Another compact crossover has come to meet us, striving to surprise with its design and interior, technology and efficiency, and numerous design features. And what is the overall result? We offer you to study in detail the Hyundai Kona crossover and the features of its N Line version in the format of a detailed review with a test drive. Let’s go!

Design: strange exterior, nice interior

The exterior design can best be described as “strange” and nothing else. I understand that the two-story optics have been a characteristic feature of the Hyundai Kona model since the first generation, which was released in 2017. And even then, the headlights and lights were placed in the most vulnerable places, on the corners of the bumpers. But in the second generation of the car, the headlights and lights generally form these corners – a very vulnerable place! Of course, there are many other original details in the design of the Hyundai Kona SX2 (as the second generation is called): a horizontal LED strip in front and a similar one in the rear, a spoiler with a centrally located brake light, a characteristic stamped line running through the doors.

And note that the test car is presented in the N Line version. This means a distinctive front bumper, distinctive 18-inch wheels, painted wheel arch covers, a rear bumper diffuser and a dedicated dual exhaust. The Hyundai Kona N Line crossover looks like it can definitely win the title of “Real storm of sleeping areas!” in some regional center…

All kidding aside, the strange design of the Hyundai Kona in general and theHyundai Kona N Line in particular will not be forgotten or confused with other cars. I’ll say even more: you won’t confuse it with other models of Hyundai; although the brand affiliation is read quickly and unmistakably. Another success of Hyundai designers? TheHyundai Kona N Line version means not only the appearance of additional design elements, but also slightly increased dimensions: the length of the car is 4.39 meters (standard version – 4.35 meters); width – 1.83 meters; height – 1.59 meters; wheelbase – 2.66 meters.

The interior is quite the opposite: clear design, logical layout, and maximum attention to detail. It all starts with the front panel, which houses a pair of combined 12.3-inch displays, where each of them logically does its own thing – a separate display for the driver and a separate touchscreen display for controlling the multimedia system and various functions of the car. I’m not mentioning the climate control here, because it has its own unit with buttons and switches. In general, Hyundai remains faithful to the idea of using physical controls, which is again reflected in the layout of the Hyundai Kona interior: many buttons under the touchscreen display, a separate block of buttons at the base of the center console. By the way, there are also retractable cup holders and a shelf-niche that can be transformed as needed by the driver or passenger.

The front and rear seats feature a pleasant combination of faux leather and Alcantara – and this is what provides the improved grip. Indeed, the seats of the N Line version are identical in shape to those of the Tor version. But the steering wheel is different: perforated leather and distinctive red stitching, profiles on the rim for a clear hand position – a great fun for the driver! The rear passengers have their own joys: there are ventilation deflectors, several charging ports, an armrest and heated seats. You can also adjust the tilt of the rear sofa backrest, even if it’s a small angle. Overall, however, the seating position is comfortable, and the space is not excessive, but let’s just say it’s sufficient.

Unlike the exterior, I personally like the interior of the car completely: it looks modern and everything is in its place. A special mention goes to the front seats with attractive combined trim and developed lateral support. The only comment on the front part of the cabin is that there are many elements made of hard, noisy plastic; the only comment on the rear part is that, given the increase in size, I personally expected a little more space for passengers. Now there is quite enough space, but it could have been done a lot more! It’s not a pity to sacrifice some of the 466-liter trunk: it’s already one of the largest in the class; plus it offers a 2-level floor and several package hooks, but it doesn’t offer a spare tire – only a repair kit.

Equipment: larger size, universal platform

One of the key features of the second-generation Hyundai Kona is a significant increase in size compared to its predecessor. For example, the length has increased by almost 15 cm, the wheelbase has added 6 cm, and the car has become taller and wider. While the first generation Hyundai Kona was positioned in the center of the B-SUV class, the new Hyundai Kona has become one of its largest representatives and is already approaching the C-SUV class.

The second feature is the use of the most flexible K3 platform: it allows you to create cars with front or all-wheel drive, install conventional gasoline engines or a hybrid powertrain, on this platform you can build a full-fledged electric car with a large battery in the base, and you can also change the rear suspension – semi-dependent or fully independent. And now imagine that all this is not just a general description of the platform for different models – all this applies to the second-generation Hyundai Kona: that’s how much its various versions can differ!

