HYUNDAI

HYUNDAI KONA HATCHBACK 1.6 GDi Hybrid Premium 5dr DCT

Fuel

FuelPetrol/Electric Hybrid

Transmission

TransmissionAutomatic

Acceleration

0 - 62 mph11.3s

EC Combined (mpg)

EC Combined-

KING KONE?

By Jonathan Crouch

Introduction

'You drive it. You define it.' That was how Hyundai wanted us to view this car, their small Kona SUV. If you like cars of this kind, you're probably going to like this one because it ticks all the usual boxes in terms of style and fashionability. How will it fare on the used market in its standard forms though? Here, we're going to look at the facelifted 2021-2023-era versions of the mainstream combustion-engined first generation models and try and find out.

Models

5dr SUV [1.0 T-GDi, 1.6 Hybrid, 2.0 T-GDi, Electric 39kWh, Electric 64kWh]

History

Small crossovers are big business. Back in 2021, this one, the Hyundai Kona, had become the brand's second best selling model and by that point, nearly a quarter of a million Konas had found European owners since this car's original launch back in 2017. For the 2021 model year, it got a substantial mid-term update, creating the version we're going to look at here. The Kona started life competing with SUVs based directly on superminis - Renault's Clio-based Captur, Nissan's Micra-based Juke and so on. Even though it sat on a platform originally intended for models in the next segment up. But by 2020, Hyundai had a proper supermini-sired SUV - the i20-based Bayon - positioned to sit below this car as the entry-point to this Korean maker's crossover line-up. So the Kona could be pushed up-market a little, to take on more expensive small SUVs - and maybe also to offer an alternative to the Korean brand's i30 family hatch. A little more sophistication was required for this car to be able to meet this remit. A huge proportion of i30s of this period were being sold with sporty spec, so this enhanced Kona got that too - a more dynamic 'N Line' level of trim and a full-fat Kona N high performance variant joined the range. A line-up which by now was all-petrol powered and all fully electric; even the entry-level versions offered a 48V mild hybrid 1.0-litre powerplant, which sat below a full dosing of the Korean manufacturer's battery technology. Customers chose between a full-Hybrid 1.6-litre combustion version. Or a full-Electric derivative (also substantially updated), with a driving range of up to 300 miles. If you knew this car in its original guise, with this facelift version you'll notice a general smartening up of the styling. And a much enhanced level of media tech inside. A new MK2 Kona design arrived in mid-2023.

What You Get

A car of this kind has to evoke a reaction from you: that's part of the point of it. And the Kona has always done that, with its muscular toning, sensuous surfaces and high-contrast fender cladding. With the initial version though, all of this was a bit, well, in-your-face - a touch unsubtle. With this updated model though, the look was far more cohesive, gym toned and confident. This is how you do a facelift. The front of cabin experience became more sophisticated in this form. Through the steering wheel, you view a 10.25-inch screen with virtual dials, while providing you avoid entry-level trim, there's a vastly bigger central infotainment screen than with the original model - also 10.25-inches - full of features Kona folk had never had access to before. Hyundai tried to emphasise the dashboard's horizontal layout by separating the lower console area from the instrument panel. And a range of little trimming touches attempted to improve the cabin ambiance. But there was still a lot of black plastic and little of the extrovert vibe that characterised the bodywork. Some would hope for a slightly more commanding driving position too, in a car characterising itself as an SUV. On the plus side, the seats are reasonably comfortable and there's plenty of storage space. It's also easy to find a comfortable driving position, thanks to lots of wheel and seat adjustment. And in the rear? Well it's in this part of the car that you're likely to be most keenly reminded that you've bought an SUV based on a supermini-sized chassis, rather than that of a family hatchback. As it turns out, it's not too bad in the back for the carriage of two folk, providing they're not especially lanky of leg. If they are, then compromises will be need to made by the front seat occupants in order to be able to accommodate them. Let's finish with a few words on boot space. The tailgate is light to lift and reveals a 374-litre luggage area in the mild hybrid model; it's the same with a full-Hybrid Kona, but the figure falls to 332-litres with the Kona Electric. Push forward the 60/40 split-folding rear seat and you'll reveal a relatively flat loading floor with (in the mild hybrid variant) as much as 1,143-litres of total fresh air if you load to the roof.

What You Pay

Please contact us for an exact up-to-date valuation.

