Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium (2024) Air Review

If you haven’t noticed it on the road: Hyundai is done with classic design and now brings design to your eyeballs with every new model introduced that wouldn’t be out of place in a sci-fi comic book. For this Kona they obviously took their inspiration from RoboCop, but if it’s just as tough in dealing with the bad guys remains to be seen.

Its rounded front and back sides alternate with sharply drawn edges, which are unlikely to work on paper and yet work. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but let’s just say it’s interesting to watch.

The new Kona is available as a hybrid and EV

The previous corner was a hit and this one is doing everything it can to continue that success. It is obviously bigger, more efficient and better equipped. You can buy the Hyundai Kona as a hybrid (1.2 T-GDi with 48 volt auxiliary), as an Electric that we tested recently, or as this Hybrid. It combines an electric motor with a 1.6 petrol engine for a total power of 141 hp, and during our sweltering test period we easily achieved an average consumption of 5.2 l / 100 km.

This is because, even at high speeds, it often relies on its electric power alone; despite the fact that it only has a minuscule 1.56-kWh battery. That’s pretty empty, but it also charges quickly. It proves once again that a modern plug-in hybrid can be the best compromise. Which is not to say that the Kona Hybrid has all-wheel drive.

While driving we face problems in Hyundai Kona Hybrid

Electric assistance is good, but only in Sport mode is the four-cylinder a little cautious; Its regular and six-speed DCT automatic transmission often takes forever to respond to a firm foot movement. It makes a Kona drawing and is not too sharp, which fits well with its slightly smooth chassis. The steering wheel is also a bit too far for us, so we can’t take a very active driving position. The N Department dynamics have stayed away from this, that’s clear.

But that is the end of our gall; Kona is a joy to be on the road. Its interior looks like a stereo tower from yesteryear and is light and airy, with plenty of room for four adults. Finishing and use of materials are well matched and Hyundai’s infotainment system again stands out for its clarity, logic and simplicity.

Kona sets a good example inside

Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium Sky center console

This applies to the entire Kona approach. The sheer number of visible buttons, the shortcut to turn off the EU-mandatory warning chimes, the navigation assistance that you can also turn on in addition to the cruise control – all things that make you wonder why other brands make it more complicated than it seems. it has to be.

Navi responds well to traffic and displays your average speed in the speed check. The function of the paddles behind the steering wheel is different: in Eco mode you use them to adjust the regeneration, in Sport you can change gears. Very simple, very smart.

How much does this hybrid Hyundai cost?

Our test car is a Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium Sky with everything on it, including seat ventilation. It comes with a price tag that’s no longer funny, but the standard, well-equipped Kona Hybrid starts at 34k (32 in Belgium) and the compact hybrid at 30k (28 in Belgium). That goes well with other crossovers of this size. But sometimes it hits the nail on the head, this Kona hits several with one blow.