Hyundai Kona (2017) Review

June 2017

Hyundai launches Kona

The Kona offers the choice between two turbocharged, small-displacement petrol engines. A 1.0-litre T-GDI with a 6-speed manual transmission and 120PS as standard and a high-power 1.6-litre T-GDI with 177PS with and Hyundai’s self-developed 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and four-wheel drive.

In the summer of 2018, Hyundai will be launching its next generation of efficient 1.6-litre diesel powertrains for the Kona, also available with 6-Speed MT or Hyundai’s efficient, direct-responding 7DCT with optional four wheel drive.

For the first time in a Hyundai, the Kona's new head-up display projects relevant driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight. An optional eight-inch infotainment system integrates all navigation, media and connectivity features, supporting both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system comes with a seven-year free subscription to LIVE Services, offering updated information in real time: weather, traffic, speed cameras and online searches for points of interest.

Another Hyundai first in the Kona is Display Audio. Passengers have the option of switching their smartphone’s content on to the system’s seven-inch display via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With this function they can use the phone's built-in navigation capabilities, make phone calls, dictate messages or listen to their favourite music. The system provides entry-level customers with more accessible connectivity.

An optional wireless inductive charging pad (Qi standard) for mobile phones allows passengers to charge their smartphones conveniently on the move.

With its wide (1800 mm) and low stance (1550 mm), the KONA has 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels (tyre size: 235/45R18). The Kona is also available with 17-inch alloy wheels (tyre size: 215/55R17) as well as 16-inch (tyre size: 205/60R16) alloy and steel wheel.

This low and wide stance is further supported by its length of 4,165 mm and a wheelbase of 2,600 millimetres.

Ten exterior colours can be combined with two roof designs for a total of twenty colour combinations. The roof and exterior mirrors are available in Phantom Black or Dark Knight (dark grey). The exterior colours available for the Kona are Phantom Black, Chalk White, Lake Silver, Dark Knight, Pulse Red, Tangerine Comet, Acid Yellow, Blue Lagoon, Ceramic Blue and Velvet Dune (light grey).

Inside, the optional heated steering wheel provides warmth and comfort even in the coldest weather, while a smart key and push-button ignition allows the driver to turn the vehicle on and off with the simple touch of a button. The Kona'ss power seats have an 8-way electric adjustment and 2-way lumbar support system, which provides optimised seating positions for passengers of diverse physiques. The front seats moreover feature a 3-step ventilation system for a convenient ride in hot weather conditions.

Storage trays and 1.5 litre bottle holders in the doors have been integrated for maximum convenience. The Kona offers good front-seat legroom, with 1,054 mm and 880 mm for passengers in the rear. Luggage space totals 361 litres and foldable rear seats (60:40 split) allow passengers to load extra-sized cargo that would normally not fit in the rear cargo space. With the seats folded flat, the KonaA offers 1143 litres of space

Dimensions (mm)

October 2017

Hyundai Kona prices announced

S trim level also features air conditioning with rear air vents in the centre console, automatic headlamps with LED positioning lamps and LED daytime running lamps. Convenience features on S trim includes standard cruise control with speed limiter, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and electric front and rear windows. DAB and Bluetooth connectivity features as standard throughout the Kona range, with the S featuring a 5-inch LCD centre console display, 6 speakers, USB and AUX connections and steering wheel controls for audio, telephone and cruise control operation. A drivers supervision instrument cluster with 3.5-inch LCD multifunction screen rounds off the S trim level.

July 2018

Kona diesel goes on sale

The newly developed 1.6 CRDi engine comes as the 115PS 6 speed manual 2WD or 136PS 7 speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) 2WD.

Prices will start from £19,750 for the KONA SE 1.6 CRDi 115PS 6 speed manual, with external features including 17-inch alloy wheels, body coloured bumpers, door handles and wing mirrors, as well as rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light.

January 2019

Kona Iron Man edition launched

Priced from £27,995 and designed in collaboration with Marvel, the Kona Iron Man features matte grey and “red armour” exterior paintwork, bespoke Iron-grip dual-tone 18” alloy wheels and Iron Man emblems on the front wings and puddle lamps. The bonnet has been redesigned for the Kona Iron Man Edition, featuring a red bonnet bezel with Marvel logo.

