Hyundai’s compact crossover – which has been a significant absentee from the brand's range – will now provide a direct alternative to the Vauxhall Mokka X, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and plenty of other rivals in this fast-populating segment, not least the Stonic from sister brand Kia.
It rides on all-new platform architecture – unlike the Rio-based Stonic, curiously – provisioned for a full-time four-wheel-drive option and the underfloor space to accommodate a sizeable battery pack for an electric version.
Powering the Hyundai Kona’s assault
That motive force arrives next year, along with two brand new diesel units of 116bhp and 134bhp. The engine line-up for now consists of a 118bhp 1.0 turbo triple and a four-cylinder 175bhp 1.6 turbo, both petrol.
The 1.0 litre will account for the bulk of UK sales and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox driving the front wheels. The 1.6 is limited to the higher trim levels and can be ordered with on-demand four-wheel drive, complete with differential lock and electronic hill-descent control; the 4x4 version comes with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic. This all-wheel-drive Kona also has a multi-link rear axle, the 1.0’s rear end suspended by a coil-sprung torsion-beam axle.
Electronics and connectivity feature heavily on the Kona menu. There are 5.0in, 7.0in and 8.0in infotainment displays according to trim level, the base option including Bluetooth. The larger touchscreens provide a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 8.0in one has navigation and seven years' free subscription to real-time traffic, weather and speed camera location updates.
As for trims, there are five to choose from – S, SE, Premium, Premium SE and Premium GT. Entry-level models get 16in alloy wheels, electric windows, hill start assist and lane departure warning on the outside as standard on the outside. Inside, there is air conditioning, tinted rear windows, Bluetooth and USB connectivity.
Upgrade to SE and you gain 17in alloys, roof rails, rear parking sensors, rear view camera, and smartphone integration, while Premium trimmed Kona’s include 18in alloy wheels, a skid plate, climate control, auto wipers and lights, and keyless entry and start.
Premium SE models adds electrically adjustable and climate controlled front seats, a leather upholstery, folding mirrors, a heated steering wheel and front parking sensors, while the range-topping Premium GT Kona is equipped with a host of safety equipment and LED headlights.