The Hyundai Kona is back, larger than ever. Kona Credit: CarExpertAlthough it just introduced in Australia in 2017, the Kona is a stalwart in among the country’s very popular SUV sections– however it’s one that has actually quickly been made to look a bit charming by more recent competitors. For more Motoring associated news and videos have a look at Motoring >> From the larger Kia Seltos and the more glamorous Mazda CX-30, to the hybrid-powered Toyota Corolla Cross, the video game has actually altered and the Kona was getting left. That’s where the second-generation design you see here is available in. It’s larger in every measurement to much better fight the Seltos, includes a more contemporary interior to much better fight the CX-30, and loads a hybrid to handle the– you thought it– Corolla Cross. It’s more than simply a box-checking workout. Some of the crucial information have actually been reimagined to much better cover off a fresh crop of rivals, the brand-new Kona includes an angular style that develops on the structure laid down by the cool first-generation automobile. Kona Credit: CarExpertIt likewise debuts a brand-new infotainment system for Hyundai, total with the capability to wirelessly accept software application updates throughout its life. There’s a little bit of ground to cover here. Just how much does the Hyundai Kona cost?Pricing is up throughout the board for the brand-new Hyundai Kona. The entry-level design is $5100 more pricey than the vehicle it changes, while on top end the N Line Premium is $3300 more expensive than the design it changes. N Line Premium Credit: CarExpertIt now begins at $32,000 prior to on-road expenses for the entry-level gas, climbing up $46,500 plus on-roads for the flagship N Line Premium with either 1.6 Hybrid FWD or 1.6 T AWD drivetrains. Even in the context of the cost walkings striking most cars in Australia, that’s substantial– although Hyundai safeguards it by arguing the brand-new cars and truck is larger and much better geared up than in the past. At the bottom end, it’s lined up with a Kia Seltos Sport ($32,700) and Toyota Corolla Cross GX 2WD ($33,980 ). On top end, it goes head-to-head with the Seltos GT-Line ($44,900) and Corolla Cross Atmos 2WD Hybrid ($47,030), in addition to the Nissan Qashqai Ti ($47,390)– all rates leave out on-road expenses. Kona Credit: CarExpert2023 Hyundai Kona prices: Hyundai KonaHyundai Kona N LineHyundai Kona PremiumHyundai Kona N Line PremiumAll rates omit on-road expenses. What is the Hyundai Kona like on the inside?The greatest problem with the last Kona was an absence of area inside. The brand-new design resoundingly attends to the issue. Kona Credit: CarExpertIt looks considerably more matured in advance, and there’s lastly adequate space in the back to easily bring grownups behind grownups. Like the Kia Seltos and newest Nissan Qashqai, it feels more like a smaller sized mid-sized SUV than a full-grown compact. It’s likewise a lot more modern-day in advance, with a variation of the dual-screen display screen presenting throughout the Kia and Hyundai varieties. Even base automobiles get a high-resolution 12.3-inch main screen and a smartly-integrated ‘standard’ digital speedo, while higher-end designs have double 12.3-inch screens. Discussion is remarkable throughout the variety. The tidy style looks fancy, and functions like dual-zone environment control even on base designs go some method to validating part of the rate increase. Kona Credit: CarExpertN Line Premium Credit: CarExpertN Line Premium Credit: CarExpertN Line Premium Credit: CarExpertThe other hand? There’s still great deals of inexpensive, difficult plastics, from the sides of the control panel to the top of the doors. Base designs include a T-bar shifter and an open centre console with good storage area, however going up the variety gets you an e-shifter on the guiding column that maximizes a wide-open centre tunnel that recollects the electrical Ioniq variety. The view over the broad bonnet is more commanding than previously, and it’s simpler than ever for taller motorists to get comfy. N Line Premium Credit: CarExpertN Line Premium Credit: CarExpertHyundai’s newest innovation is an advance, with fancy graphics, basic menus, and a complete function set. It’s likewise the very first to get touches for right-hand drive like faster way buttons on the right-hand side of the screen, in simple reach, instead of concealed away on the top-right corner. Base designs without satellite navigation get cordless Apple CarPlay, and it’s coming to higher-end designs with navigation later on this year–. It’ll be readily available for anybody who gathers their vehicle prior to the rollout, possibly with an over-the-air upgrade. The fundamental dials are cool enough, the digital dash used in higher-end designs does cheer the cabin up. In the N