It is so different that they could have called it something else. The new Kona grows and improves in all sections, but, above all, it represents a spectacular makeover. It is, we would say, another car, a new model that takes a big, huge qualitative leap. It is available from 28,490 euros, with gasoline, mild hybrid, conventional hybrid engines and, in October, a 100% electric version arrives.
And it is that the new Kona is a car created to lead the market. At Hyundai they know it and boast about it. It has the necessary arguments to succeed and become a benchmark in the SUV-B segment.
In a certain sense, it is a groundbreaking car, which will make other manufacturers rethink some things. Beyond its modern and daring image, it is a spacious SUV, with different mechanical options and truly complete equipment that aims high in the segment.
With the new Kona, Hyundai reaffirms its commitment in Spain and Europe for SUV-type vehicles. The offer starts with the Bayon, the smallest, and continues with the Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe.
A new SUV that becomes one of the largest and most habitable in its category, a rival to models such as the Kia Niro, Mazda CX-30, Peugeot 2008, Seat Ateca, Skoda Karoq or Toyota C-HR.
In any case, only the name remains of the previous Kona, a model that arrived in 2017 and that has had notable commercial success: more than 73,000 units circulate in Spain.
Bigger and wider, now reaching 4.35 meters in length, its habitability surprises with good space for the rear seats. And with a trunk of 466 liters, it acquires the unofficial title of family car.
Inside, there is also a leap in presentation, style and quality of materials. We find two 12.3-inch digital screens on the dashboard, which can be managed with voice commands. The multimedia screen in the center is a floating type.
The control for the change, in the automatic versions, is reduced to a small lever located to the right of the steering wheel and frees up, incidentally, space on the center console. Wireless charging for smartphones is also included.
And the air conditioning, fortunately, still has physical buttons in a module grouped in the lower part of the dashboard.
It is an easy and pleasant car to drive. The increase in size has done him good, since he exhibits excellent poise on all types of roads. Of the versions on sale, the 141 hp hybrid seems the most balanced, with an excellent compromise between consumption and dynamic efficiency.
It has Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes, and paddles behind the steering wheel to regulate the degree (3 positions) of energy recovery.
Already on sale in gasoline, mild hybrid and conventional hybrid versions, the 100% electric option will hit the market in October. There will not be, at least for now, a plug-in hybrid version. Yes there is a version, more exclusive, with 4×4 traction.
The range is made up of four different engines: a 120 CV version with the 1.0 three-cylinder gasoline engine and C label. With this same engine, Hyundai offers another version, also 120 CV, with a mild hybrid system and ECO label. The most powerful is a four-cylinder 1.6 GDI with 198 hp labeled C. And, finally, the alternative that seems more balanced and rational: the hybrid (1.6 four-cylinder gasoline electric motor) with a total power of 141 hp and label ECHO.
The available finishes are the access Maxx, the sportier-style N-Line and the most complete and luxurious is the Tecno. In addition, the 198 hp variants with 4×4 drive and the hybrid are also offered with an even sportier finish, the N Line Style. Prices range from 28,490 euros for the basic (Kona 1.0 TGDI 120 CV with Maxx finish) and 41,540 euros for the top of the range with 198 CV and 4×4 traction.
Official price aside, Hyundai applies a promotional discount for the launch campaign, which can reach 3,500 euros. Includes car to scrap and financing with the brand. It is always worth checking with the relevant dealer.
Among the equipment that the new Kona can carry, a BOSE Premium sound system with seven speakers, a large sunroof, the electric tailgate or the smart key that can be configured for two users stands out.
And the latest generation of the Smart Sense driver assistance system includes driver camera monitoring, with inattention detection, semi-autonomous driving capable of maintaining speed and distance, and all kinds of driver aids.
And, for the first time, OTA (Over-The-Air) technology allows you to download brand software upgrades and updates from the cloud or access new services.