The Iron Man theme continues on the inside. The leather seats feature red stitching and piping and the heated and ventilated front seats are embossed with the STARK Industries logo and Iron Man image on the backrests. Upon start up, the standard KRELL Premium audio system and supervision instrument cluster both display the Iron Man eyes during system check. The instrument cluster and tachometer also feature the STARK Industries Arc Reactor as the background graphics, as does the leather wrapped and red stitched gear lever. The Iron Man theme is rounded off by a dashboard signature from Tony Stark.

June 2019

Hyundai Kona self-charging hybrid announced (like KIA Niro):

Technical specifications

Exterior (mm)

Interior (mm)

Capacities (litres)

August 2019

Hyundai Kona Play special edition announced

Priced from £18,355, the Kona Play builds on the SE with 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and metallic or pearl paint. It's equipped with the 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine combined with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Customers have a choice of seven colours, with no additional charge for metallic or pearl paint finishes. Colour choice includes Acid Yellow, Blue Lagoon, Chalk White, Lake Silver, Phantom Black, Pulse Red or Tangerine Comet.

August 2019

Hyundai Kona Hybrid prices announced

Hyundai has announced the pricing and specification details for the new Kona Hybrid, which is on sale from the 30th September.

The new Kona Hybrid takes its drivetrain from the Ioniq Hybrid, with the Kappa 1.6 GDi Atkinson Cycle combustion engine working with the 1.56kWh battery and 32kW motor to deliver a maximum hybrid system power of 141PS and 265Nm to the front wheels, via a 6 speed dual clutch transmission. New Kona Hybrid takes the multi-link rear suspension from the Kona Premium GT models, while owners looking for increased practicality can now combine hybrid power with a towing capacity of up to 1300kg.

From £22,495, the Kona Hybrid SE includes climate control, an electric parking brake and steering wheel mounted gearshift paddles. Exterior changes include 16” wheels of a design bespoke to the hybrid model and Blue Drive badging to the wings and tailgate. Interior changes for the hybrid model include white accents around the air vents and gear lever surround, as well as accompanying white stitching to the seats. Kona Hybrid SE also features a number of key items found in the non-hybrid model including the 7” touchscreen audio system with standard subscription free Apple Car Play™ and Android Auto™, rear parking sensors with camera and standard Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Driver Attention Alert (DAA). Customers will also have the option to specify the SmartSense™ 1 safety pack that includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian & cycle recognition and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with stop and go function.

The Kona Hybrid Premium, from £24,295, continues with features such as the KRELL premium sound system, keyless entry with stop/start button, privacy glass, wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, automatic windscreen wipers and front fog lamps. For hybrid models, the Premium trim adds the 10.25” touch screen navigation system with Bluelink® connectivity and 18” wheels with a unique design. The SmartSense™ 2 safety pack which includes AEB, SCC with stop and go function, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) that displays the current speed limit to the driver on the instrument cluster and Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) is available as an option.

The top of the range Kona Hybrid Premium SE models start from £27,195 and offer LED headlamps with High Beam Assist (HBA), LED rear lamps and AEB as standard. These features are all in addition to the specification of non-hybrid Premium SE which includes leather seat trim with white stitching for hybrid models, heated, ventilated and electrically operated front seats and head up display. Standard BSD with RCTA is also available alongside AEB at Premium SE trim level, with the SmartSense™ 3 safety pack giving customer the additional option of SCC with stop and go function, LFA and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) that also displays the current speed limit to the driver on the head up display as well as instrument cluster.

Customers for Kona Hybrid have a choice of 8 colours, Galactic Grey (pearl) is a no cost option finish, with Chalk White (metallic), Tangerine Comet (pearl), Blue Lagoon (metallic pearl), Pulse Red (metallic pearl), Lake Silver (metallic pearl), Phantom Black (pearl) and Acid Yellow (metallic pearl) being a £565 option.

All Kona Hybrid models come with Hyundai’s industry leading 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Roadside Assistance package, 5 Year Annual Health Check, and 12 Year Anti Corrosion Warranty.

January 2020

Hyundai Kona N confirmed

The all-new Kona N will be available with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, known as N DCT, combined with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Further details, including UK prices and specifications, will be announced at a later date.

December 2020

Updated Hyundai Kona range priced from £21,060

Hyundai has confirmed pricing and specifications for its updated Kona, which now includes for the first time a sporty N Line trim, as well as a full hybrid option and 48-volt mild hybrid technology on all other variants.

