KILDARE MOTORING: New Hyundai Kona Hybrid is upscaled and more dynamic

The original Hyundai KONA was launched in Ireland in 2018 and it went on to become the second best-selling car in its category in the intervening years — selling almost as many units as the third and fourth best-selling Compact SUVs in the process.

The outstanding success of the original KONA was due to the multiple drivetrain options available (petrol, hybrid and pure electric), offering customers diversity for their driving needs, and these options are continued into the All-New KONA.
Bigger and More Dynamic

The new KONA is bigger in every area than its predecessor, so it now fits comfortably into the Medium SUV market segment, and is pitched against talented rivals such as the Kia Niro, Skoda Karoq, Mercedes-Benz B-Class and new Honda HR-V. The new KONA is 145mm longer than its predecessor, and this results in greater legroom for all occupants. In fact, it is so spacious in the back now that knee and headroom are nearly at the same level as in Hyundai’s larger Tucson family SUV.

The Tucson was also the inspiration for the new KONA in terms of styling, with parametric pixel lights at the front and a slim, full-width light bar. A full-width light bar also features at the rear and it provides the car with a distinctive and ultra-modern look. In a similar fashion to the Tucson, the new KONA features the same kind of sharp lines and solid surfaces in its side profile, and the overall design is truly impressive.

Boot space in the new KONA is equally impressive, with 466-litres on offer behind the rear seats, and up to 1,300-litres available when the seats are folded flat.

Test Car
My test car was a KONA 1.6 GDI Hybrid Elegance, which was finished in distinctive Mirage Green paintwork. With 141PS and 265Nm of torque available from the petrol/electric hybrid powertrain, the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 10.9-seconds, and it is capable of fuel consumption as low as 4.7l/100km (60.1mpg) on a WLTP combined driving cycle.
When starting or driving at low speed, the electricity stored in the battery powers the electric motor to accelerate in a fuss-free manner.

During heavy acceleration, or driving uphill, the electric motor and petrol engine work in parallel to maximise acceleration and minimise fuel consumption.

At constant speeds, power is provided by either the petrol engine or the electric motor, whichever is the most energy-efficient in that situation, and when decelerating (through braking or driving downhill, for example) the electric motor operates as a generator and regenerates kinetic energy into electric energy, which is then stored in the battery.

Drivers can choose from Eco, Sport and Snow drive modes in order to optimise fuel efficiency, enhance engine performance or access improved traction for winter driving conditions respectively.

The paddles behind the steering wheel adjust the level of brake regeneration when in Eco mode, while in Sport mode they enable the driver to take control of the dual-clutch automatic transmission.

On the road, the KONA Hybrid feels equally at home on a motorway as it does around town, and the smooth transition from petrol to electric, and back, allows occupants to enjoy the refinement within the spacious cabin.

The new KONA’s chassis is set up for comfort, so the ride is relaxing at all speeds, and the handling is safe and predictable. The steering is suitably light and accurate, thereby making car park manoeuvres a simple task, while the standard front and rear parking sensors and rear-view camera also help in this regard.

Verdict, Pricing and Warranty
The all-new Hyundai KONA is now big enough to comfortably fulfil the demands of a growing family, and it is a well-rounded SUV that is sure to be another big-selling model in Hyundai’s impressive passenger car line-up. Pricing starts at €30,895 for the 1.0-litre T-GDI model, with the 1.6-litre GDI Hybrid priced from €34,795.

Annual road tax is €210 and €200 respectively. A five-year, unlimited mileage warranty comes as standard, along with the benefit of Roadside Assistance for five years, and a free vehicle health check for five years
too.