What to Look For

Generally, most Kona customers seemed very happy with their cars. However, in our ownership survey, we came across a number of issues. One owner advised potential future buyers to always take a test drive at night to check the headlights. The non-LED ones are dim and yellow. Also, moisture can accumulate in the non-LED headlights, plus in the daytime running lights, the fog lamps and the rear combination lamps. Another owner reported that when driving at over 40mph, the vehicle wandered to the left and right without driver input. Another owner had an issue with faulty vehicle speed control with an auto model - the vehicle inexplicably lurched forward when parking and the airbag activated. Other owners reported rubbing and grating noises from behind the wheel; look out for those on your test drive. A gear in the steering system may be the cause. There have also been reported issues with the blind spot collision warning system cutting down, the BlueLink media set-up not working correctly, the cruise control not operating properly and the forward collision warning system disabling itself during use. Otherwise, it's just the usual things for an SUV of this type. Check all the media tech on your test drive - and the workings of the navigation system to see if it's been kept up to date. Check the touchscreens and Bluetooth connectivity. Check the upholstery for cuts and stains. And inspect the alloy wheels for kerbing damage. Check all the electrical functions too. And insist on a fully stamped-up service history.

Replacement Parts

(approx based on a 2021 Kona Hybrid 1.6 GDi - Ex Vat) Front brake pads sit in the £22 bracket; rear pad sets are around £32. Front brake discs sit in the £75 bracket; rear discs are around £37. A pollen filter is around £9-£14. A pollen filter is around £18-£21. A wiper blade is in the £8-£26 bracket. An oil filter is around £8.

On the Road

News that the Kona range was, in this updated form primarily all-electrified will probably lead owners of the original design to expect more changes in the drive demeanour of the standard model than are actually delivered. As before, there were full-Hybrid and all-Electric models further up the line-up, but mainstream variants merely got 48V mild hybrid embellishment for the core three cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol unit, which offers 120PS. The difference that mild hybrid technology makes isn't very noticeable, though Hyundai provided a selectable 'Energy Flow' screen in the instrument cluster so that drivers could see how the system was working. And its WLTP-rated efficiency benefits weren't very significant either - the 1.0-litre T-GDi 48V model manages up to 47.1mpg and up to 135g/km of CO2, which is hardly any different from what you could expect from the pre-facelift un-electrified version of this engine. That's despite the addition as part of this update of the brand's 'iMT' 'intelligent Manual Transmission' system to the standard spec, which de-couples the engine from the 6-speed stick shift gearbox after the driver releases the accelerator. For bigger efficiency gains, you need to be looking at the Kona Hybrid, which uses a four cylinder 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine mated to a 32kW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery. The system works via a 6-speed dual clutch auto gearbox and its total output is 141PS. The Kona Hybrid's battery is only 1.56kWh in size, so there's no question of plug-in capability, but this self-charging set-up frequently reverts away from combustion power at urban speeds. Hence a properly efficient set of WLTP-rated stats - up to 57.6mpg on the combined cycle and up to 112g/km of CO2. To do better, you'll need a full-EV, the Kona Electric, available in a choice of forms. With a 39kWh battery, up to 189 miles between charges are possible, a figure you can extend to 300 miles with the 64kWh battery variant. A completely different audience was targeted by the flagship model in the Kona line-up, the powerful Kona N, which uses a 2.0-litre GDi petrol powerplant putting out 280PS through the front wheels.

Overall

Cars of this kind tend to be more about style than substance. And, sure enough, the updated version of this MK1 Kona was certainly designed to make the appropriate statement in the gym car park in this smarter, more confident-looking revised form. But this car is more than just a fashion statement. As a full-Electric model, it was, after all, one of the very first compact EVs with a properly usable range. And in full-Hybrid guise, it was the first car to challenge Toyota's dominance when it came to full-Hybrid SUVs. And, as part of this facelift, base versions brought 48V mild hybrid tech to the masses. And the Kona N high performance model was one of the first really credible track-tamed small SUVs. So does this car have what it takes to stand out on the used market? Well most agree that it's been styled to do so - which in this segment is half the battle. The Kona Electric and the Kona N are stand-out products. And in this facelifted form, the commoner mild hybrid version stands out just a bit more in the High Street. Which for its target market, is all it really needs to do.

  • Rear wiper
  • Electric front/rear windows with drivers one touch/anti-trap
  • Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor
  • Privacy glass - Rear windows and tailgate
  • Solar glass with front door glass and windscreen shade band
  • Windscreen auto defog function

  • Downhill brake control
  • Electric parking brake
  • Anti-lock brake system
  • Hill start assist control (HAC)
  • Traction control
  • Electronic stability control
  • Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake Assist

  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Wireless phone charging pad
  • Roadside assistance

  • Lane follow assist
  • Intelligent speed limit warning
  • Leading vehicle departure alert (LVDA)
  • Forward collision assist with pedestrian monitoring and cycle detection
  • Driver attention warning
  • Parking system with rear camera and guidance system
  • Smart cruise control with stop and go functionality
  • Lane keep assist
  • Front parking sensor
  • Rear parking sensor
  • Power assisted steering

  • Digital clock
  • Windscreen washer fluid sensor and warning indicator
  • Phone connection with apple carPlay and android auto
  • 10.25" touchscreen centre console display satellite navigation with live services and mapcare
  • Driver supervision instrument cluster with 10.25" display
  • eCall emergency call system

