While not quite as popular as the brand's Tucson or Creta SUV's, the quirky Kona has found favour with numerous South African's looking for a distinctively styled midsized crossover.
It's recently received a comprehensive facelift, debuting in South Africa to fend off the attack from VW's wildly popular T-Roc and Audi's elegant Q2. Now priced between R449 900 and R579 900, it's the perky 1.0-litre turbopetrol that sees itself being cut from the range.
Still being offered is the base-model 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated derivative. Now mated exclusively to an eight-step CVT transmission, the base-model is also only available in the Executive Line.
New to the range is the powerful 1.6-litre turbopetrol, with 146 kW and 265 Nm on tap. Unlike the 2.0-litre, the range-topping turbo model receives a dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox. Both send their power to the front wheels, though.
The Executive trim level remains, available with both engine options. As standard, the Kona Executive receives automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, rear parking sensors (and a reverse camera) as well as cruise control. Naturally, a suite of safety features are made available, with ABS, ESP and an array of airbags making the cut.
Available only in conjunction with the 146 kW 1.6-litre is the new N-Line. Not only do N-Line models receive sportier exterior styling - 18-inch alloys, black-painted roof and more aggressive styling - but more luxurious innards, too.
At R579 900, it's currently the most expensive Kona available in SA. But to make up for that, Hyundai has packed it with leather seats (with electric adjustment for the driver), adaptive cruise control and keyless-go. It builds on the safety theme, with accident avoidance systems, like Lane-Keep Assist, Forward Collision and Blind Spot Collision Avoidance, all standard.
The brand has also said that a performance N model will arrive in SA in 2022, serving as the flagship, and ready to duel with the VW T-Roc R (if it ever gets here).
Pricing:
2,0 Executive – R449 900
1,6 TGDI Executive – R499 900
1,6 TGDI N Line – R579 900
