep check of the Kona’s features anywhere, anytime right from your fingertips via a smartphone application.
From checking tyre pressures and battery voltage, to ensuring windows and doors are locked or closed to planning your journey or remotely controlling your vehicle’s climate control system and much, much more, Bluelink puts the power back into owners hands.
For those looking for an increased suite of features on top of the already highly-specced N Line package, the Kona Premium N Line adds a Bose 8-speaker premium audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, mood lighting, 10-way power drivers seat satellite navigation, smart power tailgate and leather interior just to mention a few items from the lengthy list of additions.
You cannot fault the all-new Hyundai Kona and the way the manufacturer continues to push the boundaries into the future is exciting to see.
There is plenty more than can be said about this vehicle, but the best way to find out is to pop down and see the team to explore the Kona range for yourself.
For a full run down on the full range of all-new Kona vehicles in the Hyundai stable, visit the team at Barry Maney Hyundai at 43 Percy Street, Mount Gambier or contact the team on 8721 3412 to find out more today.