However, not everything is currently available in Ukraine. Thus, from the very beginning of the model’s launch, we focused on the 1.6 GDI HEV hybrid version with front-wheel drive and fully independent wheel suspension (MacPherson in front and multi-link rear). Recently, prices for the electric version of the Hyundai Kona Electric have been released, which differs slightly in design details and offers two electric motor/battery combinations: the Standard version has a 115 kW electric motor and a 48.4 kWh battery; the Long Range version has a 160 kW electric motor and a 65.4 kWh battery.

In addition, I would like to see a version with a powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and 4WD all-wheel drive, as well as a basic version with a 1-liter turbocharged engine, front-wheel drive and simple semi-dependent suspension, which would help reduce the starting price of the car. However, these are all wishes for the future, and now we will continue to talk about what is already available in Ukraine.

During the change of generations, the Hyundai Kona has significantly increased in size: Today, the 4.35-meter-long Hyundai Kona crossover is comparable to the dimensions of the first Hyundai Tucson; The version of theHyundai Kona N Line adds a few centimeters to the length due to its own bumpers – which is why the total length is 4.39 meters. However, even this “sporty version” of the N Line is still equipped with a gasoline-electric hybrid; there is no powerful turbo engine in Ukraine yet, and the only alternative is the electric version. As for the hybrid: under the hood, there is a 1.6-liter gasoline GDI atmospheric engine (105 hp) paired with aPMSM electric motor (32 kW or 43.5 hp) with permanent magnets; plus a 6-speed robotic DCT gearbox and a small battery in the rear of the body. The hybrid produces a total power of 141 hp, which should provide acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 10.9-11.1 seconds (depending on the version and size of the tires), and a top speed of 155-161 km/h (depending on the version and size of the tires). So…

Behind the wheel: sporty design, soft character

All these hints of sportiness in the exterior and interior of the Hyundai Kona N Line remain only hints in the sensations on the road. Forget about the sharp steering wheel, stiff suspension, high power, loud exhaust, sharp gear changes… Forget it? That’s fine.

After all, if you approach the perception of the Hyundai Kona as an ordinary crossover for every day, then this car turns out to be simply excellent. The hybrid engine gives not super impressive, but quite sufficient dynamics; in its case, quick pickups and responses to the accelerator pedal, provided by the electric motor, are much more important. One might expect some pauses or jerks when switching on the gasoline engine and shifting the gearbox (after all, this is the rare case when a hybrid has a gearbox) – but no, all operations and switching of the hybrid system are very smooth and soft.

As softly as the car’s suspension works. Even with 18 wheels, the Hyundai Kona N Line crossover gives pleasant comfort on numerous pits and uneven surfaces. It is well trained to round off and hide almost all road imperfections, while keeping the rear of the body under control – a special “thank you” to the independent suspension. The steering wheel fits into this picture perfectly: quite light and with medium sharpness (2.5 turns from stop to stop), the car listens to it well and changes direction quickly, it responds well and demonstrates small body rolls in corners. Again: there are no hints of sporty character traits here, the crossover does not provoke you to prescribe turns with a creak of rubber. On the contrary, when speeding in a corner, it offers a banal nose-out, which requires a speed reduction and is understandable to most drivers. It’s a great crossover for every day, just without any of the sporty personality traits that one might expect from the N Line version.

The hybrid powertrain is memorable not so much for its power and dynamics as for its smooth ride and logical handling: you can select ECO or SPORT mode(plus SNOW for winter roads), and you can flexibly adjust the regeneration. Thanks to the use of Drive-By-Wire technology, the gear selector has been made very compact and placed under the steering wheel. By the way, while in ECO mode, the steering wheel paddles allow you to select the degree of recovery (three levels or automatic adjustment ), inSPORT mode they actually shift gears in the transmission. In addition, in sport mode, the hybrid’s responses to accelerator pedal presses become more active: you still can’t count on superdynamics, but in the 0-100 km/h acceleration test, the car outpaces itself – my measurements give 10.2-10.5 seconds. Among other observations: fuel consumption in the city is kept at 5.5-6 liters; when driving on the highway at a speed of about 100 km/h, it also turns out to be about 6 liters per 100 km of travel.

Cost: how much does Hyundai Kona cost and who are the competitors

Currently, the Hyundai Kona crossover is available on the Ukrainian market in hybrid or all-electric versions, all of which are front-wheel drive only; but it is possible to choose the equipment and add option packages.

The range is opened by the Hyundai Kona Express crossover with the following list of equipment: front and side airbags, inflatable side curtain airbags, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistants, collision avoidance assistants, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control heated steering wheel and front seats, rear view camera, multimedia NAVI system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, LED headlights, digital instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch display, 16-inch alloy wheels, etc. The cost ofHyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6 GDI HEV6AT2WD Express starts from UAH 1.25 million or about $30 thousand.

