Hyundai Kona 1.6T Executive review (2021): Niche-filling crossover now better equipped
Hyundai has been on an SUV model assault within the local market, introducing several new and updated models during 2021, one of which is the updated Kona, the brand’s compact crossover for the style-conscious among us. We received the mid-level Executive model to drive for a week recently.
As some readers, and particularly the triathletes among us will know, Kona is the western district of the island of Hawaii and is another USA-themed vehicle name Hyundai has chosen, this time for its B-SUV platform-based Kona, which forms part of a six model-strong SUV lineup in South Africa.
The Kona was first introduced to the local market in 2018 as a niche-filler between the likes of the Creta and the Tucson, however, the new Creta is a much-improved product, and the upcoming Tucson appears to be a bit of a gamechanger, necessitating an extensive upgrade of the Kona, which has now arrived on local shores. We were given a 1.6T Executive-spec Kona for review purposes recently and got on with the task of experiencing the newcomer.
Styling
The Kona’s strongest attribute has been its styling, striking a balance between rugged and sporty in the crossover space, a theme continued by the updated version which now looks even more radical than before. The high-mounted daytime running lights remain, while the low-mounted headlights have been reshaped and are again integrated with the lower bumper which forms part of the thick plastic wheel arch cladding that characterises the side profile.
The front grille has a three-dimensional effect, split by the number plate and surrounded by a silver lower bumper insert. The busy rear end is characterised by the slimline tail lamps and chunky rear bumper with contrasting silver and black cladding, again extending from the wheel arches. Those looking for a sportier look for their Kona should consider the new N Line trim, which features a totally different exterior look and has a raft of semi-autonomous driving features.
Interior and space
The interior of the Kona has not changed much in the non-N Line models, with a similar look to before with reasonable material quality and good ergonomics, which don’t really match the striking exterior, but there is no denying the functionality on offer. The 8.0-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality is reasonably good from a resolution and general functionality perspective and is the interior centrepiece.
From a practical perspective, the Kona offers 374-litres of boot space, extending to 1 296-litres with the rear seats folded flat, while the rear occupant space is best described as sufficient, with enough room for two adults or three children to sit in comfort.
Performance and driving impression
Our previous encounter with a Kona was with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo pre-facelift model that has a 6-speed manual gearbox, however, the South Korean automaker has now fitted its 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox to the Kona. The engine has certainly added a layer of sophistication to the package, with the 146kW and 265Nm of torque on offer not feeling particularly potent, but certainly sufficient, making progress effortless in the Kona
Looking back at our notes from the previous Kona, we were underwhelmed with its dynamic prowess, with a lifeless steering feel and a tendency to fall flat when pushed, dynamically, which is not surprising for a vehicle in this segment but was let down given how sporty the car looks. The updated model looks even sportier, and thankfully, Hyundai has improved things slightly with revisions to the suspension and steering set-up, making the Kona better across a variety of road surfaces, but certainly no dynamic firecracker.
Safety
The Kona range was crash-tested by the Euro NCAP assessment programme in 2017, where it achieved the maximum 5-Star rating. The rating includes 87% for adult occupant safety, 85% for child occupant safety, 62% for pedestrian safety and 60% for its safety assistance systems.
Fuel economy
Hyundai claim a fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100km for the Kona, however, our time with the product resulted in a combined figure of 8.3 L/100km, which is about what we have come to expect from vehicles of this type.
Pricing
The price for the model tested is R499 900, certainly not cheap and considering the fact that products such as the new Toyota Corolla Cross, the Kia Seltos and the Mazda CX-30, to name just a few, exist, the potential Kona buyer has to really find it a compelling aesthetic package to take the plunge. The model comes with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and an additional 7-year/200 000 drivetrain warranty as well as a 5-year/75 000km service plan.
Verdict
While there are no glaring issues present in the Kona as a package, our week spent with the vehicle also raised the question of who exactly will go out and buy a Kona when products from its own stable like the Creta, the Venue and indeed, the upcoming Tucson replacement offer SUV packages that may steal market share from one another.
Still, if you find yourself in the market for an SUV and see the Hyundai brand as an option, a visit to your local dealer and a few test drives may help you make more sense of the tightly packed line-up.
