So, what’s next on your list to check out?  Maybe the 2023 Hyundai Kona should be on your radar. Seriously, there are as many as eight models to choose between, all of which are very competitively priced and all delivering a long list of mod cons that most of us would think necessary these days.

The base model Kona can be bought for not much beyond the $30k mark, while the top of the range N-Line Premium Kona Hybrid has a price tag of a little over the $50k mark.  The difference between the new Kona models is not just in the higher-end materials and features but also in the way the small SUV gets along. You can have the Kona as a 2.0-litre petrol-powered (ULP) SUV with 2WD – like in the Base Kona. Or you can get the Kona in Hybrid form and 2WD using a powerful 104 kW 1.6-litre Turbo ULP motor with hybrid capability in the form of electric power as well. Even for a petrol-only small SUV the fuel efficiency is impressive, with Hyundai suggesting the ULP Kona, with its 2.0-litre engine, is capable of returning an average of around 7 litres/100 km or less.  You can expect Hybrid versions returning around 4.0 litres/100 km when running a about town. 

The new Hyundai Kona also has a nice friendly feel to the way it drives.  All the switches and buttons across the dash are easy on the eye and nicely laid out.  The seating position is good and made even better with a decent set of front seats that offer great leg space and a commanding view of the road ahead.  Hyundai has set the chassis up well for a good blend of comfort that is backed up with nimble handling characteristics.  Those of you who find yourselves relegated to the back seats won’t feel too hard done by with comfort levels, though the space is a little tighter than some may like.  The Kona does, after all, fit into the smaller class of SUV.  And as far as boot space goes, the pooch should be more than happy with the 466 litres behind the rear seats – as long as he isn’t a dog with Great Dane genes.  Still, he’d happily jump up into the larger than 1200 litre space if the rear seats are folded flat – even if he is an extra-large dog. 

Equipped with plenty of great features, the Kona’s infotainment suite is easy enough to learn, with satellite navigation, voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto all present .  Driver aids include handy things like a reversing camera, all-round parking sensors, blind spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic avoidance alert, and smart adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist and lane-change assist.

There is something about the Kona’s styling that looks right.  Hyundai (and Kia) have the knack of making their cars look cool and modern without being weird.  The new Kona has a wheelbase measuring 2660mm.  It measures 4350 mm in length, 1825 mm wide, and is 1585 mm tall in base or Premium guise.  However, the sporty looking N Line is 35 mm longer with its unique body kit.  

Out on the open road, this second-generation Hyundai Kona is composed and handles with plenty of grip.  Its solid feel aids driver’s confidence.  The chassis does a good job of riding tidily over road bumps, and inside the cabin, the Kona is relatively quiet. 

Should you buy one?  If you’re wanting a safe and reliable small SUV with decent efficiency and excellent features, then the Hyundai Kona is a very well-priced package.

2023 second-generation Hyundai Kona models include the:

• Kona Base model
• Kona N-Line
• Kona Hybrid
• Kona Premium
• Kona Hybrid N Line
• Kona Premium N Line
• Kona Hybrid Premium
• Kona Hybrid Premium N Line

For any more information on the new Hyundai Kona or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181.  If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of Hyundai dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours.  Private Fleet – car buying made easy!