Hyundai Kona: future best-seller, in spite of everything

Germain Goyer

Monday, 26 march 2018 14:39

UPDATE
Monday, 26 march 2018 14:39

Look at this article

Apart from the cabbage, kale and Ludivine Reding, there is not much more likely than utility vehicles (SUV) in the compact.

It is with a little delay that Hyundai dives head first into this niche, which already includes several players: the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Nissan Qashqai and so on.

With his Kona, Hyundai adds a new player in this segment. Tailgate practice, driving position high, the possibility of the wheel to the full and price of basic mouth-watering are only some of the elements appreciated by the general public. Hyundai has collected all of it and followed the recipe to the letter, to sell a ton of copies.

Hyundai Kona 2018

Germain Goyer

Under the hood

Hyundai offers a choice of two engines to four-cylinders: 2.0 L atmospheric and 1.6 L turbocharged. In this chapter, we are in the field known as it is of the same two engines as those found in the Tucson, another SUV offered by the Korean manufacturer.

The block to 2.0 L, with its 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, is all but overwhelming. But as the customers of this type of vehicle is not generally seeks nothing other than a beast means of transport, it carries out the mandate, and it does it well.

However, when one embarks on a copy with turbocharging, it is to be found in any other vehicle. The driving pleasure is really at the appointment. The passion also. Here, we are left with a cavalry of 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet.

Hyundai Kona 2018

Germain Goyer

Not the least energy consuming

In terms of fuel consumption, the Kona ranks behind its rivals. While the HR-V, CX-3 and Qashqai equipped with a system of four-wheel drive will consume, respectively, with 8.2, 8.2 and 8.4 L/100 km, the Kona has nothing better to offer than 8.6 L/100 km. Of course, it is only a difference of a few tenths of a litre, but in this segment where the competitors are very numerous, every detail counts.

It is to be noted that the version equipped with the 1.6 T and the awd displays, also, a consumption of 8.6 L/100 km. Despite its horsepower which are much more numerous, the efficient dual clutch transmission, a supplementary report succeeds almost to work miracles.

Hyundai Kona 2018

Germain Goyer

Not the most roomy

If you plan to buy the Kona in the aim that it is the main vehicle of the family, you won’t need to vacation far to realize that it will be filled quickly.

With a load capacity of 544 L, it is much better than the Mazda CX-3 (452 L). However, the HR-V (657 L) and Qashqai (648 L) are many times more accommodation for the family. For a small family, those would be more appropriate.

Hyundai Kona 2018

Germain Goyer

Mirror, mirror, tell me who is the most beautiful

Is it that it is beautiful, the Hyundai Kona? All tastes are in nature, but I would lean towards no. Be aware, however, that all those who have spoken to me of the Kona did state that his silhouette. No one has made mention of its engine, turbo optional, of its trunk that is not so great as this, no. Everyone told me that it was refreshing to see the arrival of an SUV in a sub-compact with a style that stands out. And it is true.

What bothers me the most is the horrible appliques plastic in the bottom of the desk that are supposed to give it a look that sturdy. A bit like what was attempted to Pontiac with his Vibe, once. Let’s say that it is a little less successful than Subaru and Outback, or Volkswagen and its Golf Alltrack.

Hyundai Kona 2018

Germain Goyer

An electric version coming

At the most recent auto Show in Geneva, Hyundai has introduced an electric version of its Kona. The autonomy, as well as all of the details in connection with this first-ever SUV sub-compact, all-electric will be unveiled in the coming days at the motor Show in New York. During this time, other manufacturers continue to sleep… in the gas.

Hyundai Kona 2018

Germain Goyer

Brief

The invoice of the Kona can quickly become salty. At his base price of 20 999 $, it is necessary to add $ 2000 to get the system to four-wheel drive. So far, there is nothing to hold on to it.

To get the delectable turbo engine, it’s almost 27 000 $ it will cost. Again, it goes.

But to get the version of the more well-to-do, it is close to $ 32,000 that we must move forward. It is too much. Any way it is not possible to recommend the purchase of a vehicle with the optional equipment accounts for a third of the bill.

If you are looking for a vehicle that will be used for the whole family, you might feel limited and somewhat cramped with the Kona.

Remain reasonable with the options, the Kona is still a newcomer interesting in its category. Remains to be seen if his style you will like it.

Hyundai Kona 2018

Germain Goyer

Technical data sheet
Name: Hyundai Kona 2018
Base price: 20 999 $
Configuration: the Vehicle front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with engine at the front
Basic mechanical: four-cylinder Engine 2.0 L
Power/torque: 147 hp/132 lb-ft
Transmission: Automatic six-speed
Mechanical optional: Engine four-cylinder turbocharged 1.6 L
Power/torque: 175 hp/195 lb-ft
Transmission: dual-clutch Automatic seven-speed
Fuel consumption announced: [2.0 L awd] 9.2 L/100 km (city), 7.8 L/100 km (highway), 8.6 L/100 km (combined); [1.6 litre T awd] 9.0 L/100 km (city), 8.0 L/100 km (highway), 8.6 L/100 km (combined)
Warranty basic: 5 years/100 000 km
Competition: Chevy Trax, Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Nissan Qashqai and Kicks, the Jeep Renegade/Fiat 500X

Rating (out of 10)
Fuel consumption: 7
Equipment: 7
Price: 7
Style: 7
Comfort (front): 7
Comfort (rear): 6
Road holding: 7
Performance: 7
Storage space: 6
Overall rating: 7

Forces
Engine 1.6 L turbocharged spirited
Transmission 7-speed automatic strong efficient
Range of contrasting colours

Weaknesses
Safety deposit box small
Higher energy consumption than the competitors
Silhouette questionable