OSV's video: Hyundai Kona Review - Should You Buy One

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A HYUNDAI KONA FROM OSV: https://bit.ly/3E6eje6 'You drive it. You define it.' That's how Hyundai wants us to view this car, their small Kona SUV, here usefully improved. 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. There's more though, to this little Crossover than initially meets the eye... Market and Model Hyundai knows it has to price the Kona tightly but the brand no longer feels it has to offer the most affordable choice in the segment. That's why pricing starts from just over £21,000 for the entry-level 1.0-litre mild hybrid model. If you want the full-Hybrid, you'll be looking at around £24,000 as a starting point. The main trim levels are 'SE Connect', 'Premium' and 'Ultimate'. With the 1.0-litre model, you'll be offered an additional sporty ' N-Line' trim level too. Think well over £30,000 if you want an Electric model or the high performance Kona N. As for equipment levels across the range, well Hyundai isn't holding back. Even base 'SE Connect' variants are well turned out. With these, the exterior is distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, roof rails and rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light. Inside there is manual air conditioning, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, electric windows front and rear, a 10.25-inch Driver's Digital Supervision Instrument Cluster, USB port, automatic activation for the headlights, plus an 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio with rear-view camera and Smart Device Integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also front passenger-seat height adjustment, allowing occupants to ensure a commanding view out. Cost of Ownership The introduction of 48V mild hybrid engine technology has kept Hyundai right on the pace of the class best when it comes to efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions. And it builds on a strong foundation. Let's get to the WLTP-rated figures. Even the entry-level 1.0 T-GDi petrol MHEV engine manages 47.1mpg on the combined cycle and 135g/km of CO2. Apart from the 48V mild hybrid system, fuel saving technologies used with all powerplants include Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling-resistance tyres, an alternator management system (AMS) and a drag-reducing 'active air flap' in the front grille. For the full-Hybrid model, the figures are 56.5mpg and 114g/km. As for the all-electric version, well Hyundai says it has a driving range of 'up to 278 miles' in top 64kWh form. Charging from a 7kW wallbox will take 6hrs 10 mins for the base 39kWh version and 9 hours 35 minutes for the uprated 64 kWh derivative. From a public 50kW charge point, either car can be charged to 80% capacity in 75 minutes. On to servicing. Your Kona will need a garage visit once a year or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes sooner. If you want to budget ahead for routine maintenance, there are various 'Hyundai Sense' packages that offer fixed-price servicing over two, three or five-year periods. You can pay for your plan monthly and add MoTs into the three or five year plans for an extra fee. Summary With this improved Kona, Hyundai has clearly benchmarked what buyers want in this class, then ruthlessly set about providing it. Aggressive styling: tick. Trendy media connectivity: tick. Class-competitive safety: tick. Potential for fun handling: tick. It's hard to argue with the finished result. Surprise, surprise, it ticks a lot of boxes. You can't always create a great product through this kind of process. We'd argue, for example, that the class-leading Nissan Juke has an extra dash of emotive spirit that doesn't come from working through a spread sheet. If you don't care about that though, this Kona makes a strong case for itself. We think it's a car the segment will continue to like. **CAR REVIEW PLAYLISTS** ► New Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3myaZiV ► Behind the Wheel: https://bit.ly/35JuUo7 ► Highlight Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/35N1Wnx ► Electric Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/2TAqjPK ► Short Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/2HHlJMS ► Hatchback Reviews: https://bit.ly/3mKNAen ► SUV & 4X4 Reviews: https://bit.ly/37Verjt ► Saloon Reviews: https://bit.ly/37QrbrD ► City Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3jDzBVI ► Estate Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3kDflog ► Sports Car and Coupe Reviews: https://bit.ly/2TwkzXb ► MPV Reviews: https://bit.ly/3e7114S ► Van Reviews: https://bit.ly/31QWcb4 ► Business Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3kGZncN ► Family Car Reviews: https://bit.ly/3myLaiy **FOLLOW OSV ON** ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OSVLtd/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/osvmotoringnews ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osvltd/