It’s probably the most outrageously styled Hyundai the world has ever seen. The Kona is a small SUV that competes with the Nissan Juke and Seat Arona, among others, in what’s known as the ‘B-SUV’ segment. These so-called SUVs are hugely popular, hence the droves of them invading showrooms across the land. But even in this style-led segment, none we’ve seen is as bold as the Kona. There are shades of Hyundai in there, but for the most part this is a bespoke design, and in our view not a totally successful one. We appreciate Hyundai wanted to go bold (and applaud it for following through) – as it’s so late to the party. Going big is the only way to get noticed, we figure. But there are ways of doing that without over-styling your car, which is the trap Hyundai’s fallen into. With its quirky styling, the Kona is set to perk up some fun. Choose from a 147-hp 2.0-liter inline-four with a six-speed automatic transmission or a 175-hp turbo 1.6-liter inline-four with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional with both engines. A standard 7.0-inch touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; an 8.0-inch unit with navigation and wireless charging is optional. An all-electric version is expected later in 2018.
Fuel Economy
Although a fully electric Kona will go on sale in the fall of this year, two gasoline-fueled engines, in the meantime, will provide the propulsion. The two lower grades use a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The two upper trims qualify for the 175-hp 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine borrowed from the redesigned Tucson and married to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. According to government measurements, both engines deliver 30 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving. The 2.0-liter does it with 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The 1.6-liter, however, achieves it with 28 mpg city/32 mpg hwy.
We have only driven the top-end grade with the 1.6-liter/7-speed setup. Working well with the 7-speed, it has plenty of get-up-and-go.
Standard Features & Options
The SE ($20,450) comes fairly well equipped with a 2.0-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 16-in alloy wheels, a backup camera, hill-start assist, 7 airbags, power windows, power door locks, power outboard mirrors, remote keyless entry, LED headlights with auto on/off, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, driver's-seat height adjustment, 6-way driver's-seat adjustment, 60/40-split fold-down rear seat, a 7-in touchscreen, an audio system with satellite radio capability/Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cargo cover and dual-level cargo floor. Optional on all grades is AWD.
The SEL ($22,100) beefs up the SE content with 17-in alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, keyless entry, heated outboard mirrors with turn-signal indicators, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob and heated front seats. Options include Hyundai Smart Sense suite of driver-assist/safety technology except high-beam assist, power sunroof and 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat.
The Limited ($25,650) adds all SEL options except Hyundai Smart Sense plus 18-in alloy wheels and leather seating. The only option is black-with-lime interior. Hyundai Smart Sense is not optional for Limited.
The Ultimate ($28,350) features all of SEL' content as well as Hyundai Smart sense with high-beam assist, rear parking distance warning, rain-sensing wipers, Blue Link with remote care/remote access/destination guidance, wireless device charging, and upgraded audio system with 8-in touchscreen, navigation and traffic info. The only option is the black-with-lime interior.
Safety
Neither the government nor IIHS has crash-tested the 2018 Kona. In addition to the usual airbags in nearly all new vehicles today, Hyundai adds a driver's-knee airbag to the Kona. A backup camera and hill-start assist are also standard on every Kona. All but the SE grade get blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep warning. Optional for the SEL and standard on Ultimate is Hyundai Smart Sense with forward-collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, driver-attention warning and automatic high beams. The auto high beams aren't available on the SEL.
Behind the Wheel
Settling back into the driver's seat, which is supremely comfy and supportive, a quick look around doesn't offer much in the way of polarizing styling. That is, the rather dynamic exterior styling doesn't carry through to the interior. Yes, it's well built and the bulk of the materials are topnotch, but there's nothing outrageous in terms of the lines or component arrangement. If you pony up for a Limited or Ultimate grade, you can get some lime-green accents. Otherwise, there's nothing crazy happening.
We found the 1.6-liter turbo to be engaging and spunky. The 7-speed DCT is a good match. Steering is responsive, and the turning radius remarkably tight. Our test Kona had AWD; so it came with a multilink rear suspension rather than the FWD's solid beam rear axle. Regardless of the suspension, torque vectoring through the brake system increases the Kona's cornering acumen. The ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet.
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