2018 Hyundai Kona

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05XR8

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2018-hyundai-Kona-Elite-Highlander.jpg




It’s smaller than most rivals, at just 4165mm long and 1800mm wide, on a 2600mm. Yet Hyundai claims above-average cabin space and packaging. The boot is a respectable 360L, expanding to 1143L with the back seats folded.

Three Kona spec levels will be offered, called Active, Elite and Highlander. The Active can also be had an optional Safety Pack that adds blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – features standard on the Elite/Highlander.

There are two drivetrain combinations available: a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated MPi petrol engine with six-speed automatic transmission and front wheel-drive (FWD), or a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive AWD).

The former unit makes 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque (at 4500rpm), and uses a claimed 7.2L/100km of fuel. The range-topping turbo 1.6 GDi unit familiar from the Tucson makes 130kW and 265Nm (from 1500rpm), uses 6.7L/100km, and thanks to its on-demand AWD traction and DCT gearbox does the 0-100km/h sprint in a sprightly 7.9sec.


I know there was some discussion about this in the Elantra Sport thread.

I saw a white one in Singleton yesterday. Probably the top model. Pretty damn sharp. Slots in between a CX-5 and CX-3, as I saw it. Looks way better in the metal as well. From the reveal pics, I didn't think that front end would fair well. Looks almost like a modern day Aztek. Alas, not so, Hyundai have done their homework.
 
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Indeed, the front end looks very good. The other side of the car, back end I believe :D, looks good too except for the extended plastic wheel arches.

What about the specs, engine choice and interior photos? I know that I should use something like the internet to find out myself but I'm too lazy and let the thread starter aka @05XR8 do the work. :P
 
This double-face trend always have me trying to figure out which set of headlights is really supposed to be the headlights. Same with the Nissan Juke & Jeep Cherokee. With all of them, if you look at them in the right way, you can imagine the car without the upper or without the lower 'face'....

It's interesting for me to see the various methods designers come up with to disguise the heinous proportions of CUV's. The double-face is obviously one.
 
Now, it looks like the Citroen above. This can't be the company that made the 1986 Excel. Amazing.
 
Looks promising. Seems to be the Veloster N of crossovers, especially considering it shares the same engine and power figures.
 
Time for the mid-life cycle update, brings with it an N-Line variant, updated interior tech and mild hybrid technology:
new_kona_and_all-new_kona_n_line.jpg

new_kona_6.jpg

all-new_kona_n_line_9.jpg

new_kona_interior_1.jpg


I think both variants look very good; the standard model looks more rugged than before and the N-Line looks suitably sporty.
 
I'm strongly considering the purchase of a new Kona Night edition. This is primarily because it is under 14' (426.7 cm), and has AWD, my two most important considerations. I could get a cheaper trim and lose the turbo for a bit less, and maybe I will drive that version, too. I will test drive soon.

In your opinions, are there any other vehicles which fit these two main requirements, be they car, SUV or truck, that I should also test drive?
I will consider new or used.

Thanks for your advice!
 
Mazda(CX-3), Mitsubishi(ASX), Nissan(Juke Nismo), etc., Have all dropped the ball. They can't say they didn't see this one coming.
 
I’ve been very interested into buying a Veloster N lately, so necessarly I’m very curious about that Kona. I’m wondering if it’ll have awd and/or a manual available.
 
Freakin' Hyundai, Man.:lol:

So awesome. No manual, doesn't even bother me. A CUV(forget it's just a higher hatchback) with those power figures, just for them to do it, gets my approval. 👍
 
I think it's an improvement over the current Kona. I honestly really like the somewhat retro 8-bit style they're doing, like the Ioniq 5
 
GranTurNismo
I don't mind the design, but it's a bit plasticky.
Click to expand...
Thankfully the N Line eliminates most of the unpainted cladding:
5equ5b.jpg

f88ffq.jpg

slmw72.jpg


While there are currently no plans for a full-fat N model, it gives a pretty good idea of what to expect styling wise if it were to happen.
 
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Dig it. I love that it looks more like an upright SUV. This thing would make a spectacular daily driver for me as it's really similar in concept to my old Rav4 but obviously nice and new. And the turbo engine offers plenty of power. I'd be really interested in snagging one of these later this year.
 
Eunos_Cosmo
Hyundai must spend an enormous amount of money to facelift their cars as often as they do. Reminds me of the 1950s and 1960s American car era where you got a new body every 1 or 2 years.
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It seems to be paying off for them, though. Probably learnt a good lesson from GM that keeping the same models for over a decade with very little changes is not a sustainable strategy. Just look at Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, etc models from the 1980s to 2000s.
 

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