Photo: Guido ten Brink
Revealed in June, the Kona is Hyundai’s best-looking crossover yet. Shown in European form at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, the subcompact model shares the GB platform with the i20 hatchback and two Kia vehicles (i.e., the all-new Rio and Stonic).
Getting close to it reveals lots of unconventional styling cues, an overall outlandish design that no other crossover of the subcompact variety can call its own. From the sharp headlights to the generous plastic cladding on the fenders, from the little slat above the front grille to the contrasting black roof, the new Kona has that certain something that grabs one’s attention.
Rebadged Kauai in Portugal because Kona is a slang term of a woman’s you-know-what in the westernmost country of continental Europe, the newcomer is available with a choice of three- and four-cylinder naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Hyundai is getting pretty serious about its utility vehicle onslaught of Europe, confirming the Kona will add an EV variant in 2018. The Kona EV will have a range of just around 390 kilometers (242 miles).
In stark contrast to the distinctive exterior, the 2018 Hyundai Kona loses its flamboyancy once you open the door. There’s enough room in the rear for adult occupants, the front seats are adequately sized, fit & finish is adequate, but forgettable styling hampers down the cabin.
Then there’s the suspension system, with McPherson struts up front and a choice of torsion beam and dual-arm multi-link for the rear axle. The difference is made by the drivetrain, with front-wheel-drive models making do with the lesser setup and the all-wheel-drive Kona with the better suspension.
An urban-minded crossover intended for hip customers who don’t run with the pack, the Kona will go on sale in the United States of America by year’s end. In this place of the world, engine options include the entry-level N/A/ 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI four-pot turbo.
Rebadged Kauai in Portugal because Kona is a slang term of a woman’s you-know-what in the westernmost country of continental Europe, the newcomer is available with a choice of three- and four-cylinder naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Hyundai is getting pretty serious about its utility vehicle onslaught of Europe, confirming the Kona will add an EV variant in 2018. The Kona EV will have a range of just around 390 kilometers (242 miles).
In stark contrast to the distinctive exterior, the 2018 Hyundai Kona loses its flamboyancy once you open the door. There’s enough room in the rear for adult occupants, the front seats are adequately sized, fit & finish is adequate, but forgettable styling hampers down the cabin.
Then there’s the suspension system, with McPherson struts up front and a choice of torsion beam and dual-arm multi-link for the rear axle. The difference is made by the drivetrain, with front-wheel-drive models making do with the lesser setup and the all-wheel-drive Kona with the better suspension.
An urban-minded crossover intended for hip customers who don’t run with the pack, the Kona will go on sale in the United States of America by year’s end. In this place of the world, engine options include the entry-level N/A/ 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI four-pot turbo.
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