We like
Exceptional body control, quality damping, impressive steering action, excellent around-town fuel consumption, improved build and cabin quality, top-notch HMI

Room for improvement
Some tyre rumble evident, prominent transmission shifts, irritating driver assistance systems, not as punchy as some rivals, close-to-petrol-like highway fuel consumption

Overview

 

HYUNDAI has introduced its all-new Kona Hybrid range from this month (December), the petrol-electric (HEV) model joining petrol (ICE) and battery electric (BEV) variants in a comprehensive range that promises to suit a wider customer base than ever before.

 

Priced from $36,000 plus on-road costs, the Kona range asks only $4000 more for the highly efficient Hybrid model, which is expected to compete with the likes of Small segment SUV rivals including the GWM Haval Jolion (from $36,990 drive-away), Honda HR-V ($47,000 drive-away) Toyota Corolla Cross (from $36,480 + ORC).

 

Locally, Hyundai will offer the Kona Hybrid in the same trim grades as its petrol-powered sibling (which has been on sale here since July), with Kona (entry), Premium, Kona N-Line and N-Line Premium versions available.

 

Under the bonnet, a 104kW/265Nm petrol-electric hybrid combination drives the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and is claimed to offer combined cycle fuel consumption of just 3.9 litres per 100km – a big saving over the front-drive petrol version’s 6.6L/100km claim.

 

The newly offered Kona Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a 32kW/170Nm electric drive motor and 1.32kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 5.5Ah capacity and 8kW/35Nm starter/generator for improved efficiency.

 

Further, reverse gearing is handled solely by the starter/generator, allowing for simpler operation and efficiency gains for the dual-clutch transmission.

 

The Hyundai Kona hybrid further introduces three-stage regenerative braking with a new Complete Stop function and electric dynamic torque vectoring control for enhanced handling and reduced understeer.

 

The new Kona measures 185mm longer, 20mm wider and 30mm higher than the outgoing model and rides on a 60mm longer wheelbase.

 

As a result, the second-generation Kona offers greater interior (+77mm more legroom and +11mm more headroom) and cargo space than its predecessor, the boot now 407 litres (+33 litres) with the rear seats in place and 1241 litres (+85 litres) all told.

 

Cabin highlights include a 12.3-inch infotainment array, BlueLink connected car services and shift-by-wire gear selector familiar to other models in the Hyundai stable.

 

Kona Hybrid variants feature 18-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment alongside LED headlights and tail-lights and dual-zone climate control.

 

The Premium trim adds an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and a powered tailgate, while the N-Line package adds colour-coded body cladding and aerodynamic enhancements, gloss black wing mirror caps, 19-inch wheels, dual projector-style headlights and a sports exhaust system externally with leather/Alcantara combination upholstery and sporty garnishing inside.

 

Paint colours exclusive to N-Line comprise Cyber Grey, Neoteric Yellow and Soultronic Orange. Six hues are available on Kona and Kona Premium grades including Atlas White, Ecotronic Grey, Ultimate Red, Mirage Green, Denim Blue and Abyss Black.

 

Interior finishes include Obsidian Black cloth on Kona grades, Obsidian Black, Light Shale Grey or Sage Green leather on Kona Premium, and leather and Alcantara combination upholstery on N-Line variants.

 

All grades receive Hyundai SmartSense active safety technologies including a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, front and rear AEB, blind spot view and collision avoidance, lane following and keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, seven airbags, and more.

 

Options include a panoramic sunroof ($1500), premium paint ($595), and Light Grey Shale or Sage Green interior ($295).

 

Driving Impressions

 

The initial leg of our drive in Hyundai’s newest Kona Hybrid took place on the smoothly paved streets of Canberra where the flowing roundabouts and flat pavement translated to a calm and quiet ride, often with little petrol intervention.

 

It is these scenarios to which a HEV is well suited – more electric bias, petrol as required – and where the Kona Hybrid truly shines.

