Photo: Hyundai
While the European model receives a hybrid powertrain, the Kona that Hyundai sells in the United States soldiers on into 2020 without too many changes. Smart Cruise Control is now standard in the Ultimate, and the SEL is now called SEL Plus thanks to more standard equipment.
What kind of goodies, you’re wondering? The SEL Plus now features the 4.2-inch color display and wireless charging system from the Ultimate, but that’s not all. The Iron Man edition is no longer available to order while orange interior accents can be optioned in the Limited with the Sunset Orange exterior.
Internal combustion engines number two choices, starting with a 2.0-liter with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The Atkinson-cycle engine maximizes fuel efficiency by working its magic on the compression stroke and power stroke. The Shiftronic automatic is also standard, including an overdrive lock-up torque converter designed for higher economy on the highway.
Limited and Ultimate trim levels come with the 1.6-liter turbo, an engine from the Gamma family which generates 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 through 4,500 rpm. A low-inertia turbocharger works in tandem with the electronic wastegate control to keep the manifold pressure steady, and furthermore, the piston-cooling oil jets enhance the engine’s reliability.
The EcoShift dual-clutch transmission with seven forward gears is connected to the Gamma, promising “to handle more torque with minimal power interruption throughout the engine’s operating range.” It should be mentioned, however, that front- and all-wheel-drive Kona models feature different suspension layouts for the rear axle. The 2WD comes with a rigid torsion beam while AWD levels up to a dual-arm, multi-link suspension setup.
Customers opting for the popular SEL Plus, Limited, as well as the Ultimate are treated to three-year Blue Link Services. The system brings connectivity directly into one’s Kona thanks to Google Home, Destination Search, Remote Door Lock and Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Some features can even be controlled via Android Wear and Apple Watch devices, which goes to show that Hyundai hasn’t forgotten about the most tech-savvy among us.
Internal combustion engines number two choices, starting with a 2.0-liter with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The Atkinson-cycle engine maximizes fuel efficiency by working its magic on the compression stroke and power stroke. The Shiftronic automatic is also standard, including an overdrive lock-up torque converter designed for higher economy on the highway.
Limited and Ultimate trim levels come with the 1.6-liter turbo, an engine from the Gamma family which generates 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 through 4,500 rpm. A low-inertia turbocharger works in tandem with the electronic wastegate control to keep the manifold pressure steady, and furthermore, the piston-cooling oil jets enhance the engine’s reliability.
The EcoShift dual-clutch transmission with seven forward gears is connected to the Gamma, promising “to handle more torque with minimal power interruption throughout the engine’s operating range.” It should be mentioned, however, that front- and all-wheel-drive Kona models feature different suspension layouts for the rear axle. The 2WD comes with a rigid torsion beam while AWD levels up to a dual-arm, multi-link suspension setup.
Customers opting for the popular SEL Plus, Limited, as well as the Ultimate are treated to three-year Blue Link Services. The system brings connectivity directly into one’s Kona thanks to Google Home, Destination Search, Remote Door Lock and Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery. Some features can even be controlled via Android Wear and Apple Watch devices, which goes to show that Hyundai hasn’t forgotten about the most tech-savvy among us.
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