VALUE
The new Kona is roughly $5000 more than the model it replaces but the price rise is offset by a roomier cabin, better safety technology and a more modern looking cabin.
The model range starts with the front-drive 2.0-litre petrol Kona at about $36,000 drive-away. From there you can either choose more grunt or more luxury.
Stick with the 2.0-litre engine and for an extra $7500 you can have the Premium model, which has a fully digital driver display, a Bose stereo, leather-appointed upholstery, a powered tailgate, more safety gear and ambient lighting.
If you want the 1.6-litre turbo engine with all-wheel-drive, 8-speed auto and a more sophisticated rear suspension set-up it will cost $8000 more because you have to add the N-Line styling package as well.
A hybrid is due later in the year, priced $4000 above the 2.0-litre petrol.
In base trim, the Kona is well equipped with dual display screens, wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB-C ports and keyless entry and start. You can tell you’re in the cheapest model, though, as some of the surface treatments and plastics are pretty basic.
COMFORT
The Kona has grown compared with its predecessor.
Hyundai has stretched the distance between the front and rear wheels and widened the cabin, which has liberated more head and shoulder room for those in the rear seats.
Rear passengers are looked after in other ways, too. There are air vents and USB-C ports, while the seats recline for added comfort.
Up front, the seats are manually adjustable but are well padded, with decent thigh and back support. It’s easy to find a comfortable driving position. The rear load space has grown as well and you can now fit a set of golf clubs and buggy without having to fold the rear seats.
The ride is comfortable and composed on the open road, but it can feel a little lumpy on less than perfect suburban streets and back roads.
SAFETY
The Kona hasn’t been independently crash tested yet but safety has improved markedly over the previous model, which scored five stars back in 2017.
Among the improvements is a centre airbag to stop the driver and passenger clashing heads in a side impact.
There is now a driver attention feature that beeps if an on-board camera catches your eyes wandering, while the car will also call for help if it detects an accident where the airbags have deployed.
Crash avoidance tech includes auto emergency braking, radar cruise control, lane-keep and blind-spot assistance and rear cross-traffic alert.
One feature we could probably do without is the speed limit warning, which beeps incessantly if you wander a kilometre or two over the speed limit.
ON THE ROAD
The Kona feels solid and predictable on the road. It steers faithfully and is well balanced through corners for a high-riding SUV.
The suspension recovers well from bigger bumps and the car feels well tied down when asked to change direction.
The 2.0-litre engine has been around for a while and is nothing special. It gets the job done, although be prepared for less than brisk progress with a family and luggage aboard.
It can get a little vocal when pressed, too. The continuously variable transmission is effective enough but the 8-speed auto in the 1.6-litre turbo is a better unit.
Official fuel use is 6.6L/100km. We saw fuel use dip below 6.0L/100km on the freeway but around town you’re more likely to see 9.0L/100km.
VERDICT 3.5/5
Roomy, safe and comfortable family SUV that doesn’t rewrite the rules but does most things well.
ALTERNATIVES
Toyota Corolla Cross, from about $37,800 drive-away
More expensive and the cabin isn’t as attractive, but the engine is more powerful and efficient.
Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina, from about $35,700 drive-away
Engine is slightly more powerful and conventional six-speed auto is smoother. Smaller inside, with less technology.
Kia Seltos Sport, from about $35,400 drive-away
Same engine and transmission as the Kona, bigger boot, but slightly smaller cabin and less safety tech.
HYUNDAI KONA
PRICE: From about $36,000 drive-away
ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 110kW and 180Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICE: 5-yr/u’ltd km, $1995 for five yrs
SAFETY: Seven airbags, front and rear auto emergency braking, active cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
THIRST: 6.6L/100km
BOOT: 407 litres
SPARE: Space saver