Introducing the Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a five-door crossover that boasts head-turning good looks and a practical interior. The Kona is the South Korean marque’s smallest SUV yet and is sure to be a popular choice for style-conscious and adventurous motorists.

Performance

A standard-issue 1.0-litre petrol 118bhp engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, delivering 175Nm of torque, while returning as much as just over 53 mpg. Also available is a 1.6-litre 175 bhp turbocharged unit, which is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This produces a peak torque of 265Nm and 0-60 mph in approximately 7.7 seconds.

The Kona can also be selected with four-wheel drive, ensuring that it lives up to its go-anywhere handsomeness. A 1.6-litre diesel engine is being prepared for the vehicle, but it’s not clear at this point if this will become available to UK models.

Engine Specifications​​

1.0 T-Gi

• 6 Speed Manual
• Petrol
• Transmission - 2WD
• Power - 120PS
• Torque - 172Nm
• 0-62mph - 12.0 seconds
• Combined Miles Per Gallon - 54.3
• CO2 - 117g/km
• Top Speed - 112 mph

1.6 T-GDi

• 7 Speed DCT
• Petrol
• Transmission - 4WD
• Power - 177PS
• Torque - 265Nm
• 0-62mph - 7.9 seconds
• Combined Miles Per Gallon - 42.2
• CO2 - 153g/km
• Top Speed - 127 mph

Exterior

The Kona’s appealingly chunky appearance is due in no small part to generous levels of protective body cladding. The vehicle also sports a decidedly assertive stance, with its rising window line – and gently tapering roofline that culminates in a discreet spoiler. The roof’s contrasting colour helps it to stand out too. The Kona looks great from front to back, with, for instance, two-level headlamps and ultra-sleek, horizontally oriented tail lights.

Interior

The Kona offers more cabin space than is available in, for example, the Nissan Juke. Four full-size adults are easily accommodated and can enjoy plenty of headroom. Soft-touch materials are deployed throughout, providing the vehicle with a fresh, contemporary look and feel. The Kona possesses a class-competitive 361-litre boot space, which can be expanded even further with rear seats folded.

Technology and safety

A 5" touchscreen infotainment system is included as standard, providing the opportunity for you to mirror your compatible smartphone by using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. An additional 8" head-up display screen will likely be available as an option or standard with higher trim levels.

The Kona’s driver aids include Lane-keeping Assist and Driver Attention Monitor. The former prevents the vehicle from inadvertently straying out of the lane. The latter, meanwhile, monitors driver input, warning whenever attentiveness levels drop significantly. Six airbags are included too, while optional features include Autonomous Emergency Braking.