Hyundai has lifted the lid on the all-new Kona, with the small SUV re-imagined and re-designed from the ground up to revolutionise the automotive market.
With a bold and dynamic new design, the Hyundai Kona is built for the future with a completely new look inside and out while boasting an increased ‘living space’ and a selection of three powertrains.
Exploring the future in the present, The SE Voice was invited down to Barry Maney Hyundai to get a glimpse of the new Kona N Line in all of its glory – and it did not disappoint.
While hints of the previous generation Kona remain, there is no denying the new instalment boasts a striking new look from front to back, 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.
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 1.6-litre SmartStream G1.6 T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine and 8-speed automatic AWD drivetrain, while a SmartStream G2.0 Atkinson petrol engine is also available mated to Hyundai’s SmartStream IVT FWD driveline.
For those looking for something from the hybrid vehicle range, the manufacturer’s 1.6.-litre SmartStream G1.6 GDi Hybrid engine is available with a 6-speed DCT FWD driveline. No matter what power delivery system you opt for you will not be disappointed.
With that being said, the instant power available from the turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine we experienced packed a punch in all driving modes without being intimidating and remaining the perfect drive for the daily commute or trips down the street.
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.
Pricing for the Hyundai Kona starts at $35,417.53 driveaway, with the Kona N Line starting at $39,577.33 for the 2-litre FWD variant and $43,737.53 for the turbocharged SUV.
For those looking for an increased suite of features, the Kona Premium 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 can’t 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 experience it 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.
