Hyundai KONA (2020 - ) review

The simplified Kona line-up is based around a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol and the hybrid. Like the Juke hybrid and others in this class, the latter is not a plug-in so it can only cover short distances on electric power alone and doesn’t score the cheap company car tax rates. But it is more efficient than the regular petrol version, and effectively offers diesel fuel consumption but with the benefits of improved refinement and cheaper prices at the pumps. Whether that’s enough to offset the considerable increase in price is something you’ll have to crunch the numbers on according to your budget and circumstances, the fact it comes with an automatic gearbox perhaps helping the decision.

Hyundai generally has a very good reputation for reliability, and the engines and other technology in the Kona are well-proven across various different models in the range. The five-year warranty means you’ll be covered against any faults for the duration of most finance terms, potentially with balance to carry over to the next owner as well. If that’s not enough the related Kia Stonic offers much of the same but with a seven-year warranty.

This updated Kona gets improved safety technology over the previous one, with the expected lane-keeping, lane following and automated emergency braking systems you’d expect of any modern car. From here it gets a bit confusing, though, and the rest of the kit varies according to both the trim level and engine, some models (but only hybrids) getting improved automatic emergency braking with cyclist detection and ‘smart’ cruise control. Only the top trim level gets the really useful kit like interventions to stop you changing lane into a car in your blindspot or alerts if you’re backing out of a space into the path of an unseen vehicle.

While it’s got a respectable amount of space and is a viable small family car the Kona puts style and sportiness ahead of outright practicality. Which is fine for the audience it’s playing to, and means it’s as fun to drive as it is to look at. Where most Hyundais err to the understated the Kona is a more stylish place to be, with some cool upholstery options to make the handsome cabin feel even more special. Hyundai has also updated the settings for the suspension and steering, which seemingly addresses some of our criticisms of the previous version. As it stands the updated Kona feels responsive and fun to drive, while also well screwed together and of decent quality.

While there is a base trim for both engines with a more basic specification we think most buyers will skip past it and opt for the higher grade versions with the improved, 10.25-inch screen familiar from other cars in the Hyundai range. Backed up with the Bluelink app and cloud-driven navigation it’s got a slick interface and is easy to use, though you can of course plug your phone in and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto if you prefer. You also get an upgraded KRELL speaker system, which is a nice to have. New to this updated Kona (though not available on the hybrid) is the N Line trim, which has much of the same equipment but a sportier image thanks to more aggressive looking bodywork on the outside and various trim elements inside carrying Hyundai’s sporty ‘N’ branding.

We didn’t drive the 1.0-litre petrol engine this time around but we know it from other Hyundais and it’s always impressed for its enthusiastic power delivery and sense it’s punching well above its weight. It’s paired with an interesting manual gearbox that works with the mild hybrid system to improve efficiency. While neither version is especially quick by the numbers the hybrid we drove meanwhile has a useful squirt of extra electrified speed off the line and comes as standard with an automatic gearbox. It’s a lot smoother and more refined than the standard petrol engine, and can cruise for short distances on electric power alone. If you can stretch to it we’d say it’s the one to go for.