The Kona’s design has been enhanced inside and out. Revised suspension and new connectivity and in-car convenience features make it even more comfortable and enjoyable for driver and passengers alike.

With the all-new N Line version the Kona wears its sporty dynamics on its sleeve, thanks to unique design features front and rear, bespoke diamond-cut wheel design, and comprehensive interior styling enhancements.

The 2021 Kona range starts from £21,060 for the Kona SE Connect 1.0 T-GDi 48-volt MHEV. The new N Line specification is available from £23,590.

The Kona is equipped with Hyundai’s 1.0-litre T-GDi Smartstream petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT).

Hybrid versions of the Kona are equipped with a Kappa 1.6-litre GDI petrol four-cylinder engine and an electric motor linked to a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack. Transmission is via a six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (6DCT).

First seen in the new i30 and the all-new i20, the iMT’s clutch operates electronically, decoupling the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator, saving fuel by switching off the engine and activating ‘coasting’ mode. The engine restarts in the same gear as soon as the driver presses either the brake or the accelerator pedals, thanks to the power provided by the Mild Hybrid Starter Generator.

The Kona range starts with the SE Connect, priced from £21,060 with a high level of standard equipment. Its exterior is distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, roof rails and rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light.

Inside there is manual air conditioning, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, electric windows front and rear, a 10.25-inch Driver's Digital Supervision Instrument Cluster, USB port, automatic activation for the headlights, plus an 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio with rear-view camera and Smart Device Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. New for the model is front passenger-seat height adjustment, allowing occupants to ensure a commanding view out.

All models in the new Kona range are equipped with a range of new or enhanced safety and driving assist features for added peace of mind. For example, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) alerts the driver if they do not react fast enough when the vehicle ahead of them starts moving. Another is Lane Following Assist (LFA), which automatically adjusts steering to assist the driver to keep in the centre of the lane. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection (FCA) is now standard. Rear Seat Alert (RSA) alerts the driver if someone or something is in the back seat when they go to exit the vehicle. In addition, all new Kona models are now available with eCall, a feature which automatically alerts emergency services if the airbags are deployed or the e-Call button is pushed.

The sporty new Kona N Line trim starts at £23,590, and features unique front- and rear-end styling and 18-inch alloy diamond-cut wheels. In contrast to other Kona models, the entire front bumper and the wheel-arch claddings are in body colour. Instead of a rugged front skid plate there is an N-style aerodynamic lip with corner fins to accentuate the car’s road-hugging stance. At the rear there are LED lights, and a large central aerodynamic diffusor in a contrast colour flanked by sharply creased lines and N-style fins that aid airflow.

For the cabin, the new N Line Kona is equipped with unique detailing including distinctive red stitching, metal pedals, and N logos on the gear shift and on the seats – all contributing to a sportier look and feel.

Compared to the entry-level SE Connect, the N Line boasts a range of additional comfort and convenience features. For example, in place of air conditioning there is climate control, and comfort is further boosted by an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, automatic windscreen wipers, USB ports for rear-seat occupants, rear parking sensors, and interior ambient lighting. The driver can also fold the door mirrors at the touch of a button.

The centre console display increases from 8-inch to 10.25-inch and incorporates Touchscreen Satellite Navigation with Mapcare and LIVE Services. Also added is Hyundai’s Bluelink® (free-of-charge for the first five years) – a smartphone app-based connected car service that enables drivers to carry out a number of different functions whilst away from their vehicle, including remote central locking activation and vehicle parked location information. The sound system is upgraded to KRELL Premium Audio with eight speakers, external amplifier and subwoofer.

The Kona Premium is available from £23,660 and adds anthracite body garnish to the exterior and distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are heated front seats, electric parking brake and front parking sensors, and the active safety features are augmented with Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW).

The top-of-the-range Kona Ultimate starts at £25,960. In addition to all of the features available with Premium spec, Ultimate adds LED headlights, electric front seat adjustment, and an electric tilt and slide sunroof. Added to the active safety systems are Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), and the new Safe Exit Warning (SEW) system, which prevents passengers from exiting the vehicle if it is not yet safe to do so.

Prices for the Kona Hybrid start from £23,750. It is available in SE Connect, Premium or Ultimate trim. The Hybrid is available with two dedicated hybrid-only alloy wheels designs, 16-inch on the SE Connect and 18-inch on the Premium and Ultimate trims.

The updated Kona range goes on sale in the UK from 18 January 2021.