Stock of Hyundai Kona Hybrid starts arriving

DECEMBER will see the arrival of the Hyundai Kona hybrid range in Australian dealerships, a trio of petrol-electric variants joining petrol-only siblings priced from $36,000 plus on-road costs, or a $4000 premium over the equivalent petrol grade.

The hybrid will be followed imminently by a battery electric (BEV) offering, the pricing of which is yet to be confirmed.

Competing with hybrid variants of small SUVs including the GWM Haval Jolion (from $36,990 drive-away), Honda HR-V ($47,000 drive-away) Toyota Corolla Cross (from $36,480 + ORC), the petrol-electric Kona mirrors the ICE grade walk two primary trim levels: Kona and Kona Premium, with a sporty N-Line enhancement pack available optionally on both.

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.

A 1.6-litre turbo-petrol offering developing 146kW/265Nm and driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission is available exclusively as part of the Turbo AWD N-Line Pack, for which fuel consumption is listed at a comparatively thirsty 7.6L/100km.

The newly offered Kona Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with 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 an 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.

Both Kona hybrid variants feature 18-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment alongside LED headlights and tail-lights and dual-zone climate control. Premium trim adds an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and a powered tailgate.

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).

“The Kona Hybrid is a car that embodies all of our key product pillars … and a car that will capitalise on the continued growth of hybrid SUVs in the Australian market,” explained Hyundai Motor Company Australia product planning manager Chris Saltapidas.

“We envision that the all-new Kona Hybrid will soon become the default small car choice for Hyundai customers. Its improved product qualities will allow us to position the all-new Kona Hybrid further upmarket and closer in line with other segment competitors.”

Visit GoAuto again on December 1 for our Australian review of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid.

2023 Hyundai Kona pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.