Hyundai’s quirkily-styled Kona came to market in 2018 and while it certainly turned heads with its unique look, it also divided opinion. Nonetheless, Hyundaisold 1 700 new Konas in Mzansi since it came to market. In September 2020, Hyundai unveiled a thoroughly revised Kona boasting a fresh look and updated interior trim and features and it has now arrived on local showroom floors.
The Kona’s interior now benefits from a larger infotainment system and additional standard features.
The facelifted Kona stands 40 mm longer than before and from a styling perspective, the latest Kona gains a longer bonnet, wider grille design and wider LED daytime running lights. A keen eye will also notice vertical aero inlets positioned on the outside edges of the bumper. The rear light clusters have also been revised with horizontal graphics and a large skid plate provides some added visual presence. The Kona rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and buyers can also opt for redesigned 17- and 18- inch alloy wheel options. Note that buyers can also opt for a stylish two-tone paint finish for both the Kona Executive and Kona N Line.
The Kona NLine offers more kerb appeal and sporty styling to the tar.
For buyers looking to make a stronger statement, perhaps the sporty Kona N Line will grab your attention? While the Kona N Line doesn’t feature any mechanical upgrades over the standard Kona, it does gain some sporty elements such as the obligatory N Line badges, more aggressively styled grille, uniquely styled rear bumper and body-coloured wheel arches.
Inside, the Kona N Line gains a push-button start and 10.25-inch Smart Vision digital instrument cluster. The Kona N Line is also exclusively offered with a safety package as standard which adds features such as smart cruise control (adaptive), forward collision assist, lane-keeping assist / lane-following assist, blind-spot collision assist and safe exit assist.
Other key interior features for the enhanced Kona includes a larger 8-inch infotainment system which offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard, leather upholstery, rear park assist with rearview camera (with guidelines) and wireless charging. The Kona is now also fitted with climate control air conditioning as standard.
Buyers can choose from 2 petrol engines in South Africa.
Hyundai offers 2 engines for the Kona. First up is a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine with 110 kW and 179 Nm, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission while buyers also can also opt for the more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine which offers 146 kW and 265 Nm of torque and is mated with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Note that the previous turbocharged 1.0-litre Kona has now fallen away.
We will be driving the latest Kona this week, so lookout for a full launch report coming your way soon.
Also, note that the fully-fledged Hyundai Kona N will launch in South Africa in Q1 2022.
Kona 2.0 Executive Auto – R449 900
Kona 1.6 TGDI Executive DCT – R499 900
Kona 1.6 TGDI N Line DCT – R579 900
The Hyundai Kona is sold with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 5-year/75 000 km service plan.
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