  • Power folding door mirrors
  • Door mirror integrated indicators
  • Electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors
  • Automatic dimming rear view mirror

  • Steering wheel mounted audio/phone controls
  • Front and rear USB ports
  • Krell premium audio system with 8 speakers including external amplifier and subwoofer
  • RDS and Digital DAB

  • Painted anthracite body garnish
  • Rear skid plate - silver
  • Rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light
  • Body colour door mirrors and handles
  • Roof rails

  • Front fog lights
  • Halogen headlights
  • LED daytime running lights
  • Positioning Lights - LED
  • Automatic headlights with dusk sensor
  • LED rear lights

  • Air conditioning climate control

  • Metal paint effect interior door handles
  • 12V power outlet in front console
  • Door scuff plate
  • Rear centre console with air vents
  • Sunglasses holder
  • Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Height/reach adjustable steering column
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Luggage net
  • Luggage hooks
  • Parcel shelf

  • Luggage compartment lighting
  • Centre interior light
  • Front interior light
  • Ambient lighting

  • Trailer wiring package - Kona

  • Airbags - front, front side and curtain airbags
  • Front seatbelt pretensioners
  • Height adjustable front seatbelts
  • Fasten seatbelt reminder
  • Childproof rear door locks
  • Passenger airbag deactivate switch
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Fixed 3 point for second row centre passenger seatbelt
  • Rear seat alert

  • Front passenger seat manual adjustments
  • Isofix rear child seat fastenings
  • Driver's seat height adjustment
  • Adjustable head restraints
  • Heated front seats
  • Driver's seat electric lumbar support
  • Vertical adjustment rear head restraints
  • 60/40 split folding rear seat
  • Driver/passenger front seatback pockets

  • Folding key
  • Smart key with keyless entry and engine start/stop button
  • Locking wheel nuts
  • Alarm/immobiliser
  • Remote central locking
  • Deadlocks

  • Driver/passenger sunvisors and illuminated vanity mirrors

  • 18" alloy wheels

  • Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.56
  • Battery Type: Lithium-ion

  • HC+NOx: N
  • Particles: N
  • Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

  • Cylinders - Bore (mm): 72
  • Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 97
  • CC: 1580
  • Cylinders: 4
  • Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE
  • Number of Valves: 16
  • Camshaft: DOHC
  • Fuel Delivery: MULTI POINT FUEL INJECTION
  • Catalytic Convertor: True
  • Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE
  • Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • Gears: 6 SPEED

  • EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: False

  • Coin Series: Premium
  • Coin Description: GDi Hybrid
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 5
  • Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999
  • Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 5
  • Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12
  • Special Edition: False
  • Special Order: False
  • Based On ID: N
  • Service Interval Mileage: 10000
  • Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12
  • NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 87
  • NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 85
  • NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 62
  • NCAP Safety Assist %: 60
  • NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5
  • Badge Power: 141
  • Badge Engine CC: 1.6
  • Vehicle Homologation Class: M1
  • Generation Mark: 2
  • Alternative Fuel Qualifying: True
  • Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: False

  • Engine Torque - MKG: 27
  • Engine Power - KW: 104
  • Engine Power - RPM: 5700
  • Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 195
  • Engine Torque - NM: 265
  • Engine Torque - RPM: 4000
  • Engine Power - BHP: 141
  • Engine Power - PS: True
  • 0 to 60 mph (secs): False
  • 0 to 62 mph (secs): 11.3
  • Top Speed: 100

  • Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP
  • RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

  • Tyre Size Front: 235/45 R18
  • Alloys?: True
  • Tyre Size Rear: 235/45 R18
  • Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY
  • Wheel Style: N

  • Length: 4205
  • Width: 1800
  • Wheelbase: 2600
  • Width (including mirrors): 2070
  • Height: 1565
  • Height (including roof rails): N

  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 374
  • No. of Seats: 5
  • Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1300
  • Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 600
  • Max. Loading Weight: 504
  • Minimum Kerbweight: 1376
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 1880
  • Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 38
  • Max. Roof Load: 80
  • Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1156
  • Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 10.6

  • Metallic paint: £565
  • Pearlescent paint: £565
  • Solid paint: Included
  • Special solid paint: £300

  • Metallic - Surfy blue: £565
  • Metallic - Galactic grey: £565
  • Metallic - Cyber grey: £565

  • Pearl - Dark Knight: £565
  • Pearl - Phantom black: £565
  • Pearl - Pulse Red: £565
  • Pearl - Misty jungle: £565

  • Solid - Dive in Jeju: £0

  • Special solid - Ignite flame: £300
  • Special solid - Atlas white: £300

  • Cloth - Black: £0

Whilst every effort is made to verify and ensure the accuracy of the data, the information should only be used as a guide and no purchasing decision should be made without verification of the data from either the manufacturer or franchised dealer. Our offers may be on a different model year to that represented by this data and so specification may differ accordingly.

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