Essay-Hyundai Kona (2023): Growing up to rattle wide, is it the right calculation

Speaking of space, this is precisely the big benefit of the newcomer: the 6 cm elongated wheelbase benefits the rear passengers, very well received. The bench lacks a bit of support but the seat is of a suitable length, and the files can bow. On the other hand, no sliding bench and modularity goes to the simplest: folding folders in 3 parts, and compartment under the floor, retractable (and not quite flat in the high position, the folded files form a small step of about 5 cm). On the other hand, the volume marks serious progress and displays 466 L, ie 100 L more than the previous Kona. Bench folded, the capacity increases to 1.300 L (+ 144 L).

Kona Hybrid New Generation

With its new futuristic look, a more radical presence on the road and a larger living space for all your adventures, this daring SUV offers you a cutting -edge intelligent technology associated with electrified motorizations. Find your Kona Hybrid ideal to accompany your life.

Kona Hybrid

Personalize yours

Kona n line

Configure yours

Let yourself go to the field of possibilities.

Designed in an innovative and futuristic way, Kona Hybrid breaks codes by its unique design. His DNA is also found in each of the variations. It is therefore without surprise that we find on Kona Hybrid New generation this same clear and distinctive front side, these same elegantly carved, fluid lines, which highlight the futuristic style of the model. Today larger and daring, its dimensions have been revised upwards while retaining the very essential of initial design.

Video Video Play Last Slide

A unique design.

The sculpted and characteristic front side of the Kona Hybrid SUV is highlighted by its Seamless Horizon lights with LED LED strip. They extend over the entire width of the car for a more dynamic presence on the road.

An elegant and spacious space.

To optimize the living space, Kona Hybrid new generation has evolved. It has become wider and longer, with a generous space for the legs and shoulders for passengers seated in the back.

Advanced technology.

With its impressive range of intelligent technologies at the cutting edge of progress, Kona Hybrid New Generation establishes new standards in the urban SUV segment. Take advantage of the latest comfort, connectivity and active safety features for safer and pleasant driving on a daily basis.

Kona Hybrid is also the first Hyundai vehicle to be equipped with the brand’s latest navigation system for the brand, offering the remote update of the software and the mapping.

Essay-Hyundai Kona (2023): Growing up to rattle wide, is it the right calculation ?

For its second generation, the Hyundai Kona has increased its dimensions of a (large) notch, almost flirts with the SUVs of the upper size, heals its techno content and is adorned with a look that. This is now one of the Hyundai habits, and generally, it works: playing the card of the unidentified rolling object at. Our test.

The new Kona, SUV called “Urbain” aligned against the stars of the genus Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and Volkswagen T-Roc, now this little world with its new measurements: 4.35 m long (14.5 cm more that the previous one), it is the most imposing in the segment (on average, 10 cm longer than its rivals) and becomes almost family. One of the ways to stand out on a congested (or saturated) niche is to distance itself from the comrades. For Hyundai, the operation was mainly aimed at clarifying the range and avoiding duplication created with the Bayon launched in 2021. Even if the old Kona placed a tone above, in benefits and technology, both were comparable in dimensions and living room (4.18 m for the little brother). The Kona 2023 is therefore in the shoulder to shoulder with its Korean cousin Kia Niro (4.42 m), or a Skoda Karoq (4.39 m) for example.

Almost a little Tucson

No question, however, of stealing the work of the Tucson, which remains larger (4.51 m), but the question can arise by looking at the prices (we will come back). In terms of style, family air is clear: profile with marked edges, massive wheel arches, drawn in angles. The front side, however, presents a very specific drawing very specific to the Kona, a smooth roller -style, barred with a large strip of “pixels” LEDs (as on the ioniq), and the lights are returned to the ends of the shield. Ditto for the stern, in the vein of current Hyundai design. Always so singular !

On board, it’s more classic and refined. The atmosphere is much more modern than the previous Kona, with a large double slab which extends to the driver, composed of two 12.3 inch screens, like Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6. All media functions and driving aid parameters (often intrusive and laborious to cut) are gathered, the display of the menus is rather clear, and Hyundai has the good taste to keep physical commands for air conditioning ‘. Same thing for heated seats (as standard from the second finish, Creative), at the foot of the central console, under the dedicated space by induction by induction. The auto gearbox control, now to the right of the steering column (as on the ioniq, again) allows you to release an interesting space.

The large slab made up of two screens is inspired by ioniq. The presentation is clear and bright, materials and assemblies are serious. Apart from a few basic plastics in the lower part, the Kona interior is of good quality.

Good to know: anticipate purchase and resale.

It is possible to know the resale or recovery value of your vehicle thanks to the Turbo car rating of your Hyundai Kona, the alternative to the Argus coast.

Speaking of space, this is precisely the big benefit of the newcomer: the 6 cm elongated wheelbase benefits the rear passengers, very well received. The bench lacks a bit of support but the seat is of a suitable length, and the files can bow. On the other hand, no sliding bench and modularity goes to the simplest: folding folders in 3 parts, and compartment under the floor, retractable (and not quite flat in the high position, the folded files form a small step of about 5 cm). On the other hand, the volume marks serious progress and displays 466 L, ie 100 L more than the previous Kona. Bench folded, the capacity increases to 1.300 L (+ 144 L).

