Podcast: Kona review, June VFACTS
William Stopford
The Hyundai Kona is back, bigger than ever.
Although it only launched in Australia in 2017, the Kona is a stalwart in one of the nation’s best-selling SUV segments – but it’s one that has rapidly been made to look a bit quaint by newer rivals.
From the bigger Kia Seltos and the more luxurious Mazda CX-30, to the hybrid-powered Toyota Corolla Cross, the game has changed and the Kona was getting left behind.
That’s where the second-generation model you see here comes in. It’s bigger in every dimension to better battle the Seltos, features a more modern interior to better battle the CX-30, and packs a hybrid to take on the – you guessed it – Corolla Cross.
It’s more than just a box-checking exercise. Although some of the key details have been reimagined to better cover off a fresh crop of competitors, the new Kona features an angular design that builds on the foundation laid down by the funky first-generation car.
Cost | 8.5 |
Ride | 8 |
Overall | 8.1 |
Purpose | 8.5 |
Handling | 8 |
Interior | 8.5 |
Efficiency | 7.8 |
Technology | 7.5 |
Performance | 8 |
Infotainment | 8.5 |