Hyundai Mzansi has launched what will arguably put the brand on a higher style position in the mind of style conscious buyers with the local launch of the Kona….. bazooka sezintweni manje.
The Kona will take over from where the stylish Veloster left off in bringing an H badged model that commands a premium design. The front gets the makers Hexagonal grille, LED daytime lights placed high above the grille with a stylish air intake in between. Headlights are placed on either side of the grille in an eccentric design with fog lights placed on the lower part of the bumper. A mix of black trim and body colour makes the whole front design appeal to buyers looking for a design that should stand out.
The side gets 17-inch wheels (18-inch shown in these images not yet available in Mzansi), a hatchback like design, bold shoulder line, roof rails and the black accents mix well with the body colour. The rear gets a rear spoiler, thin strip rear light with lower placed Fog and reversing lights. A central protection moulding on the lower bumper hinting at the SUV/Crossover design.
The well laid out interior retains the same architecture as seen on latest Hyundai’s with an infotainment touchscreen placed atop the dash. Air-condition/heater controls are placed below the screen with the iPod/USB/Mobile charge point placed lower down. The gear lever and handbrake are nicely placed in between the front seats. The 5 seater Kona has seats finished in part leather, part cloth. The instrument cluster has dials clearly placed in front of the driver with speed, rev counter, fuel and temperature gauge easy to see. The Kona also has an infotainment screen in between the speed and rev counter, which conveys driving and other data.
The Kona has high mounted seats to emphasise that crossover DNA with the rear seats split 60/40 for additional carrying capacity. The single spec Kona range comes with a long list of standard features including cruise control, air-conditioning, park assist with a reversing camera, all-round electric seats, 6 speaker audio system to name a few.
Powering the Kona range is 2 petrol motors starting off with an 88kW/172Nm 1.0-litre 3-cylinder Turbo engine claimed to sprint the 6 speed manual model from 0-100km/h in 12 seconds topping at 181km/h. Fuel efficiency claims are 6.8l/100km. For automatic buyers, there is a 6 speed transmission linked to a 110kW/180Nm 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine allowing the model to sprint from 0-100km/h in 10 seconds topping at 194km/h. Fuel efficiency is claimed at 7.2l/100km. During the launch drive around KZN, the 1.0-litre Turbo unit is the pick of the range with very good refinement and drivability. Drive for both models is to the front wheels.
Hyundai claims the Kona has best in class Noise/Vibration/Harshness levels giving the model premium feel. Handling is listed as entertaining hinting at the Kona being a sporty drive whilst majoring on comfort. The combination of the 1.0-litre Turbo and the low noise levels make this model the ideal drive for long journeys especially with the standard cruise control.
All Kona models come with Hyundai’s 5 year/150 000km warranty with an addition 2 years/50 000km drivetrain warranty. A 5 year/90 000km service plan is offered as standard with 15 000km service intervals for both models. A 5 year/150 000km roadside assistance also comes standard.
Pricing
Hyundai Kona Executive 1.0 TGDI 6 Manual R379 900
Hyundai Kona Executive 2.0 Petrol 6 Automatic R399 900