Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDI N-Line: Compact-SUV in Test

The seating position is usually high for an SUV: 28 cm above the floor in the front (64 cm above the pavement), a full 30 cm in the back. However, the rear bedroom is enough for a 1.90 meter tall passenger. The angle of the backrest can be adjusted in two steps.

The N-Line sports variant we drove demands a certain level of stiffness from the crew without having the driving dynamics of the original N-sport version. The chassis doesn’t handle the 18-inch (base: 16-inch) wheels well and pushes curbs and potholes aggressively into the occupants. The 1.6-liter turbo doesn’t feel like 198 hp, but it comes across as very confident – it’s worth it!

The two-speed automatic shifts smoothly, but can still be spooked by the slight jolt of traffic lights and coastal conditions.

The interior, which is made entirely of hard plastic, helps to save weight, but unfortunately does not help with noise insulation. At 145 km/h the Kona is not a quiet performer. And anyone who reaches a top speed of 210 km/h will immediately feel that the limit of performance has been reached.

Operation via audio and physical button circuit controls for climate control, ESP off, hill descent control, heating and seat ventilation is uncomplicated and suitable for rental cars.

Like many current cars, this one also knows how to annoy people with its paternalism. The speed limit warning says “Bing when you exceed two kilometers per hour, and the lane departure warning system pulls the steering wheel. And if the driver wants to turn off the concert using the three-step menu, he receives a sharp reprimand from the attention assistant. This reminds me of a class affirmative: I am a sinner, and the car tells me so all the time.

A four wheeler is not the right vehicle for professional rubber boots. With only 155 millimeters of ground clearance under the exhaust, you should even avoid forest trails.

Our test car with automatic and all-wheel drive for 43,650 euros came with the Ultimate package for 2200 euros: ventilated seats in leather-Alcantara combination, heated rear seat and recommended blind spot monitor, which really makes it easier to see the road of cycle time. turning than looking over your shoulder and outside mirrors. Now no one is forced to order a copy of Volle Hütte.

“Trend” with front-wheel drive, which is not inferior, costs about 32,000 euros. But if you often travel with four people and luggage, its 1.0-liter three-cylinder (120 hp, 200 Nm) may not always be enough. Unfortunately, the more powerful four-cylinder is paired with higher equipment. Nothing happens for less than 37,300 euros. As an electric car it is more expensive, and a full hybrid is not for strong people.

At least the test consumption was moderate by the standards of a gasoline SUV: 7.8 liters of Super per 100 km. Not too difficult.