But first an observation. Passenger sales are down, that is apart from the SUV and five-door hatchback segments. The Kona then, like the Creta, is a bit of both.
How does this not overlap heavily the previous mentioned car? Well there are differences, styling being a key factor, and then there's size. The Kona is notably smaller and lower than the Creta which also by the way is available in diesel. The Kona does not. In fact this is where things get a bit strange.
See, there are in fact two petrol models on offer, a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit mated to an automatic gearbox, undercutting the Creta by a mere R20,000, and a 1.0-litre turbocharged motor paired with a six speed manual.
On paper they look like this: R379k (1.0-litre T-GDI turbo), 998c with 88kW/172Nm versus R399k for the 1999c (naturally aspirated 2.0-litre) with 110kW/180Nm. They feature similar torque outputs as you can see but ultimately you're looking at a R10k premium for the self-shifting experience, and a further R10k for the extra engine capacity, minus a turbo.
Ultimately the driving experience between the two comes down to whether or not you want a third pedal.
But, that name? A Hawaiian coastal region name, yes. That's what it means. And it needs a funky name as it’s targeted at young and lifestyle driven singletons and couples. It is also caters to empty nesters who are... well, also lifestyle driven.
Styling, in and out
Curiously, the Kona has an inverse lighting system, that's LED running lamps up top where you'd normally find the main beams, which have been relegated to where you'd normally find the fog lamps.
There are five exterior colors on offer with evocative names like Acid Yellow, Chalk white, Black Knight and Pulse Red. Hop aboard and you'll find a well-lit, darkly rendered interior with soft fabrics and upholstery with plenty of modcons such as cruise control, tilt and telescopic helm adjustment, electric windows, aircon, a 60:40 split rear bench, multimedia entertainment system – the same as the Tuscon which incorporates Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
There's also rear park assist, blind spot and rear crossing traffic detection and six airbags (including curtain airbags). Driving modes, well those are obligatory so sure enough the Kona has them in spades.
Size wise, it is about the same size as its rivals, the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3 and Renault Captur, (but is shorter and wider) with a rigid construction, manufactured from Hyundai's own steel. The rear suspension features zero tilt brushes, and the steering has been improved by virtue of new gear ratios which Hyundai point is generally less vague than what has come before in this segment.
Refinement is on par with the European rivals including NVH levels, no doubt a result of being benchmarked against them.
Ultimately the new Kona is an attractive offering, literally and figuratively, with pricing that places it near slap bang in the middle of the Creta range or R10k under an entry level Tucson. Yet it definitely earns its own place in the range. Good car, Hyundai.
New Hyundai Kona Range:
| 1.0T Executive | R379.900.00 |
| 2.0 Executive | R399,900.00 |
Prices include a 5 Year/150 000km manufacturer's warranty, additional 2 Year/50 000km powertrain warranty, and 5 year/90 000km service plan.
