Try Hyundai Kona 120 HP "Eco", a multipurpose car with which you are sure to get it right (with video)

Hyundai has been living a very sweet time for a few years, having fully established itself in the European market thanks to fresh, quality products that are very popular to customers. A few months ago we were able to discover the second generation Hyundai Kona at its presentation, and now, finally, we have been able to test it calmly for a week.

In the first contact we drove the new Kona with the conventional hybrid engine, but I was left wanting to try the more conventional mechanical version. Welcome to the test of the Hyundai Kona 1.0 T-GDi 120 HP, with the addition of the eco label thanks to the fact that it has a 48 volt system. The finish is Tecno. By the way, the Kona is available from 25.190 euro.

The design of the Hyundai Kona is bold, but not strident

This new Hyundai Kona uses the platform of the previous model, but suitably evolved and revised. This means that it continues to accept traditional, electrified and fully electric engines. We will see them later. As for the dimensions, it grows a little to be in the Meters long 4,35, also lengthening the wheelbase to give more space to the occupants.

Aesthetically it is very different from the previous one, with a more futuristic line and a wider presence. From the front we can highlight the band of LED daytime lighting, with the main projectors in the corners, which are also exposed to more blows, it must be said, or the lower active grill that opens or closes depending on the cooling needs.

Something that the new Kona does maintain from the previous model are the characteristic wheel arches. Huge, with very marked shapes and enveloping both the headlights and the taillights. This has a counterpart, and that is that the wheels always seem very small. In this case We have 17 inch wheels, although there are also 16 and 18 inch wheels depending on the equipment.

We finish with the rear part, where a new lighting line that runs the entire width of the car, the main drivers in the lower area, the large Kona inscription and a gate with straight lines with automatic opening.

More trunk, with 466 liters in all versions

As I said, the trunk has an electric opening by button or with the same key and once opened we find a capacity of 466 liters, which is considerably greater than that of the previous model. It is also important to note that the volume does not change depending on the engine: it is always 466 liters.

By the way, we have a double bottom, we can place the floor at two heights and there are some hooks to place and hold the load. The only thing that could perhaps be criticized is that the sides are not upholstered, but I don't consider it too important.

The interior of the Kona does not use top materials, but it is pleasant and well put together

From my point of view, the interior of the new Hyundai Kona is well done. It is true that it does not have soft materials and a sensational touch. Most are rigid plastics, but they fit very well, they don't creak, they look good and, after all, we don't spend all day touching them, right?

The important thing is that everything It has a good feeling and is well organized. We have a nice steering wheel, although we are even more pleased when we have to use the turn signal, the windows or the climate control buttons, for example, because these controls have a very good touch. That is always a detail that gives good feelings.

In terms of technology, we have two screens of 12,3 inches each. The instrument panel can be customized in the way it displays information and has different menus. As I always say, the important thing is that it looks good, and in that regard it delivers. Meanwhile, the multimedia screen has good touch, is fast and allows multiple car configurations. Has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although unfortunately only by cable.

Another detail that I really like is that we have simple controls, the usual ones, to manage the dual-zone air conditioning. It is always appreciated, and I think it is a positive point. Also in its favor I can say that there are no materials in Piano Black, thank goodness, because you already know that that shiny black is impossible to keep clean.

And as for spaces, it has good spaces in the doors, in the center console with cupholders, a small compartment under the armrest and a wireless charging tray. In the automatic versions there is even more free space because the gear selector is on the steering column, but since in this case it is manual, we have the lever in the usual place.

Assistants can be a nightmare

@actualidadmotor

🤦🏻‍♂️ We have to do this every time we start the car (if we don't want to hear beeps and alerts constantly) #cars #security # assistant

♬ original sound – Actualidad Motor

One thing that really bothers me about modern cars is the beeping noises. They whistle for everything, and the Hyundais seem to be more than the competition. They have a lot driving assistants, which is very good at certain times, but if we want to disconnect them or, at least, stop beeping, we have to be patient.

We start the car and we have to go to the main screen. Click on vehicle, driver assistance and select and deactivate each one. The problem"? What needs to be repeated this operation every time we start the car and, if I have not counted wrong, It takes 13 presses to deactivate them all. Having a button here to deactivate them or at least turn off the sound would be much more practical.

Since we have mentioned the attendees, this Hyundai Kona comes very loaded. We have front and rear parking sensors, rear camera, sign recognition and lane departure warning. Also cruise control, blind spot sensor, cross traffic alert, driver monitoring to avoid distractions and automatic emergency braking among others.

The rear seats are quite spacious for adults.

As we said above, this second generation of the Hyundai Kona is bigger than the first. The greater overall length and wheelbase have an impact on the interior, especially in the rear seats, where better habitability can be seen.

The door opening is good, not being too far from 90 degrees, while the vertical distance between the ceiling and the floor is good, which facilitates access and exit for the occupants. Once inside, the rear seats are spacious and Four adults of 1,80 or even 1,85 tall will be able to travel comfortably.

Meanwhile, the central square, as usual, is not very comfortable. We have a center armrest with cupholders and a transmission tunnel, which is always a bit annoying. There is also no shortage of central air vents, USB sockets, hairnets on the front seatbacks, roof handles and hooks to place a hanger.

Engines: There is no diesel, but there are gasoline, microhybrid, hybrid and electric versions

As we said at the beginning, the Hyundai Kona has a wide range of mechanics. There is no diesel, but we have traditional gasoline engines, microhybrids, conventional hybrids and electric engines.

