Hyundai Kona Hybrid: the hybrid gets a makeover

The Hyundai Kona hybrid is launched in 2019. Completely redesigned in 2021, this hybrid SUV offers unparalleled performance thanks to its gasoline engine coupled with a battery electric motor. Discover a look that electrifies!

Design of the 2021 Hyundai Kona Hybrid

The Hyundai Kona is also available in thermal and electric versions. In order to give it a facelift and to face up to the competition that is fast approaching, the Kona hybrid is also entitled to a substantial aesthetic restyling, just like the Hyundai Ioniq.

Exterior

The design of the hybrid Kona is eye-catching. Indeed, the urban SUV keeps what is part of its trademark: its two-tiered headlights, both front and rear. And that’s it!

The rest has been entirely revisited. Its design is a little less aggressive than the previous version, with new front fascias more imposing, with wheel arch protections, and a wider grille. It’s more fluid and less cluttered.

The silhouette is sporty and features stylish 16″ or 18″ alloy wheels, depending on the version chosen. These reflect the design of the hybrid engine. Its badge on the tailgate is always present, and this is what makes the difference with the rest of the range.

For a truly unique silhouette, there are seven exterior colors to choose from: Cyber Grey, Drive in Jeju, Abyss Black, Ecotronic Grey, Ultimate Red, Atlas White, Surfy Blue.

Interior

Inside, the change is a little more discreet. On the dashboard, there are still two 10.25-inch screens, available from the second trim level. The first one is behind the steering wheel, with large and comfortable digital meters.

The dial on the right displays information about the hybrid engine: energy usage level, battery charge. Finally, the second screen gives you access to vehicle information, navigation, infotainment and smartphone content.

For added safety, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid features new advanced driver assistance systems: Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Monitoring, and Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control. These driving aids can be used both in the city and on the road.

Also, Hyundai offers Bluelink connected services on a smartphone. You can control the locking/unlocking of the doors from a distance, check the status of the vehicle (fuel level), display the weather and traffic information, locate your vehicle, etc.

Trunk dimensions and volume

In terms of dimensions, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid is 4.20 m long, 1.80 m wide and 1.56 m high. On board, it can accommodate up to 5 passengers, with plenty of knee room for the rear passengers.

As for storage space, the trunk can hold 374 liters and up to 1,174 liters when the backrest is folded down. All in all, a respectable amount.

Engine and performance

Under the hood, no change. Hyundai uses the same configuration as the previous version. Thus, we find a 4-cylinder 1.6 GDi gasoline engine with direct injection, specially calibrated to provide 105 hp, associated with an electric motor block of 43.5 hp (32 kW).

This power is available from the start. The unit is controlled by a six-speed automatic transmission (DCT-6), and develops a maximum power of 141 hp.

Battery and consumption

Offering superior charge/discharge characteristics, the lithium-ion polymer battery provides an energy capacity of 1.56 kWh. This optimizes electric driving and energy storage.

In terms of performance, the automaker claims acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 11 seconds and a top speed of 161 km/h. In the WLTP combined cycle, the CO2 emission is 114 g/km, and the average fuel consumption is 4.9 l/100km.

How does the hybrid work on the Kona?

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid is not rechargeable. Depending on the driving situation, the SUV seamlessly switches between its two engines, or uses both at once.

By slowing down the vehicle with the electric motor, regenerative braking charges the battery. The accumulated energy feeds the electric motor to increase acceleration, uphill driving, and low-speed driving.

Hyundai Kona Hybrid: the SUV’s finishes

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid comes in four trim levels: Initia, Intuitive, Creative, Executive. It’s up to you to choose the trim level that offers the equipment you’re looking for:

Initia

Intuitive

In addition to the Initia

Creative

In addition to the Intuitive finish

Executive

In addition to the Creative

As Hyundai tradition dictates, the options catalog is not very extensive considering the equipment offered:

Hyundai Kona Hybrid: Pricing

The now restyled Hyundai Kona Hybrid is priced from €27,000 for the entry-level trim. A Business version is also marketed and reserved for professional customers, starting at €29,400. For cars costing more than €45,000 and up to €60,000, the ecological bonus is limited to €3,000, beyond which there is no bonus.

Our opinion

Thanks to this restyling, the South Korean manufacturer was able to correct the few shortcomings of the Kona hybrid. As a result, in terms of performance, efficiency, comfort and equipment, this SUV is an even more consistent model.

And fortunately, because it would need to be no less to face a competition that is fast approaching. Like the Renault Captur E-Tech or the Toyota Yaris Cross hybrid.

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