 

Sure, it may not have the gusto of some rivals, the naturally aspirated petrol engine and electric combo needs a generous prod of the throttle to perform, but it isn’t an issue on Canberra streets, and not especially so as we meander south through Cooma and beyond.

 

In testing the Kona Hybrid at launch, Hyundai was keen to prove the mettle of its newly launched small-segment SUV, allowing GoAuto the opportunity to sample the car away from its ‘natural’ environment, where perhaps less favourable traits would be discovered.

 

It is often a big call – especially at a launch – for an importer to take, but Hyundai needn’t have worried.

 

The Kona Hybrid makes its way to highway speeds effectively and cruises capably once there. Larger inclines and hurried overtaking manoeuvres may see the gearbox work a little harder than was needed in town, but this doesn’t come as a surprise – even if the sensation of a definite dual-clutch shift does.

 

Perhaps the sensation is exaggerated in the absence of any evident transition between the petrol and electric engine. In that respect, the Kona Hybrid is smooth, and moves in and out of combustion power with little vibration or noise. It is only really when pushed hard that any sign of protest is heard or felt.

 

But leave the Kona Hybrid to do its thing and settle into the rhythm of the open road and progress is swift and effortless.

 

We did find the lane keeping, driver monitoring and speed sign recognition systems quite overbearing, but fortunately these can be dialled down (or off) upon starting the car and will remain so until the engine is next shutdown. Pleasingly, even with said systems muted, the adaptive cruise control and lane detection work wonderfully well – adding to, and not detracting from, the open-road experience.

 

As the Snowy Mountains come into view, and the corners and grades increase, the Kona Hybrid again finds a rhythm that is easily settled into. The body control and weight balance forward to rear is far better than should be expected of a front-wheel drive hybrid. Changes in direction flow easily, the vehicle’s pitch responding dutifully to throttle input, even in the more lethargic Eco mode. Dial up Sport mode, and it’s surprising how much the Kona Hybrid has to give – and almost without completely destroying the fuel economy average we’d worked hard to achieve.

 

There is no doubt HEVs work best in the cut and thrust of stop-start city traffic, and the numbers displayed on the Kona’s crystal-clear display screens prove the theory. In town, we saw as low as 4.3 litres per 100km without really trying, while on the open road, that number climbed a litre higher as less electric motivation was required.

 

Meandering southward, and as the condition of the road degrades, it is relieving to find the Kona Hybrid take Victorian “tarmac” in its stride. Excusing a little tyre thrum, the 19-inch wheels of our N-Line test car are kept in check by the progressive nature of the damping allowing few hard strikes to upset the ride.

 

The electrically assisted steering is eager, but not too sharp, offering the kind of precision welcomed on winding stretches of country road. It’s not too light, either, offering an impressive level of detail to be felt from up front, something few in this category manage to muster.

 

Combining all the above traits with smart regenerative braking and a sweetly tapered brake pedal action the Kona Hybrid is cohesive and enjoyable to drive – far more than an eco-flavoured SUV should be, really.

 

We really enjoyed the cabin space and found the steering column adjustment and seating position well matched to long stints at the wheel. There is plenty of lateral support in the driver’s pew, and a terrific view ahead, helped along by that slightly elevated position Aussie drivers seem to prefer.

 

The secondary controls fall to hand easily, and with hard buttons for climate, volume and other often-used controls there is little need to be constantly poking at the screen. That said, it’s one of the better menu systems to navigate being both well-presented and logical in its sequencing.

 

If you’re the type of driver who appreciates a capable chassis, an economical engine, and a comfortable cabin the Hyundai Kona Hybrid is well worth a test drive. In our view it is a lot better presented than many of its immediate rivals with a quality fit and finish that belies its price.

 

Top that with a long warranty, excellent around-town fuel economy and stand-out looks, and we reckon the Kona Hybrid represents terrific value for money.