Bayon, Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe form a complete family of SUV-type cars in which it is difficult not to find a model that suits our needs.
Hyundai is also the only brand with five electrical technologies. A great example of how to deal with decarbonization.
In the case of the second-generation Kona, the model in this test and a weighty novelty in the SUV B segment, the Korean brand can boast of having a truly versatile car, and with a range that is also electrified. A successful vehicle of which more than 70,200 units have been sold in our market since its launch in 2017.
But this new Kona only retains the name of the previous model. It has nothing to do with it. It grows in dimensions to become one of the largest and most habitable models in its category.
Larger and wider, it reaches 4.38 meters in length (in N Line finish) and surprises its habitability with good space for the rear seats. And the 466-liter trunk makes it, by the way, a family car.
Inside there is a leap in presentation and style, not so much in the quality of the materials, with some hard plastics in the door panels and in the trunk. Although in general, the appearance conveys quality. On the other hand, the approach is understood, since the customer who wants something more can always opt for a Tucson.
In the driving position we find two 12.3-inch digital screens on the dashboard, which can be managed with voice commands. The multimedia screen in the center is a floating type.
The control of the automatic change, a success, is reduced to a small lever located to the right of the steering wheel and thus frees up space on the center console. But, in addition, it is handled quickly and intuitively. Includes wireless charging for smartphones.
Fortunately, the air conditioning continues to have physical buttons in a module grouped in the lower part of the dashboard.
The Kona HEV is a conventional hybrid SUV, which does not have to be plugged in, and uses a 105 hp four-cylinder gasoline engine. The thermal engine is associated with an electric motor that yields another 43.5 CV and a 1.56 kWh capacity battery. The total power is 141 hp. Being a hybrid, it has the DGT ECO label.
Starts always smooth and quiet in electric mode. In the city, with the Eco driving mode activated, it works for a long time in 100% electric mode. Constant braking and frequent stops at traffic lights benefit this technology.
It is well soundproofed and when the gasoline engine kicks in we hardly notice. It is quite useful to look at the instrument panel, at the clock on the right, at the engine revs. In electric mode, it always indicates 0 rpm. Logical, but it helps to know how the hybrid system works.
Likewise, in Eco mode, which we recommend using as long as possible due to its efficiency, the paddles located behind the steering wheel allow you to regulate the regeneration of energy when you release the accelerator.
With the maximum level of retention, you have to brake little and, in addition, we help to regenerate the battery and improve electric autonomy. An autonomy, it must be said, that is little (2-3 km) in this type of hybrid since it is not plug-in, but that is really going very well.
The Kona is not a sporty SUV, but it handles itself very nicely. The new dimensions have suited it very well, with a reliable and predictable feel on the road. The suspension is focused on the comfort of the occupants, but it is not soft at any time.
With the Sport mode activated, the character of the car changes, it is not so quiet and the shift paddles are used to manipulate the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The benefits are good and it travels in an agile way, but the consumption, with this Sport mode, rises a bit and stands at 6 liters. It is not an exaggeration, but when we use the Eco mode, also on the highway, the cost of gasoline decreases.
Obviously, with Sport mode the gasoline engine is more demanding. There's also a Snow mode for smooth, measured power delivery when driving on snow or ice. Being a front wheel drive car, this mode can be very useful.
The overall balance is very good; It has good visibility, it drives in an uncomplicated way and the benefits are correct. It is, for the moment, the most recommended and rational version of the Kona.
The N Line finish of the tested Kona has an exclusive, sportier and more distinguished design. The wing-shaped lower bumper stands out to accentuate the sporty image, the double exhaust silencer, the black mirrors, the silver side skirt or the 18-inch N line design alloy wheels.
The complete N Line equipment includes such interesting elements as standard, such as the driver's camera monitoring, capable of detecting that the driver decreases attention behind the wheel, that he closes his eyes or that he is tired.
And other devices such as the central multifunction screen and the 12.3-inch instrument panel, intelligent cruise control with stop and start with controls on the steering wheel, active blind spot detection system with rear cross traffic alert, change alert lane involuntary, emergency braking with detection of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists or active lane following system.
In addition to aluminum pedals, LED headlights and indicators, smart key with proximity detector or wireless charger.
For the first time, it incorporates OTA (Over-The-Air) technology that allows the brand's software improvements and updates to be downloaded from the cloud or access to new services.
In short, an SUV with a reasonable price and size, very well equipped and with hybrid technology that satisfies, especially on urban and interurban journeys.
