Hyundai’s facelifted Kona crossover has touched down in South Africa, sporting a sharper look, significantly perkier flagship engine and fresh cabin tech.
The 1,0-litre turbopetrol engine falls away with the facelift, leaving the normally aspirated 2,0-litre carry-over unit, with 110 kW and 180 N.m, as the base engine. This unit is paired exclusively with an eight-step IVT continuously variable transmission. But the exciting news is the introduction of Hyundai’s 1,6-litre turbopetrol unit, tuned to 146 kW and 265 N.m in this guise. As with the 2,0, this engine drives the front wheels, albeit through a seven-speed DCT dual-clutch automated gearbox.
Pricing starts at R449 900 for the 2,0 Executive, moving up to R499 900 for the 1,6 TGDI Executive. Hyundai is also offering an N-Line derivative for the first time, available exclusively with the turbo engine and priced at R579 900.
The N Line model is set apart by a distinctive exterior design package. While the Kona Executive already comes with a completely redesigned front end, featuring a new bumper and slimmer headlights, the Kona R Line receives a completely different bumper with more extensive colour coding and three mock cooling vents above the grille. A black roof, more prominent rear diffuser, distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels and a jazzed up cabin with N embroidery and red contrast stitching, further set the flagship N Line model apart. Of course, this model is not to be confused with the ‘Kona N’ performance model, which is coming to South Africa in 2022 as a high-riding sibling of the i30 N.
A walk through the range
The Kona Executive models ship with automatic climate control as standard, as well as cruise control, heated electric mirrors, auto headlights, black artificial leather seat trim, wireless charging, touchscreen infotainment system, rear park assist with reverse camera, 18-inch alloy wheels, ESP stability control, front and side airbags and tyre pressure monitor.
In addition to the aforementioned design features, the Kona N Line comes with adaptive cruise control (available for the first time in the Kona) as well as LED headlights, genuine leather seating (with electric adjustment for the driver), a 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster, keyless start, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep and Follow Assist. Both models are also sold with a seven-year or 200 000 km mechanical warranty and five-year or 75 000 km service plan.
Hyundai says the new Kona will go up against the Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen T-Roc and Audi Q2. But is it a worthy contender in the compact crossover market? Look out for our driving impressions over the weekend.
Hyundai Kona Pricing
2,0 Executive IVT – R449 900
1,6 TGDI Executive DCT – R499 900
1,6 TGDI N Line DCT – R579 900
