By Ian Strachan.
Hyundai is one of the leading Asian brand selling in Europe. And if its latest versions of the medium SUV, the Kona, are anything to go by, that trend is set to continue.
The Kona was launched in Europe in 2017 and quickly set standards in safety and environmental performance. Now that’s just got better with hybrid and electric technology and improved performance.
I tested the Kona N Line – a mild hybrid powered by a three cylinder, one-litre petrol engine helped by a 48kw electric motor which reduces emissions and improves fuel economy.
The latest Kona is an attractive and capable alternative in the SUV B-segment, with sleek, eye-catching design, a comfortable interior and more than adequate performance. It is both pleasant to drive and frugal.
The 120 bhp turbocharged 1.0 litre petrol engine in my test car has CO2 emissions of 138 g/km.
The host of safety features on the Kona includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition and lane keep assist. The Kona has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
The Kona N Line 1.0 T-GDi which I tested comes in at £23,795 on the road, and is very well-equipped. The Kona range starts at £21,060.
The interior of the Kona is light, pleasant and spacious. Load carrying capacity is good, and can be improved still further by dropping down the 60/40 split rear seats, which gives you a flat loading floor.
Equipment is impressive, with remote central locking, climate control, all-round electric windows, cruise control, parking aid with rear camera, DAB radio and MP3/Bluetooth compatibility, satellite navigation via a 10.25 inch touchscreen, steering wheel mounted controls, rear privacy glass, 18-inch alloy wheels, hill-start assist and rain-sensing wipers.
This being a Hyundai, it comes with their five year unlimited mileage warranty. This is a great peace-of-mind package which, sooner or later, all manufacturers are going to have to match or exceed.
I enjoyed the Kona, which moves this ambitious Korean brand further up the SUV choice lists.
