Hyundai Kona

Overview

Given the immense rise of compact sub-four meter SUVs and crossovers in recent times, Hyundai also decided to give the segment a shot. One of the new products Hyundai has come up in recent times is the Kona that boasts of a fresh design language which gives a preview of what Hyundai future cars would be like. For the Philippines market, the Hyundai Kona is available in only one GLS variant with a single engine and transmission option on offer. On offer is a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Interior & Features

When it comes to the interior, the Hyundai Kona, again, is a far departure from the cascading theme which we are used to seeing in the Hyundai cars from the recent past. The overall design of the interior is as extrovert and distinctive as the car on the outside.

A three-spoke steering wheel is an all-new unit, with larger-than-usual buttons for audio, cruise control, and Bluetooth. The centre console has a lovely vertical layout and features a design very similar to that seen in Ford Ecosport. The music system lays atop of the centre console with horizontal vents for AC following. Below the AC vents are buttons for auto climate control that look minimalist yet classy. While the center console lacks a touchscreen unit which is a compulsory norm in a car of this class, the color coding touches around AC vents and gear lever raise the funky quotient of the car.

In terms of features, the Kona comes equipped with some essentials. However, it lacks many features which are seen on the European-spec Kona, which makes it wanting in many departments. Also, in terms of space, given its short wheelbase and low roofline, the rear legroom and headroom are quite limited too.

Exterior

On the outside, the Hyundai Kona demonstrates how future Hyundai creations will look like. The overall design of the Kona stays very aggressive and is a step above Hyundai’s “fluidic” philosophy. The design has evolved and is purely focused on the millennial generation.

At the front, the Hyundai Kona boasts company’s new generation cascading grille, which looks as if it is derived from Audi’s lineup of cars. A thin strip above the bigger cascading grille, which mimics air scoops for ventilation, is a nice touch too. However, there’s more to the car, which gives it a distinctive appeal. Take for instance, the partitioned theme for the front headlamp setup. The Kona comes with a thin and long strip of daytime running LEDs running beside grille, which looks as if they are eyebrows. The headlamp setup with LED projector units has been placed a bit lower separately, with a nice and thick black cladding job around it. Also, the fog lamps joy a unique positioning, i.e. at either end of the scuff plate below the grille. All these lighting elements and their positioning make the front of the Hyundai Kona very aggressive and distinctive.

Moving towards the sides, the extrovert design language of the Hyundai Kona dilutes a bit, with the side profile having no characteristic line or curve. However, the low slung stance complemented with crossover cues, like lifted clearance and side cladding, makes it look rugged yet sporty. The most significant design element on the side happens to be the ‘7-shaped’ black garnish on the C-pillar.

At the rear, the Kona has an aggressive stance similar to the front, with the separate lighting theme carried forward here as well. While the LED tail lamps look long and slim like the front LED DRLs, the turn indicators and reverse lamp get separate housing with cladding surround. The thick silver skid plate, roof-mounted spoiler, and roof rails make it looks sporty.

Ride & Handling

The Hyundai Kona boasts of a conventional suspension setup of MacPherson struts at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. The overall suspension has been tuned on a stiffer side to gel with the sporty appeal of the car, with the Kona offering a best-till-date driving experience in a Hyundai car. The steering too is slightly harder than Hyundai cars from the past, making it direct and precise. The disc brake setup at both the ends also has a progressive feel.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Under the hood of Kona, Hyundai has plonked in a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. This unit is not new and already does duty on other Hyundai cars such as Tucson and Elantra in international markets. This Atkinson engine pumps out a maximum power output of 149 PS and a peak torque output of 185 Nm, making it one of the most powerful crossovers of the class. The engine is mated to a 6-speed regular torque converter.

Braking & Safety

The Philippine-spec Hyundai Kona misses out on a lot of sophisticated safety equipment which are present on the European version. However, the presence of basics such as front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, all disc brake setup, reverse parking sensors, engine immobilizer, and tyre pressure monitoring system is quite appreciable.

Verdict

The Hyundai Kona for the Philippine market may lack many features which are offered as standard in other markets, which does rob some of its appeal. But keeping aside this fact, you do get a wonderful car with an out-of-the-box design theme that is very youthful and aggressive in appeal. The interiors too remain unique yet functional. The performance from the 2.0-litre petrol engine as well as ride quality is decent too, and the Kona handles like a charm, making it the best handling car from Hyundai currently.