Hyundai Kona (2021) First Drive - Small Crossover, Big Changes
The Hyundai Kona is definitely not everyone's cup of tea and its relatively small sales numbers are proof of that. The small crossover has received a bit of rejuvenation locally, and we were on hand to take the new derivatives for a spin around town.
Small Crossover, Big Changes
The Kona has always been something of an oddball vehicle for Hyundai due to the fact that it is neither a sedan, hatchback nor SUV, it is a crossover in the purest sense. Based on the i20 platform and boasting a slightly higher ground clearance, individualistic styling and the prerequisite cladding around the bumpers and wheel arches give it the impression of ruggedness.
Related: The Hyundai Kona [2018) - Go on, make yourself more interesting
For the 2021 year, the Kona range has received less of a makeover and more some major surgery, losing an entire model, gaining another derivative, new colouring and getting a rather heavy nip and tuck front and rear. We were able to take both the new and refreshed engine and transmission derivatives for a shot around town and here's what we found.
What has changed
Kicking things off, it would appear that the 1.0 3-cylinder manual has completely disappeared with the 2.0 CVT remaining. This model is joined by a 1.6 turbo DCT and a fancy new N-Line model that will arrive later this year. Hyundai has opted not to mess too much with the overall profile preferring to change up the front and rear bumpers and lighting arrangements. The front bumper receives the biggest change with a wider black grille and more exaggerated grey cladding. The 1.6T models get different 18" wheels while the N Line models get body-coloured cladding and a different style grille and bumpers with LED lighting.
A new colour palette has also been added with new blues, reds, greys and two-tone options for the 1.6t models. Interior wise, the cloth and leather has been dropped in favour of full artificial leather seating and real leather with red stitching for the N-Line derivatives. Tech has also been upgraded across the range with Wireless Apple Car Play and wireless charging pad, Park Assist (PDC) and rearview camera in the 8" touchscreen infotainment.
The Drive
Our first ride was in the 2.0 Executive with its IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) and sadly our disdain for the CVT was once again proven as the hobbling effects of this transmission became very evident while negotiating the freeways. The engine has plenty of poke to move the Kona around as needed but the CVT keeps the engine revving to long, making for a less than desirable driving experience. In and around town it was perfectly fine. The suspension seemed to be slightly harsher as well, but this could be down to the wheel and tyre combo though.
Next up was the 1.6 turbo and its DCT transmission, and we can only say WOW! It's a completely different car. This version of the Kona definitely is more performance-oriented, and it shows in the fantastic gear shifts and suspension feel. We could attribute the feeling of planted handling down to the 18" wheel and tyre combo but all around, the 1.6T feels the better of the two.
Both models get drive mode selection in the form of engine mode options and traction situation options.
Models and Pricing
Hyundai has initially released the Kona in two models with the N derivative set to arrive soon
| Hyundai Kona 2.0 Executive IVT | R 449 900 |
| Hyundai Kona 1.6T Executive DCT | R 499 900 |
| Hyundai Kona 1.6T N-Line DCT | R 579 900 |
All models include a 7 year / 200 000 km manufacturers warranty (comprising the 5 years/150 000 km warranty with a 2 year / 50 000 km drivetrain warranty); a 5 year/75 000 km service plan; and 7 years/150 000 km roadside assistance.
Verdict
As we said before, the Kona is definitely not to everyone's liking. It's an outlier in the same vein as the Veloster and serves the purpose of plugging a gap in Hyundai's lineup. The Kona goes up against the likes of the Mazda CX30, Volkswagen T Roc and Audi's Q2. It has keener pricing than the aforementioned competitors and is an excellent driver, provided you take the correct model.
