Outrageously bold with an upgraded facelift, the Hyundai Kona aims to dominate the compact SUV category. Otherwise known as a crossover, the Kona has been released as a direct competitor to the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Volkswagen T-Cross. Standing out from the crowd thanks to its design, this vehicle also offers a satisfying drive that ticks almost every box.
On The Road
When I stepped inside the Kona, I was ready to experience extraordinary craftsmanship. The test model was fitted with a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine and 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
I found the 8-speed dual-clutch to be a little tricky when switched to “manual mode” as it allowed me to switch up easily, however, switching down proved to be more difficult. This was because it would automatically downshift on manual mode as most automatic transmissions do so today.
When taking a closer look at the fuel economy, I found that the acclaimed average was 7.5l/100km. Although, with my journeys on both urban roads and national highways, I saw an average of 8.9l/100km.
When it came to climbing hills, the vehicle was able to perform rather well thanks to its hill assist feature. Furthermore, its parking sensors and the reverse camera made my daily driving experience a pleasure.
Another nice feature was the smart drive mode. This addition automatically switches between the different driving options. When the accelerator is pressed a little harder, the vehicle automatically switches to sport mode - a truly satisfying touch.
On The Inside
The comfortable Kona is fitted with an artificial leather seat trim, an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto and a cockpit that makes any trip luxurious. The large infotainment screen is of good quality when compared to some of its competitors and the operating system is easy to use.
While the Kona has a nice load bay of 544 litres (which is more than a few of its competitors), it lacks adult knee space in the rear seats. Despite having limited room in the back, the overall comfort of the vehicle was quite satisfactory.
Key Features:
- Wireless charging
- Cruise and automatic climate control
- Reserve camera and rear parking sensors
- Automatic lights and wipers
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Stability control
- Anti-lock brakes
- 6 airbags
Our Final Thoughts
The Kona certainly stands out with its facelift and outrageously bold tail lights. The fuel economy could have been slightly better, however, every person's driving experience will likely be different. Finally, when it came to the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the vehicle had me questioning my downshifting skills on “manual mode”.
All in all, the Kona is an all-rounder with a few issues that are mostly drowned out by its positives. As a new entry in the crossover market, this model is certainly worth considering if you are looking for a vehicle within the category.
