Hyundai’s new baby SUV avoids the weirdness afflicting some others in the class, reports Damien O’Carroll.
It has been said before – and will no doubt be mentioned a few times more yet – but the SUV segment is the hot place to be right now, if you are making cars.
And while the large and medium car segments have suffered at the hands of the SUV, the small car market has been a bit more isolated from the SUV effect. Well, for a little while, at least.
Because now the small car segment is under attack from the rapidly rising small SUV segment, with a number of cars appearing in that particular segment that are pretty much small hatches with SUV styling cues and a false sense of identity.
Take, as a prime example of this, Hyundai's newest entrant into its SUV family, the small Kona.
It is, for all intents and purposes, a small hatch with a choice of 1.6 or 2.0-litre engines and all the practicality and liveability that a small hatch brings.
But because the lines are well and truly blurred, it is an SUV.
But who really cares what it actually is or claims to be – all that really matters is: is it a good car?
Based on our experiences with it at the local launch held recently, yes, it is.
The Kona will come to New Zealand in two models, with two spec levels each.
The entry car is FWD only and powered by Hyundai’s naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque.
The AWD version is powered by the Korean company’s excellent little 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 130kW and 265Nm.
The FWD 2.0-little model has a six-speed automatic transmission, while the AWD 1.6 gets a seven-speed automated dual clutch transmission.
Both models are available in entry and up-spec Elite variants, with the entry model coming standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, split cloth and artificial leather upholstery, manual air conditioning, keyless entry, electrically adjustable folding side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights and a backing camera.
The entry FWD car starts the pricing off at an impressive $31,990, while the turbo AWD ups that to $36,990.
The Elite model adds 18-inch wheels, a full leather interior, electrically adjustable heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, a heads up display, LED taillights, climate control and rear privacy glass.
The 2WD Elite lands at the same price as the entry AWD at $36,990, while the turbo AWD Elite tops the range at $41,990.
Both versions of the Kona are packed with standard safety and driver assist features, including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, emergency autonomous braking, lane keep assist and driver attention monitoring.
Neither model of the Kona features standard fitment of satellite navigation, instead relying on the inclusion of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay phone projection on all models.
The phone mirroring and standard infotainment system are complimented by Hyundai’s new Auto Link connected driver app – again, available on Apple and Android devices – that allows real-time connectivity to the Kona’s on-board computers to display everything from vehicle diagnostics to driving statistics and parking information.
On the road the Kona in both its guises feels well-planted and nicely settled, with lively steering that possesses a decent feel to it.
The AWD 1.6-litre car has a distinct advantage through the corners, with a lighter nose, more powerful and responsive engine and a multi-link rear end making it noticeably sharper and more responsive than the 2.0-litre car and its torsion beam rear suspension set up.
However, the FWD 2.0-litre car would appear to have an advantage around town, with its conventional six-speed auto being more decisive and smoother than the AWD’s DCT.
Both, however, possess an excellent and well-controlled ride both around town and out on open roads, as well as a comfortable and refined cabin.
While it doesn’t exactly break any new ground, or do anything that particularly excites, the Kona is a thoroughly convincing package that looks great and certainly has the equipment, pricing and abilities to take on the best in the segment.
The styling is fresh and interesting, while nicely managing to avoid the whole 'weird' thing that the likes of the Nissan Juke and Toyota C-HR stumble into, and the level of standard equipment on offer for the money asked is impressive.
