Hyundai Kona road test: small SUV packed with features

In a trend that defies logic, compact, city-friendly SUVs have taken over the suburbs, relegating hatchbacks and sedans to also-rans.

They’re often no bigger or more practical than a hatchback, but baby SUVs have become the must-have item for suburban driveways.

Hyundai’s Kona is a great example of the trend. Not much bigger than the brand’s i30 hatch, it trades on style and practicality.

The Kona range is vast. It starts at less than $30,000 but includes a full Electric model and even a track-ready N version. But is the mid-spec Elite the range sweet spot?

The Hyundai Kona range is vast and includes EVs and sports models. Picture: Supplied.

VALUE

The Kona starts at $29,490 drive-away for the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol version. It comes with a CVT auto gearbox, an 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless phone charging, 16-inch alloys, radar cruise control and decent safety kit.

Most private buyers want more, though. Goodies such as leather seats and 17-inch alloys arrive with the $32,170 Active, while our test Elite also adds an impressive 10.25-inch multimedia screen, Harman Kardon audio, sat nav, smart key entry and climate control.

The Kona drinks cheaper 91 unleaded and services are a low $1595 for five years if you pre-pay. Warranty is average at five-years/unlimited km.

The Kona blends compact dimensions with a chunky look. Picture: Supplied.

COMFORT

The Kona’s cabin is a fairly dour affair. Solidly engineered and well laid out it may be, but it’s black on black on black everywhere with too much hard plastic surfaces.

For a small SUV space is decent, including in the back. Chairs are comfortable and it’s a boon to have them leather appointed, but don’t expect said leather to rival an S-Class Mercedes. There are no electric seats, but driver and passenger chairs provide decent adjustment – handy for less mobile small SUV shoppers.

Rear passengers are treated to USB port with clever phone holder but no air vents. The boot’s not huge at 374 litres but a false floor frees up more space.

The Kona’s one of the class-leading small SUVs for ride comfort and noise suppression. Even on nasty bits of road it absorbs hits well and proves a size-belying quiet cruiser on highways.

The cabin is nothing flash, but has all the latest technology. Picture: Supplied.

SAFETY

If reversing out of parking spaces isn’t your strong point, the Elite will automatically brake if you’re about to back into crossing traffic. It also prevents you from changing lanes if something is in your blind spot.

The car will also warn you if you’re about to open your door into something and works very hard to keep you in your lane, tugging at your hands frequently as it tracks the road markers.

For some, myself included, it’s too invasive and gets turned off. Kind of defeats its purpose, sadly.

Parking sensors make it easy to prak in tight spots. Picture: Supplied.

DRIVING

The non-turbo four-cylinder offers 110kW and 180Nm – ample in a Kona’s usual urban surrounds. It’s not a quick or emotionally engaging engine – try the Kona N-Line turbo for that.

For daily duties the CVT auto gearbox helps keep progress silky smooth. It’s a gem around town. Get frisky with the throttle and the CVT starts whingeing and the engine leaves its comfort zone. But even when driven enthusiastically the Kona’s cornering remains assured and good fun to fling into corners.

Our fuel use average was 6.8L/100km, a good deal more than Hyundai’s claimed 5.3L/100km.

The Kona feels assured through corners. Picture: Supplied.

ALTERNATIVES

Kia Seltos Sport Plus, $36,290 drive-away

Larger, roomier and two extra years of warranty make it more family friendly. Same engine and gearbox as Kona.

Mazda CX-30 G20 Evolve, about $36,550 drive-away

Only cloth seats but a beautiful cabin. Safe, well equipped and a classy drive, but small rear seats and boot.

Honda HR-V Vi X, $36,700 drive-away

Freshly arrived it looks good and has decent equipment. Small boot only two rear seats.

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

For cabin flair or zesty performance look elsewhere, but the Kona’s a great all-rounder and in Elite grade has features enough to warrant the extra spend.

HYUNDAI KONA ELITE 2WD VITALS

PRICE About $35,700 drive-away

ENGINE 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, 110kW/180Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five years/unlimited km, $1595 over five years (prepaid)

SAFETY 6 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert

THIRST 5.3L/100km

CARGO 374-1156 litres

SPARE Space-saver

Originally published as Hyundai Kona road test: small SUV packed with features