In the more than 30 years that Hyundai The Korean brand has evolved a lot and very well in Spain and Europe. It has gone from being considered a low-cost brand to one of the best sellers in all categories. SUVs are its biggest draw thanks to its excellent value for money. He Hyundai Kona It is the bet within the B-SUV segment. A model that has managed to quickly find its place.
We have tested this car:
Try Hyundai Kona 120 HP "Eco", a multipurpose car with which you are sure to get it right (with video)Test Hyundai Kona hybrid 2023, this car is valid for everything and everyone (with video)SUVs have been a force for change in the industry. SUVs dominate segment by segment and have managed to displace the most traditional models on the market. The KONA is not only Hyundai's bet in the utility category, along with the Hyundai StonicAlso it is the most versatile model of the house thanks to a unique mechanical offer. By size it is situated halfway between the Hyundai Tucson and Hyundai bayon.
The first time we met him was in 2017 during his official presentation at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The first generation became an immediate sales success, continuing its fame for the next six years. In the spring of 2023 a new edition comes out with multiple changes in sight, although maintaining the essence of the Hyundai KONA 2020 which it replaces.
Technical characteristics of the Hyundai KONA
The KONA has been since its inception a model with a clear desire for change. The new generation appears considerably more changed, mainly in the aesthetic aspect. Hyundai bets once again to offer a unique product, although under that new and attractive silhouette hides the same K3 platform that was used in the previous generation. A structure that has been completely revised.
This new versatile configuration expands its measures for the second generation KONA to take a very important quantum leap. Located on the diffuse border between segments B and C, the new KONA establishes measures that take it to the 4,35 meters long, 1,82 meters wide and 1,57 meters high. That means a gain in length of 15 centimeters.
To these dimensions we must add a wheelbase of 2,66 meters, just six centimeters more than the previous generation. Inside doors, it offers space for five adult passengers and a more usable second row of seats. In terms of load capacity, the new KONA improves the records of its predecessor. The minimum cargo volume is 466 liters, which becomes 493 liters for the electric version thanks to its small front trunk.
Hyundai KONA mechanical range and gearboxes
As is common in the Korean model, Hyundai presents the KONA with a wide mechanical offer. from solutions diesel and gasoline mechanics with or without microhybridization, to hybrid and 100% electric versions. In all cases, power is allocated to the front axle or to all four wheels by managing seven-speed dual-clutch manual or automatic gearboxes.
Regarding the KONA Electric, the offer includes two different battery sizes. The access version offers a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 48,4 kWh associated with a 156 horsepower front motor and an estimated autonomy of 400 kilometers. Above is the KONA Long Range with a 65,4 kWh capacity battery, 218 horsepower and 490 kilometers of approved autonomy.
As for the rest of the range, the power starts with the KONA 1.0 TGDI with 120 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. For performance, it is followed by KONA hybrid with ECO label. It offers 141 horsepower, 265 Nm of torque and a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. Above all is the KONA 1.6 TGDi that develops 198 horses of power and 265 Nm of torque. This is the only version available with all-wheel drive.
Equipment of the Hyundai KONA
One of Hyundai's most significant changes in its more than three-decade history in Europe centers on the interior. The evolution has been impressive and today they have nothing to envy to many of the most classic general brands of the Old Continent. Inside the doors, the Hyundai KONA takes an important qualitative leap both in presentation and in finishes.
As usual, the equipment offer is structured in different steps with more or less technology. The offer is made up of the finishes: Maxx, N Line, Tecno and N Line Style. A varied offer that allows each client to choose the option that best suits their interests or tastes. As with the rest of the family, the options will come very packaged and greater flexibility will be allowed with the exterior configuration and color palettes.
In terms of equipment, the new Hyundai KONA is capable of offering all the latest generation technologies that we can already see in many models. Among the long list of elements, the following stand out: LED headlights, dual curved screen system with 12,3 inches each, Head-Up Display, wireless connectivity for mobile devices, browser, connected services, remote updates, access through NFC and a full deployment of assistants with advanced level 2 autonomous driving.
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The Hyundai KONA according to Euro NCAP
Like the rest of the brands, Hyundai always wants to excel in standardized safety tests. At the end of 2023, the Hyundai KONA passes the usual Euro NCAP tests with a rating of four stars out of a possible five. The results obtained in the sections are the following: 80 out of 100 in protection of adult passengers, 83 out of 100 in protection of child passengers, 64 out of 100 in pedestrian vulnerability and 60 out of 100 in driving assistants and ADAS equipment. This last note is the one that most affects the achievement of the last missing star.
The Hyundai KONA of Km 0 and second hand
KONA sales have gone from less to more in recent years thanks to the appearance of anti-pollution protocols and low-emission zones. Its varied efficient range allows you to have favorable labels, from C to ZERO. On the second-hand channel shows a relatively low depreciation, around 28%. That means that second-hand units maintain good sales prices.
The prices of the cheapest units start at figures close to 13.000 euros for 2017 units with gasoline engines. In the channel of Km 0 dealers have a wide and varied offer, from traditional mechanics to the most efficient solutions. Prices are slightly lower than factory models. All offer is based on model year after 2020.
Hyundai KONA rivals
The Hyundai KONA is established in the B-SUV segment. Although it has not been one of the first models to land in the segment, in a short time it has achieved a good market share. Its main rivals are nissan juke, Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008, Volkswagen T-Cross, FIAT 500X, SEAT Arona, Skoda Kamiq, Jeep Renegade, and many more. All of them are rivals for size and price, although the mechanical offer of the KONA is the widest of all.
Highlight
- mechanical versatility
- bold design
- equipment possibilities
To improve
- Price higher versions
- range too packed
- poor offroad performance
Hyundai KONA prices
When it comes to setting prices, Hyundai remains faithful to its policy of maintaining prices, although we do see a slight increase compared to the previous generation. The starting price of the Hyundai KONA for Spain is 28.490 euros, without offers or discounts. That amount refers to a 1.0-horsepower 120 T-GDi model with a manual transmission and Maxx finish. The most expensive of all is, for now, the 141-horsepower KONA Hybrid with the ECO label. Its minimum rate is 32.040 euros, without promotions.
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