All-New Hyundai KONA Hybrid – The Best Of Both Worlds.
New Hyundai KONA Hybrid – A Winning Combination.
With SUV sales in Ireland booming and hybrid technology offering a clear alternative to diesel, Hyundai has introduced the KONA Hybrid. It is the fourth powertrain to find its way into a KONA, and lines up alongside the petrol and electric models as a replacement for the KONA diesel. The newest member of the KONA family uses electric power to help motorists go farther on a litre of petrol. The KONA Hybrid is equipped with both a petrol engine and an electric motor, which work together to deliver excellent fuel economy and cut down on emissions.
Award-Winning Design;
Confident and unique, the KONA Hybrid features the award-winning design that has made the KONA such a success. Naturally, you can also mix and match the KONA Hybrid to express your personal style. It’s also available with an eye-catching two-tone roof, and you can combine 10 exterior colours with 2 roof options to create different combinations for total exclusivity.
No Need To Plug In;
The KONA Hybrid comes with a 1.6-litre petrol engine and an electric motor that combine to produce a sprightly 139bhp (141PS). The 1.56kWh battery doesn’t need to be plugged in, as it is topped up by using engine power along with the car’s regenerative braking. This allows the KONA Hybrid to run for short distances under electric power, helping the engine to conserve fuel in the process. Hyundai’s innovative six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) delivers a smooth ride for a truly enjoyable driving experience.
Latest Hybrid Technology;
The KONA Hybrid also features an exclusive interior colour pack as standard equipment. Stylish white accents on the air vent surroundings and gear shift bezel are contrasted by glossy black accents on the door handles, steering wheel spoke, and air vent bezels. The seats also feature white contrast stitching for even more style. There’s also a new digital information cluster available, conveniently located next to the speedometer. The 3.5” screen shows you important driver information like energy flow as well as the status of active safety features, remaining fuel range and fuel consumption, navigation instructions and outside temperature. The hybrid gauge shows you battery charge and discharge status and the battery state of charge.
Impressive Specification;
The new KONA Hybrid is available in just one, generously-equipped trim level. This ‘Executive’ specification includes key features, such as stylish 18” alloy wheels, roof rails, black radiator grille with a chrome surround, body garnish painted in Anthracite, leather multi-function steering wheel, heated front seats, climate control with driver-zone function, automatic lights and wipers, wireless phone charger, Bluetooth™, 7” touchscreen with Smart Device Integration, LED daytime running-lights, rear privacy glass, paddle shifters, rear parking sensors, and a rear view camera with line guidance. A suite of standard safety systems (Hyundai SmartSense) also feature in the new KONA Hybrid, amongst which are Hill Start Assist Control, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning System, Electronic Stability Control, ABS, Automatic Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert and a Tyre Pressure Montitoring System for ultimate peace of mind.
Test Car;
My test car was A new Hyundai KONA Hybrid, which was finished in stylish Lake Silver metallic paint. Thanks to an innovative hybrid powertrain (which is shared with the Hyundai IONIQ Hybrid), the KONA Hybrid combines head-turning good looks with exceptional fuel economy. The 1.6-litre petrol engine, 1.56kWh battery and 32kW motor combine to deliver 141PS and an impressive 265Nm of torque to the front wheels, via a slick-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission. CO2 emissions of just 101g/km leads to motor tax is €190 per year, and Hyundai claim fuel consumption as low as 5.4 l/100km under strict new WLTP real-world testing procedures. The 0-100km/h sprint can be completed in 11.2-seconds, while a top speed of 160km/h is achievable (where permitted). The KONA Hybrid is quiet at a steady speed, while overall ride quality is excellent – even on the standard 18” alloy wheels. When the standard paddle shifters are in sport mode they give you the option to shift gears manually for a more dynamic driving experience.
Comfortable & Spacious;
The interior of the KONA Hybrid is a comfortable place to be, with excellent head room on offer, along with good leg room in the front and rear of the car. A clear and concise dashboard is easy to navigate around on the move, while the overall look is sharp and appealing. In the front, there is a pair of of cupholders between the front seats, while door bins are provided on all four doors for extra practicality. White stitching and white accents on the driving mode lever and air vents are standard, and customers can personalise the Kona Hybrid further with the option of three other colour schemes: Orange, Lime and Red. There is plenty of storage space around the airy cabin, with good visibility on offer to all occupants. Boot space with the rear seats in the upright position is 361-litres, but this can be dramatically increased by folding the standard 60:40 split-folding seat backs.
Pricing & Verdict;
The new Hyundai KONA Hybrid is priced at just €29,050 (after a VRT rebate and SEAI grant), with a two-tone paint option costing an additional €600. The KONA Hybrid is covered by Hyundai’s comprehensive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 5-year free health check package and roadside assistance, while an 8-year battery warranty is also standard (t’s & c’s apply). Overall, the new Hyundai KONA Hybrid is a very likeable car that is easy to drive, practical, efficient, very well equipped, and represents excellent value for money too.
Visit www.hyundai.ie for further information.