To summarize it according to DGT badges, With the label C we have the 1.0 TGDi 120 HP engine with manual and automatic dual-clutch transmission; and the 1.6 TGDi with 198 HP, which is always double clutch but we can choose between front-wheel drive or 4×4.

With eco label, the same 1.0 TGDi with 120 HP appears, but with the addition of the 48-volt system that makes it a microhybrid. Curiously, and unlike what is usual on the market, it uses a manual transmission and not an automatic transmission. Continuing with the Eco label, the other option is the conventional hybrid, known as 1.6 GDi with 141 HP, which is the one we tested in the presentation.

Finally, the variants appear with DGT Zero Emissions badge, which are totally electric. There is an option with a 48 kWh battery and 156 HP, and another with more capacity and power, with a 65 kWh battery and 218 HP.

Behind the wheel of the Hyundai Kona 1.0 T-GDI 120 HP 48 volts

In this case we are testing the Hyundai Kona with the engine 1.0 T-GDi with 120 HP and intelligent manual transmission, with the 48 V network that gives it the Eco label.

Starting with the performance, this three-cylinder turbo develops the 120 CV at 6.000 revolutions and a maximum torque of 172 Nm between 1.500 and 4.000 turns. It claims 0 to 100 in 11,8 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 km/h, while the approved mixed consumption is 5,8 l/100 km.

I think it is the most sensible version for the majority of potential Kona customers. In the end it is a quiet car that will be used a little for everything in the family, therefore there is no need for a very high level of performance unless you are going to travel very frequently through areas with considerable unevenness or heavy loads.

Furthermore, and given what we have seen with the issue of labels, It is worth taking the leap to this microhybrid option. The behavior will not change much compared to the version that is not microhybridized, but for 1.250 Euros we have the Eco label, which if you live in a large municipality could be very useful for you. Also to ensure a little, since in a few years it will surely have more value than now.

The mechanics have a sufficient response for the type of car it is. It's not going to leave you glued to the seat, but it doesn't defend itself badly. Furthermore, it is soft, barely vibrates, and has enough brio to move well in almost all circumstances. Only when you want to accelerate hard with a lot of load and at high speed is when you can miss a little more oomph.

Otherwise, it is a car that handles all types of driving well. Although it is not designed for running, it always gives good confidence on the highway, feeling poised. In these situations we also receive comfort because it is a car with correct insulation.

Meanwhile, in the city swallows bumps quite well, ridges, manhole covers and other irregularities that, unfortunately, we usually encounter. This is thanks to the suspension, but also because this unit uses tires with quite a profile and not showy rims of enormous dimensions with low rubber profile, which aesthetically look very good but are not very comfortable.

The steering has quite a bit of assistance and is not very informative, something logical and in line with the approach of the car. In the end, In a Kona you look for softness and ease when it comes to walking around, not the maximum sensations. In any case, we have a button to manage the three driving modes, which are Normal, Eco and Sport, varying the engine response and steering assistance a little.

Consumption of the Hyundai Kona 120 HP

And if we talk about consumption, throughout this week of tests it has made us an average of 6,4 l/100 km, which is more than reasonable data for a crossover of this size and power. On the highway at legal speed we are around 6,2 l/100 km, while in the city, driving normally, it is normal to be between 6,8 and 7 liters.

Conclusions

And we are finishing this test with the second generation of the Hyundai Kona. Aesthetically you may like it more or less, but the truth is that it represents an interesting leap compared to the previous one in terms of technology and interior and trunk space.

In the must improveWell, you have already seen that it bothers me a lot to have to deactivate the sounds of the driving assistants one by one and I think it should also have a wireless connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, since we are already in the middle of 2024...

Regarding the PricesAlthough we detail them below, the cheapest Kona has the Maxx equipment level and the manual 1.0 turbo 120 HP engine without any type of electrification for €25.190. As I told you, I find it interesting to make the leap to the microhybrid because of DGT Ecolabel and the advantages it has now and may have in the future, costing €1.250 more, that is, 26.440 Euros.

This test unit has that mild hybrid engine with the top finish, which is the Tecno, in addition to the red body color, costing 30.620 euros. It's not cheap, but unfortunately there are no affordable cars nowadays. Despite this we have a vehicle versatile, very complete and well equipped.

Equipment Hyundai Kona

Maxx

• Electric parking brake
• LED headlights for daytime, low beam and highway lighting
• light sensing
• LED taillights
• Electric and heated mirrors
• Alloy wheels in 16 inches
• Folding rear backrest in 40/20/40
• Four electric windows
• Leather steering wheel and gear knob
• Front center armrest
• Dual zone automatic climate control
• 4,2-inch screen in box
• Multimedia system with 12,3-inch screen
• Cruise control
• Active Lane Departure System
• Recognition of traffic signs
• Speed ​​limiter
• automatic emergency braking
• Reversing camera
• Rain Sensor

Flexx (adds to Maxx)

• descent control
• driver monitoring
• Front central LED lighting
• Power folding mirrors
• 17-inch wheels
• Metal interior handles
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Auto-dimming interior mirror
• 12,3-inch instrument cluster

N Line (adds)

• Active Blind Spot Detection System with Rear Traffic Alert
• mobile wireless charger
• Smart key with push button start and proximity detector
• Tinted windows
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Specific bumpers, wheel arches and side sills
• Aluminum sports pedals

Tecno (adds to Flexx)

• Tinted windows
• roof rails
• heated front seats
• LED ambient light
• heated steering wheel
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• wireless charger for mobile
• Smart key with push button start and proximity detector
• BOSE Premium Sound System

Hyundai Kona Prices

Editor's opinion

Gallery Hyundai Kona