Introducing the latest generation of the Hyundai Kona.

The fresh-faced Kona comes with a higher price tag than its previous model at entry-level. Yet, it compensates by offering an abundance of new features, including a hybrid powertrain, advanced tech, and an enlarged cabin.

The increment in price is justified by the enhanced standard features. The entry-level model in the new Kona line-up parallels the feature-rich second-from-top model in the previous range, the Elite, which was priced at $31,900 excluding on-road costs.

The new Kona sports a bigger body, superior technology, and novel underpinnings, raising the bar set by Hyundai's previous small SUV.

Buyers can choose from four trim levels, two of which offer a selection of three engines. The Kona debuts its hybrid power variant locally, with an electric version soon to follow.

The petrol-only Kona models will gradually launch in the coming months. The 2.0-litre models, excluding the N Line Pack and the 1.6-litre turbo models, have already hit the market. The 2.0-litre N Line models are expected in the third quarter of 2023.

The hybrid variant is slated to launch in the fourth quarter of 2023, alongside the Kona Electric.

Pricing

2023 Hyundai Kona Australian Pricing (estimated drive away prices)

2023 Hyundai Kona 2.0-litre petrol FWD – $35,584 (up $5100 vs old Kona base)

2023 Hyundai Kona 1.6-litre hybrid FWD – $40,624

2023 Hyundai Kona N Line 2.0-litre petrol FWD – $40,624

2023 Hyundai Kona N Line 1.6-litre hybrid FWD – $44,744

2023 Hyundai Kona N Line 1.6-litre turbo-petrol AWD – $44,744 (up $2900 vs old Kona N Line turbo AWD)

2023 Hyundai Kona Premium 2.0-litre petrol FWD – $44,229 (up $1200 vs old Kona Highlander FWD)

2023 Hyundai Kona Premium 1.6-litre hybrid FWD – $48,349

2023 Hyundai Kona Premium N Line 2.0-litre petrol FWD – $47,319

2023 Hyundai Kona Premium N Line 1.6-litre hybrid FWD – $51,469

2023 Hyundai Kona Premium N Line 1.6-litre turbo-petrol AWD – $51,469 (up $3300 vs old Kona N Line Premium turbo AWD)

Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency

The base engine of the Kona retains its 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder configuration, generating 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque. Operating on the Atkinson Cycle, it is paired with a CVT, or as Hyundai calls it, an IVT, which offers eight virtual stages.

The Kona debuts its hybrid powertrain in Australia. It integrates a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor, powered by a 1.32kWh battery pack.

The electric motor delivers 32kW of power and 172Nm of torque. The combined system output is 104kW and 265Nm, and it operates with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The top-tier 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine offers 146kW of power and 265Nm of torque and is paired with an eight-speed automatic torque converter.

The base 2.0 petrol boasts a claimed fuel economy of 6.6 litres per 100km on a combined cycle, which increases to 7.6L/100km for the 1.6 turbo and reduces to 3.9L/100km for the hybrid model.

Safety

The new Kona hasn’t been crash-tested by Euro NCAP or ANCAP.

Seven airbags will be standard, including a front centre airbag.

Standard safety equipment will include:

Front and rear parking sensors

Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle detection, intersection support

Adaptive cruise control with stop and go

Lane-keep assist

Lane following assist

Blind-spot monitoring (detection and braking)

Rear cross-traffic alert (detection and braking)

Traffic sign recognition

Door exit warning

Driver fatigue monitor

Auto-dipping high beam

Tyre pressure monitoring

Warranty and Servicing 

The Hyundai Kona comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

For the 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre hybrid, maintenance is required every 15,000 kilometres or 12 months. For the turbocharged petrol variant, the frequency is every 10,000 kilometres or 12 months.

Final service pricing details are yet to be confirmed.

Dimension

The latest Kona has grown by 145mm in length, 25mm in width, 30mm in height, and 60mm in wheelbase compared to its forerunner, enhancing passenger comfort. Luggage capacity has also increased by 33 litres to 407L with the rear seats in place, or by 85L to 1241L with the rear seats folded down.

2023 Hyundai Kona standard features:

18-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 tyres, space-saver spare

Dusk-sensing LED headlights (reflector type)

LED daytime-running lights and tail-lights (with halogen rear indicator bulbs)

12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, over-the-air updates

Rear-view camera

Bluelink connected-car technology

Keyless (proximity-key) entry and start

Six-speaker sound system

Dual-zone climate-control air conditioning with rear air vents

Leather steering wheel and gear shifter

Cloth seat upholstery

Height-adjustable front seats with two-way driver lumbar support

Front seatback storage pockets

Rear-seat centre fold-down armrest

LED interior lighting

Heated and power-folding side mirrors

Electronic parking brake

Torsion-beam rear suspension

Seven airbags (including centre airbag)

2023 Hyundai Kona Hybrid adds (over Kona petrol):

Multi-link independent rear suspension

Virtual Engine Sound System

Regenerative braking

Torque vectoring

'Shift by wire' gear shifter

Open-type centre console

Shift paddles on steering wheell

2023 Hyundai Kona Premium adds (over Kona base model):

Projector-beam LED headlights

LED 'horizon' front parking light

Front and rear LED turn indicators

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

Power tailgate

Satellite navigation with live traffic updates

Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Eight-speaker Bose premium sound system

Leather-accented upholstery in Obsidian Black

10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory

Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat

Heated and ventilated front seats

Heated steering wheel

Heated outboard rear seats

Auto-dimming rear-view mirror

Rain-sensing wipers

Ambient cabin lighting

Rear privacy glass

Blind-spot camera (Blind Spot View Monitor)

Rear autonomous emergency braking

360-degree camera

Remote Smart Parking Assist (automatic entry/exit from parking spaces from the key fob when standing beside the car)

Dark grey body cladding with silver 'skid' plates

'Shift by wire' gear shifter (2.0-litre petrol only; already standard on hybrid)

Open-type centre console (2.0-litre petrol only; already standard on hybrid)

Shift paddles on steering wheel (2.0-litre petrol only; already standard on hybrid)

2023 Hyundai Kona N Line/N Line Premium versions add (over Kona base/Premium):

19-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 tyres (2.0-litre non-turbo and 1.6-litre turbo petrol)

18-inch N Line alloy wheels (hybrid only)

N Line exterior styling (bumpers, side skirts, skid plates, body-coloured cladding)

Black mirror caps and side window trim

Gloss black rear roof spoiler

Leather and Alcantara seat upholstery

N Line sports steering wheel

Dark grey and red interior highlights

Black headlining

Alloy pedal covers

Sport scuff plates

Multi-link independent rear suspension (1.6-litre turbo model)

Options include:

Glass sunroof – $1500 (Kona Premium only)

Light Shale Grey or Sage Green interior – $295 (Kona Premium only)

Metallic or mica premium paint – $595 (all models)

Available colours include:

Atlas White (no cost, all models)

Cyber Grey metallic ($595 extra, N Line models only)

Ecotronic Grey mica ($595 extra, all except N Line models)

Neoteric Yellow (no cost, N Line models only)

Soultronic Orange mica ($595 extra, N Line models only)

Ultimate Red metallic ($595 extra, all models)

Mirage Green (no cost, all except N Line models)

Denim Blue mica ($595 extra, all except N Line models)

Abyss Black mica ($595 extra, all models)