Hyundai launches new Kona from $32K

HYUNDAI has priced its keenly anticipated Kona small SUV for the Australian market, the two-variant, petrol-powered line-up arriving from $32,000 plus on-road costs ahead of hybridised and all-electric models later this year (Q4).

The price tag represents a $5100 increase over the starting price of the outgoing range.

Competing with the likes of the GWM Haval Jolion (from $28,490 drive-away), Mitsubishi ASX (from $23,990 +ORC) and Toyota C-HR (from $31,715 +ORC), the Hyundai Kona will be offered in two primary trim grades: Kona and Kona Premium, with an N-Line enhancement pack available optionally on both.

Full pricing details are available below.

The new Kona measures 185mm longer, 20mm wider and 30mm higher than the outgoing model and rides on a 60mm longer wheelbase. The figures see the Kona offer greater interior (+77mm more legroom and +11mm more headroom) and cargo space than the predecessor, that latter now 407 litres (+33 litres) with the rear seats in place and 1241 litres (+85 litres) all told.

Cabin highlights include a 12.3-inch infotainment array, BlueLink connected car services and shift-by-wire gear selector familiar to other models in the Hyundai stable. Both variants feature 18-inch alloy wheels as standard equipment alongside LED head- and tail-lights and dual-zone climate control. The Kona Premium adds an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and a powered tailgate.

The N-Line package adds colour-coded body cladding and aerodynamic enhancements, gloss black wing mirror caps, 19-inch wheels, dual projector style headlights and a sports exhaust system externally with leather/Alcantara combination upholstery and sporty garnishing inside.

The N-Line package further offers three paint colours not available elsewhere in the range: Cyber Grey, Neoteric Yellow and Soultronic Orange. Six hues are available on Kona and Kona Premium grades including: Atlas White, Ecotronic Grey, Ultimate Red, Mirage Green, Denim Blue and Abyss Black.

Interior finishes include Obsidian Black cloth on Kona grades, Obsidian Black, Light Shale Grey or Sage Green leather on Kona Premium, and leather and Alcantara combination upholstery on N-Line variants.

All grades receive Hyundai SmartSense active safety technologies including a 360-degree camera system adaptive cruise control, front and rear AEB, blind spot view and collision avoidance, lane following and keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, seven airbags, and more.

Under the bonnet, the Kona range is powered by the choice of a 110kW/180Nm naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or optional (+$4000) 104kW/265Nm 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid combination with front-wheel drive and six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The latter is said to offer combined cycle fuel consumption of just 3.9 litres per 100km and the former 6.6L/100km.

A 1.6-litre turbo-petrol offering developing 146kW/265Nm and driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission is available exclusively as part of the Turbo AWD N-Line Pack. Fuel consumption for the unit is listed at 7.6L/100km.

Options include a panoramic sunroof ($1500), premium paint ($595), and Light Grey Shale or Sage Green interior ($295).

“In the space of a generation Kona has become one of the best-selling small SUVs and is now among our most successful nameplates,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia

chief executive officer, Ted Lee.

“The all-new KONA scales new heights with its futuristic EV-like styling, roomy interior, full suite of safety features and class-leading connectivity and convenience technologies, to give customers a compelling small SUV.”

Visit GoAuto again soon for our Australian launch review of the 2023 Hyundai Kona.

2023 Hyundai Kona pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.