A placid and comfortable hybrid, while waiting for the electric kona

The old Kona was distinguished by its range of varied engines, offering simple thermal (petrol and diesel), classic hybrid or phev, and electric. This time, it is the opposite: only a hybrid version is available, while waiting for a 100 % electric Kona expected for the fall. The complete characteristics of it are not yet known, but we already know that two configurations will be offered. The entry -level will have a 48.4 kWh battery and will be driven by a 155 hp engine, while the most powerful will receive a 65 kWh battery and offer 218 hp. The autonomy of the latter should reach 490 km, according to the first announcements, which corresponds to a consumption less than 14 kWh/100 km. Optimistic, unless you confine yourself to a strictly urban or peri-urban course. To check, and preferably not in winter if you plan to approach it. No speed record in charge, far from it: the electric kona will cap at 103 kW in fast load (40 minutes to go from 10-80 %), far from IONIQ and their very effective 800V platform.

Main asset of this hybrid: pleasure and softness of walking, comparable to a classic essence. The hybrid kona is wise against the time, but offers a homogeneous and discreet operation.

For the time being, the Kona began its career with a well -known conventional hybrid, since it was almost such as what of the previous Kona. Always on the page, this rather successful mechanics uses a conventional architecture: an atmospheric 4 cylinder 1.6 l with 105 hp Atkinson cycle, associated with a 43 hp electric motor and a 6 -speed double clutch box box. This set develops 141 hp and shines above all by its softness of walking and its insulation, as long as we avoid jostling it. What he hardly appreciates, and results in hesitations of transmission.

Wise performance (10.9 s from 0 to 100 km/h) are however amply sufficient in daily use. Even if the relatively modest couple (265 nm) will be penalizing car loaded, on the highway or when the road begins to climb. There, too bad: the 4 -cylinder becomes more sound in high stimulus. Less brazier, however, than the thermal of a toyota hybrid or other system with a CVT or assimilated type box, that said (even if the Japanese manufacturer has grown enormously on this point).

The relative nonchalance of this mechanism invites to a flexibility conduct. The set then works smoothly, and allows you to take full advantage of hybridization. In the mixed cycle, our consumption easily established at 5.6 l / 100 km on average and can easily descend under 5 L in town, with a minimum of anticipation and restraint.

Typically Hyundai look: angles, edges and “pixel” lights. The Kona is noticed, and the silhouette recalls a tucson in reduction. Except the front, smooth and refined style. Anything but classic, even if it means displeasing some.

The behavior of the car is of the same register. Good news: Kona has finally become comfortable. Amortization is sometimes stiff at low speed, but nothing bad. We especially appreciate the suspension, which gains in flexibility while preserving a very suitable body maintenance. The compromise is neutral, unpretentious dynamic, and coherent with its vocation as a family sage. Others are more playful, that said. Difficult to match the well -sharpened road touch of a Peugeot 2008.

Prices, equipment: Techno but ambitious

There was room between the Bayon (more modestly motorized, technically less developed) and the Tucson. Enough to increase the prices of the Kona, whose entry -level version is now set at 33.400 €. Almost 9.000 € more than the previous one, in basic motorization certainly. Kona has therefore become expensive, but as always with Hyundai (and Korean manufacturers), the endowment is generous.

The sharp rise dimensions offer the Kona volumes worthy of a SUV of the upper segment: 100 L of chest, i.e. 466 L. And the rear passengers are perfectly received.

From the first level of finish (intuitive), the list is provided: reversing camera and AV/AR parking assistance, track maintenance (too invasive), hands -free access and start -ups are standard. The equipment becomes really complete with the following level (creative), at 35.750 €. We then have in addition to 18 -inch rims, digital meters (analog on the entry level), heated seats and steering wheel, induction smartphone load or even dead angles alert.

The inventory impresses mainly in on -board technology with the EXECUTIVE range of range (38.900 €): display on the counters of dead angles by camera, 360 ° camera, NFC digital key via smartphone. The Kona even receives the spectacular remote parking lot by remote control, introduced on the Tucson ! And present in much more expensive premium. No direct rival is able to offer as much, but it is paid. Not much more expensive, that said, that a high-end Peugeot 2008 GT (still him, but this is normal: the lion’s SUV is a stallion meter on the segment).

Technical sheet title
Hyundai Kona technical sheet (2023)

Model Trying: Hyundai Kona Hybrid Executive

Dimensions L x W x H	4.35 x 1.83 x 1.57 m
Mini / maximum volume of the trunk	466/1.300 L
Wheelbase	2.66 m
Unloaded weight	1.485 kg
Heat engine displacement	4 atmospheric cylinder 1.6 l (105 hp) + electric motor (43.5 hp)
Combined power / maximum combined torque	141 hp / 265 nm
Consumption announced – CO2 emissions	4.5 l / 100 km – 114 g / km
0 to 100 km/h – maximum speed	10.9 s – 165 km/h
Model price tried	38.900 € (from 33.400 €)