Hyundai's updated Kona is here now

Thursday, 8 April 2021

Hyundai has refreshed the Kona, adding a new N-Line model at the same time.

Hyundai’s facelifted Kona is here now, sporting new looks, tweaked powertrains and more tech.

The Kona Series II gets a new front-end design with a stretched bonnet and grille featuring a wide and distinctive shape. There are redesigned narrow LED daytime running lights above the separate headlight cluster and wheel arch cladding contrasting with the body colour.

Around the back are new taillights that mimic the design of the headlights, while the rear bumper “follows the protective armour concept of the front and sides.”

The refreshed Kona is here now with snazzy new looks and more technology.

Inside is a new console area that is disconnected from the instrument panel, while a new electric parking brake has been added in response to customer demand. There are now ambient lights, aluminium finish rings around the speakers and air vents and optional leather seats.

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There's a new digital dash as well as a larger infotainment screen.

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Both the Kona and new N-Line model (right) are launching, with the N-Line being the only way to get the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine.

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* Hyundai to expand N range even further

If that turbo power isn't quite enough, Hyundai is cooking this up, the full-fat Kona N.

New to this model is the option of a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. In addition, the new Kona also comes with an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system.

Plenty of active safety is included as standard, like active cruise control, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking, while new tech for Kona includes leading vehicle departure alert, which gives the driver a little beep to tell them the car in front has moved on if they don’t react.

Additional safety features range from blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert and safe exit warning to forward collision avoidance assist with optional cyclist detection.

Five exterior colours are offered, each of which can be combined with the Phantom Black two-tone roof treatment which also includes matching mirror housings.

Power is sourced from the same 2.0-litre naturally aspired petrol four-cylinder and the 1.6-litre turbocharged four. The 2.0L is paired with a CVT transmission with eight “simulated gears” driving the front wheels while the 1.6L turbo uses a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

Hyundai is quoting power figures of 146kW/265 for the turbo while the 2.0L makes 110kW/180Nm.

However, if you want the turbo engine, your only option will be the Kona N-Line.

The new model also gains an Audi-like trio of bonnet vents on the nose, a motorsport-inspired front end, body colour claddings, a larger rear spoiler and diamond-cut wheels.

The range starts at $34,990 for the base Kona, with the Elite and Limited trims coming in at $39,990 and $44,990 respectively. Following is the N-Line at $49,990.

Or, you could always wait a bit for the forthcoming Kona N, which is said to use the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder from the i30N, as well as plenty of chassis adjustments for more sporty driving. Additionally, the facelifted Kona Electric is due shortly as well.