Line, snapping into Sport offers you a red-and-white kerb summary around the rev counter and speedo … although we ‘d still like to see more customisation capacity, as is used in Volkswagen Group items. Kona Credit: CarExpertN Line Premium Credit: CarExpertRear seat area is miles much better in this Kona than the last, beginning with the wider-opening doors. Grownups do not require to twist themselves to squeeze in any longer, which is an advance, and as soon as back there you get levels of legroom and headroom equivalent to a Kia Seltos. The air vents and USB-C ports are family-friendly touches, and the wider rear bench will keeping warring kids at bay better than previously. ISOFIX on the outboard seats and a trio of top-tether points exist, as is a fold-down main armrest. Kona Credit: CarExpert2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpertBoot area in the Kona has actually enhanced from 374L to 407L with the arrival of the bigger brand-new second-generation cars and truck here. With the rear seats folded there’s 1241L of area. It’s a far more functional area than in the past, with a height-adjustable flooring and a slot at the back of the boot to save the travel luggage cover. What’s under the bonnet?The entry-level engine in the Kona stays a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder fuel making 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque. Kona 2.0 Credit: CarExpertIt runs the more effective Atkinson Cycle, and is mated with a CVT– understood in the Hyundai world as an IVT– with 8 virtual actions. New for Australia is the choice of a hybrid powertrain in the Kona Hybrid. It integrates a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated fuel engine with an electrical motor, connected to a 1.32 kWh battery pack. The electrical motor makes 32kW of power and 172Nm of torque; combined system outputs are 104kW and 265Nm. It’s linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission– you’ll discover the very same drivetrain in the associated Kia Niro HEV, in addition to the upcoming Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid. The range-topping 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder fuel makes 146kW of power and 265Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed torque converter automated. Gone is the old seven-speed DCT. Declared fuel economy in the base 2.0 L fuel is 6.6 litres per 100km on the combined cycle. That leaps to 7.6 L/100km in the 1.6 L turbo, and drops to a thrifty 3.9 L/100km in the hybrid. How does the Hyundai Kona drive?There’s an unique distinction in between the base Kona and the 1.6-litre turbo. Kona Credit: CarExpertWe began in the base design, which instantly thwacked and thumped its method down a few of Sydney’s worst roadways in cold, damp weather condition. Not the very best impression– although the automobile calmed down well once we ‘d moved far from tarmac that appeared like it ‘d just recently been shelled. Hyundai states it’s put genuine effort into improving the most recent Kona, and there’s no doubt the entry-level engine is more refined than previously. It’s quieter under light loads, and the CVT is a fine example of the type. It does not simply flare revs quickly, rather leaning on what restricted torque there is prior to doing a quite persuading impression of a torque converter, total with slurred shifts. Kona Credit: CarExpertFor all that Hyundai has actually enhanced, the 2.0 still feels more sufficient than standout. It’s happiest at city speeds, where it can slur around without feeling too stretched, however when you put your foot down it feels as though it’s striving. Surpassing at highway speeds takes a little preparation, and you’ll require to be ready to tolerate a little sound in the cabin. If that’s not an issue, the Kona is otherwise well established for long stints behind the wheel. It deals with pimply Australian nation highways extremely well, with a calm manner that influences severe self-confidence. It tiptoes the challenging tightrope in between control and convenience incredibly well for a (fairly) budget friendly, (reasonably) compact SUV. N Line Credit: CarExpertMoving to the 1.6-litre turbo N Line with four-wheel drive brings a healthy boost in punch. The on-paper enhancements (36kW and 85Nm) are felt instantly in the real life, where the N Line speeds up more easily– even when you squeeze the accelerator instead of marking on it. The death of the dual-clutch transmission– changed with an eight-speed torque converter– has actually made it friendlier in the area. The last N Line was vulnerable to jerking off the line, and might be flummoxed if you took off the throttle at the incorrect time. This time around, it feels more comfy in stop-start traffic. N Line Credit: CarExpertAlthough it’s somewhat slower to move on the relocation, Hyundai’s DCT was