Test: Hyundai Kona 1.0 T-GDI

If we look at the sales figures of electric cars in our country, the complete top 10 consists of SUVs and crossovers, including the Hyundai Kona. A Kona Electric costs at least €36,795 and then you have the version with a 39 kWh battery. For €28,675 you have a Kona hybrid with which you drive almost 1 in 20. A huge price difference. We see another remarkable thing and that is the competition in-house. For example, the large Hyundai boat recently unloaded the Bayon (4.18 m) at the quay.

Similarities to Cactus

In 2017, Hyundai pulls the curtain on the Kona. As if the front and the back suffer from ADHD, that’s how busy the design is. On the sides we see an interplay of wild lines and large, black plastic parts around the wheel arches. You might think that the Citroën C4 Cactus was an important source of inspiration. Especially the separate light units in the nose are very similar. At Hyundai you will also find this specific design element in the other SUVs and crossovers, such as the Tucson, the Bayon and the Santa Fe. The ‘shark fin’ in the C-pillar of the Cactus can also be seen in the Kona. The Koreans just didn’t dare to take over the large pads on the flanks.

The first Kona is available with the three-cylinder 1.0-liter (120 hp), as a 1.6 Hybrid and as a 1.6 Turbo (177 hp) and only as an automatic transmission, possibly with 4WD. And there is an electric version, with a battery of 39 kWh or 64 kWh. In the latter case, you really have a large range, since the Kona Electric is nice and economical. There is no diesel. After the facelift this year, only the 1.0 T-GDI is still available, unfortunately not with an automatic transmission. This is an important and popular option for this segment.

The alternative is the 1.6 GDI HEV (a hybrid), which of course has an automatic transmission and is more economical than its petrol brother, but slightly heavier, so you pay more mrb. The electric Kona has a starring role in the Netherlands, which accounted for a large part of the almost 11,000 units sold last year and will also play a nice tune in 2021.

Robotic Linking

Inside the Kona, the design is less wild than outside, but it is certainly not boring. A strikingly large screen for the infotainment system dominates the dashboard and the instrumentation has been digitized since the refresh, with a choice of different types of dials for the two large clocks, but nothing more. There is significantly more room for your legs.

The small three-cylinder makes itself heard when accelerating, it is not the quietest of its kind. The throttle response is clearly better if you opt for the Sport driving mode, where you are also treated to a dot of intermediate gas when downshifting. This engine features a combined starter-generator with a 48-volt battery. It supports and provides more torque at low rpm. In addition, it makes the car slightly more economical. So does the gearbox with robotized clutch. With the pedal you operate the hydraulic unit that provides the (dis) coupling. Yet it feels very natural. If you drive in Eco mode, it automatically disengages when you release the gas and the engine then switches off, while the car can roll freely.

All in all, the Kona is fractionally more economical than its predecessor, so the system is paying off. This car also stands on 18-inch wheels and also has stiffer suspension. It’s not an N-Line for nothing. The steering and shifting feel artificial. Childishly simple to operate, but not exciting. There is quite a bit of living space for the friends in the back seat and there is room for quite a lot of luggage.

Although the Kona N-Line is not a bargain, you don’t have to pay anything for it. It has electric seat adjustment, a premium audio system, suede upholstery and even seat ventilation. Steering wheel heating and adaptive cruise control are missing in the Kona and are not available. And then that competition in-house at Hyundai. If you opt for a Bayon in the most complete version (it is not available as an N-Line) and equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission, then you are a small €1,500 cheaper. And then we are not even talking about sister brand Kia. The stress of choice is only increasing.