One step up is the Hyundai Kona crossover in the Dynamic configuration, which adds the following: Bi-LED headlights, full-screen digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, interior background lighting, seat trim with decorative patterned fabric, roof rails, 18-inch alloy wheels (for Hyundai Kona Hybrid) or 17-inch alloy wheels (for Hyundai Kona Electric), silver window moldings and black door moldings, silver overlays under the front/rear bumper, etc. The cost ofHyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6 GDI HEV6AT2WD Dynamic – from 1.325 million UAH or about $32 thousand.The cost of Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Dynamic starts from UAH 1.424 million or about $34.5 thousand.

This is followed by the Hyundai Kona Elegance crossover with additional advanced equipment: a video monitoring system for blind spots in mirrors, a collision avoidance assistant when reversing, an electric luggage compartment lid, heated rear seats, an AVM surround view system, combined seat trim (fabric and eco-leather), etc. The cost ofHyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6 GDI HEV6AT2WD Elegance – from 1.394 million UAH or almost $34 thousand.; the cost of Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Elegance – from 1.53 million UAH or $37 thousand.; the cost of Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range Elegance – from 1.695 million UAH or $41 thousand.

The maximum variant is the Hyundai Kona Top, which is characterized by the following: blind spot mirror collision avoidance assistant, reversing collision avoidance assistant, power driver and passenger seat adjustments, front seat ventilation, BOSE audio system, eco-leather seat trim, tinted rear window glass and trunk lid; additionally, the Hyundai Kona Electric offers a head-up display (HUD) and 19-inch alloy wheels for the Long Range version. The price of Hyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6 GDI HEV6AT2WD Top starts from UAH 1.46 million or $35.5 thousand.; the cost of Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Top – from 1.605 million UAH or $39 thousand.; the cost of Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range Top – from 1.79 million UAH or $43.5 thousand.

Finally, a few words about the N Line package offered as an option for Hyundai Kona Hybrid in Elegance or Top trim levels. This package includes: an original front bumper, exclusive 18-inch wheels, body-colored arch and sill plates, chrome exhaust system tips, a steering wheel with perforated leather trim, red dashboard and seat decor; plus, for the Tor, faux leather and Alcantara seat trim. Taking this package into account, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid Top N Line (as a test car) will cost more than UAH 1.5 million or about $36.5 thousand.

This is a Hyundai Kona in the maximum Tor trim level, but without theN Line package : surprised by how much the design and interior differ? More practical black unpainted wheel arch linings and different wheels; a similar shape of the front panel – but without red stripes; similarly shaped seats – but with fabric trim and subtle decor.

Traditionally, we will end with a brief review of competitors. And I propose to start with hybrid compact crossovers. The very first rival is the Toyota C-HR: it also has an emphasis on design and hybrid, as well as a comfortable suspension, wins with all-wheel drive versions, and gives way to interior space. Next, I’ll mention the Honda HR-V: an economical hybrid with a spacious interior, but slightly inferior in terms of engine power and suspension comfort. However, there is another alternative right away – the Honda ZR-V crossover: bigger and more powerful, with a great chassis setup, but also a bit more expensive. A similar description applies to the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER, which also adds a very wide range of equipment as a bonus. Finally, I would also like to mention the Jeep Compass: it has a rather simple and not very efficient hybrid, the suspension is not very good; however, this car looks good and offers a fairly roomy interior.

Now let’s add a few more cars, but without reference to the mandatory hybrid. The first rival is the Volkswagen T-Roc: it drives well, has a comfortable interior, optimal equipment, and a surprisingly reasonable price. Next, we look for something similar, but add an economical diesel engine to the list of requirements – in this case, you can look at the compact crossover Peugeot 2008 or the larger and more powerful crossover Citroen C5 Aircross. Now let’s change the requirements a bit: you need a compact crossover, you don’t necessarily need a fuel-efficient engine, but you definitely need all-wheel drive – then you should pay attention to the Mazda CX-30 and Suzuki S-Cross. Or even the Hyundai Tucson: for the money of the Hyundai Kona, you can get only the usual 2-liter versions and simpler configurations, but you can get a more spacious interior and all-wheel drive. Here you have a dozen competitors, and in fact there are even more. Nevertheless, the Hyundai Kona N Line crossover deserves a fairly high rating.

Hyundai Kona N Line test drive: there is no sport here, but there is technology and comfort