never ever as fast or smart as a Volkswagen system anyhow, so the loss isn’t as acutely felt. The punchier powertrain is backed by a steering and suspension tune that makes the N Line feel more purposeful. It does not reach the previous-generation Kona N, however there’s absolutely a sportier bent that will please eager motorists. Offered we do not understand if Hyundai will establish a correct Kona N for this generation, anybody who desires more may require to begin wanting to the aftermarket to make your N Line a bit angrier. Typical to the entire variety is Hyundai’s suite of SmartSense active motorist helps. N Line Premium Credit: CarExpertThe adaptive cruise control does a great task keeping a space to the vehicle in front, and the lane-keeping help decisively pushes you back in between the white lines if you wander off. Hyundai’s lane-centring system, which more actively manages the automobile’s position in the lane rather than stepping in when you wander off, is a bit too hands-on for my preference. The motorist attention tracking is likewise susceptible to incorrect positives, flashing when you in fact are taking a look at the roadway … that makes you avert. More improvement is required. What do you get? 2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpertKona Credit: CarExpertKona Credit: CarExpertKona Credit: CarExpertKona highlights: 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 tyresLED headlights, daytime running lightsLED tail lightsHeated, power-folding outside mirrorsKeyless entry and startDual-zone environment controlRear air vents4.2-inch digital instrument display12.3-inch infotainment touchscreenWireless Apple CarPlay, Android AutoBluelink linked services2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpert2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpert2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpert2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpertKona Premium includes: Blind Spot View MonitorAEB in reverse3D surround-view cameraSide parking sensorsAcoustic front windscreenRear personal privacy glassDark grey cladding, silver skid platesLED dual-projector headlightsLED front, rear indicatorsPower tailgate12.3-inch digital instrument clusterSatellite navigationBose 8-speaker premium soundLeather upholstery10-way power chauffeur’s seat8-way power guest seatPremium relaxation front seatsHeated, aerated front seatsHeated steering wheelHeated rear seatsAuto-dimming interior mirrorRain-sensing wipersAmbient lighting2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpert2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpert2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpertN Line Premium Credit: CarExpertN Line Package includes: ExteriorInterior2.0 MPi bonus: Is the Hyundai Kona safe?The brand-new Kona hasn’t been crash-tested by Euro NCAP or ANCAP. N Line Premium Credit: CarExpertStandard security devices consists of: 7 air bags incl. front-centre airbagAutonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)Driver attention monitoringBlind-spot assistLane-keep assistParking sensorsSafe exit warningHow much does the Hyundai Kona expense to run?The Hyundai Kona is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. 2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpertMaintenance will be needed every 15,000 kilometres or 12 months in the 2.0-litre fuel and 1.6-litre hybrid, and every 10,000 kilometres or 12 months in the turbocharged fuel. The very first 5 services in both the 2.0 and the 1.6 T will set you back $399 each– although that’s excellent for 75,000 km of car in the 2.0, and 60,000 km in the 1.6 T due to their various range requirements. CarExpert’s Take on the Hyundai KonaThe brand-new Hyundai Kona proceeds from its predecessor in a variety of essential methods. Kona Credit: CarExpertIt’s larger inside and out, and the powertrains available at launch have actually been polished relative to those that came previously. The appearances will not be for everybody– particularly in tennis ball yellow– it likewise provides well in individual. Hyundai and Kia are taking some calculated dangers with their most current styles, which method has actually settled here. What’s to grumble about? Well, that additional area and polish comes at an expense. No matter which method you spin it, a $5000 walking at the bottom end of the variety harms. If you can dig much deeper into your pockets, you’re getting a lot more solved little SUV– a head-to-head with the Kia Seltos and Mazda CX-30 beckons … 2023 Hyundai Kona Credit: CarExpertMORE: Everything Hyundai Kona ProsBigger and much better insideCVT enhances base engine1.6 T’s brand-new car is a huge improvementConsInterior feels inexpensive in locations… regardless of a huge rate hikeTurbo gas service periods
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