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Korean automakers Hyundai and Kia have hit their stride during the last decade, producing excellent, stylish vehicles. The duo has entered the SUV market with funky models and has been riding a huge wave of success ever since.
The new Kona has edgy styling, and is a great improvement Hyundai's already good-looking cars.
The new crossover SUV slots in between the Creta and Tuscon, expanding the options for local buyers. Hyundai says the Kona is named after the coastal region on the Big Island of Hawaii: "The Kona region is well-known to thrill-seeking travellers."
Here are 5 things you should know about the new Kona:
1. It’s kind of an odd size
While the Kona shares a similar footprint as its Creta sibling, it is considerably lower and wider. The result is a much sportier, funkier compact SUV for similar money.
2. It has an upside down face
By that I mean that the headlamps are situated on the front apron with the running lamps and fog lights occupy the space closer to the top.
3. Total connectivity
The cabin’s multimedia system comes with Android Auto and Apple Car play which really puts the power of your smartphone into your car’s infotainment system including navigation.
4. It comes in two flavours, both petrol
You can get the Konda with a 1.0 litre turbo with a manual gearbox or a naturally aspirated two litre with an automatic.
5. European styling
And I don’t just mean that the penmanship is that of Luc Donkerwolke (ex Audi, Lamborghini and more), but it is. But also that it looks like it could easily slip into the Citroen catalogue, in a good way.
Prices
R399 900 (2.0 Executive AT) 1998cc with 110kW/180Nm
R379 000 (1.0T Manual) 998cc with 88kW/172Nm
*Prices include a five-year or 150 000km manufacturer's warranty, additional two-year or 50 000km powertrain warranty, and five-year or 90 000km service plan.
