“Interestingly, there is a happy vibe that I feel is common with many Kona drivers,” said SangYup Lee, senior vice president and head of Hyundai’s Global Design Centre. “Our design inspiration stems from this positive spirit, and this is a dedication to all the adventurers out there who explore life with a smile.”
Three derivatives sporting two trim levels are available to South Africans: the Kona 2.0 Nu Executive with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT); the Kona 1.6 T-GDi Executive with a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT); and the flagship Kona 1.6 T-GDi N Line, also with the DCT.
Design updates include a new front end, protective cladding panels, enhanced LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), a robust skid plate that embraces the lower air intake, and more.
In addition, the latest model comes with an updated 17-inch wheel design for the Kona 2.0 Executive, and different 18-inch wheels for the 1.6 T-GDi Executive and 1.6 T-GDi N Line respectively.
The 2.0 Executive and 1.6 T-GDi variants come standard with artificial leather seat trim, while the 1.6 T-GDi N Line features full leather seats with N Line red piping and stitching trim.
Connectivity and convenience features
These include a second-row USB port for backseat passengers, height adjustable seats for front passengers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an eight-inch display infotainment system.
The new Kona N Line also boasts Hyundai’s SmartSense safety system, which offers Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist and driver fatigue assist, among others.
Power and performance
The Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine, linked to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), brings 148kW and 265Nm maximum torque to the table. This drivetrain is found in the 1.6 T-GDi Executive and 1.6 T-GDi N-Line derivatives. The Smartstream 2.0 Nu Atkinson naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 110kW and 179Nm linked to an IVT gearbox, is fitted in the Kona 2.0 Executive.
Hyundai’s Smartstream refers to the “Smart” technological objectives of saving fuel, improving performance and reducing gas emissions, which are then applied to every step of the “Stream” – the stream of air and fuel injected in the engine, and its explosive power delivered to the wheels via the transmission.
Pricing starts at R449 900 and includes a seven-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty, a five-year/75 000km service plan, and roadside assistance for seven years or 150 000km.
Source: QuickPic