The new Hyundai Hyundai Kona Hybrid will be priced from £22,495 when it goes on sale in the UK near the end of September.
The latest version of the Korean firm’s compact SUV, which joins the existing petrol, diesel and fully electric models, will be offered in three trim levels, all of which will use the same 1.6-litre petrol-electric powertrain.
That unit, taken from Kia’s larger Kia Niro, makes 104bhp on its own and is mated to a 43bhp electric motor also powering the front wheels.
Both are linked through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a small (1.56kWh) lithium ion battery that recharges through coasting and braking. Total system output is 139bhp, with a combined torque figure of 195lb ft. That’s sufficient for a 0-62mph time of 11.2sec on the smallest wheel size, and a maximum speed of just under 100mph.
The hybrid is considerably more frugal on paper than the normal petrol equivalents, managing a claimed 72mpg (66mpg on 18in wheels) and CO2 emissions of 90g/km (99g/km on 18in wheels). For comparison, Hyundai claims the base 1.0 T-GDI petrol engine manages 54.3mpg combined.
Entry-level Kona Hybrid SE models feature climate control, 16in wheels with a design bespoke to the hybrid version, special badges and unique white accents on the air vents and gear level. There is a 7in touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, rear parking sensors and camera and lane-keeping assist.
The mid-level Kona Hybrid Premium starts at £24,295, and additions include 18in wheels, a 10.25in touchscreen, Krell sound system, keyless entry, privacy glass and wireless smartphone charging.
The top Premium SE trim level is priced from £27,195 and includes the likes of LED front and rear lights, standard autonomous emergency braking, heated and ventilated leather seats and a head-up display.
All three trim levels are available with different versions of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety packs as options.
The £22,495 starting price for the Kona Hybrid compares to £17,305 for the petrol, and £27,250 for the electric version.
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