Three revelations marked our time with the 2024 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium. The primary lay within the truth twin power sources represents the right option to fence sit in relation to electrical energy.
The opposite two within the trio; Hyundai’s hybrid tech is a testomony to how far we’ve come and, above all, the newest Kona is an incredible, exhausting to fault, fit-for-purpose small SUV. These early Prius days seem to be eons in the past now.
There’s no denying the typical Aussie shopper thinks hybrids are preferable to going totally electrical both. We’re an informal bunch, so a gradual transition definitely explains the sheer quantity of gross sales the house is at the moment experiencing.
Among the many small SUV’s available on the market, the Kona Hybrid Premium is price greater than a window store. A reputation we’re very conversant in, it’s nonetheless a small, 5-door SUV, however comes again greater in each physique dimensions and inside house for 2024.
The brand new model can be smarter, fancier and arguably prettier than final 12 months, with all hybrid variants working on the sensible Smartstream G1.6 GDi engine, driving the entrance wheels. Neatly matched to the Kona chassis and arrange is a small electrical motor.
That is powered by a 1.32kWh lithium-ion battery pack, and renders some staggering gasoline financial system. Additionally distinctive to the hybrid is a 6-speed DCT. You possibly can go for three variants, the Hybrid, the Hybrid Premium (examined right here), or the Hybrid Premium Sunroof.
Beginning worth for the Hybrid Premium is $43,500 earlier than on-roads, or you’ll be able to fork out an additional $1,500 for the sunroof model. There’s additionally the choice of including an N-Line trim package deal, which provides an additional $3,000.
Now in the event you’re this far into your 2024 Kona Hybrid Premium browse, that most likely signifies that regardless of it being an even bigger, fancier and cleverer automobile, you’re questioning how a lot gasoline it saves, and whether or not it’s much less daunting than a full EV – the reply to each is sure.
Hyundai’s gasoline consumption determine is a claimed 3.8-litres/100km, which principally held true, even underneath our actual world testing. In the end we hit a mixed 4.2-litres/100km, and on the finish of per week of testing, we nonetheless had a 200km vary from a single tank.
Without having to sweat over the closest quick charger, and apparently no want to tug into a petroleum station on the common both, the Kona Hybrid Premium may very well be one of many least intimidating automobiles available on the market.
Added peace of thoughts stems from the discreet hybrid drivetrain. When setting off, the 32kW electrical motor is the opening act, demonstrating sharp EV responsiveness. As you method residential speeds the 77kW combustion engine strikes in as the primary present.
The transition between the motors and alternation between battery cost regeneration and energy supply is, although noticeable, totally seamless. Mixed complete output for the powertrain is 104kW and 265Nm of torque.
In on a regular basis driving situations that’s completely ample. Definitely there’s sufficient punch to recuperate from a mistimed merge. It held on to all its dignity on the motorway too. On the draw back, a pointy incline could have it straining its little calf muscle tissues.
Your contingency is to whack it in Sport mode, however that mitigates the pressure solely marginally, though it does offer you management over gear choice, permitting you to do a greater job than the automobile underneath heavy load.
For what it’s price, Hyundai haven’t overlooked the basic function of the small SUV both, even when that’s been achieved by making it greater. Pleasingly, neither the nimble drivability nor the possibility of becoming it inside an internal west storage has been compromised.
Squat because the sprint already is, leg room has all the time been good within the Kona, as has head room. The elevated dimensions add a extra visceral feeling of spaciousness than earlier than, with the consequences flowing by to the again, with first rate rear leg room and more room.
This Kona is, when it comes to spaciousness, about nearly as good as a small SUV can muster earlier than being pressured to play up a grade. Boot house is a workable 407-litres, or 1241-litres with the seats down. One caveat applies to anybody who hasn’t upgraded for some time although.
Issues like the subtle hybrid system monitoring and relocation of the gear selector to a stalk mounted to the steering column will take some getting used to. However, this does communicate to the beneficiant array of expertise and options.
First of which is the panoramic merge of the 12.3-inch cut up display screen infotainment show with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with two type customisations and themes for the drive mode.
These sweeping screens, a slight angling of the local weather management panel, heated leather-based steering wheel, and column mounted gear selector, guarantee your ‘being on the helm’ mindset is bolstered. Visibility is great, and augmented by a encompass view monitor.
There’s additionally a six-sensor parking distance warning system and electro chromatic rear imaginative and prescient mirror. Bluelink connectivity and distant performance is commonplace on all Kona fashions, though voice management, climate forecasts and sat-nav are unique to the highest trim.
Extra Premium perks embody a stable eight-speaker Bose sound system, acoustic laminated windscreen glass and leather-based seats, the latter of that are exceptionally snug. The trip is gorgeous, and is a Hyundai speciality nowadays.
Ambient temper lighting, seat heating, and driver and passenger seat 10-way and 8-way energy adjustability additional pamper you. On this occasion, good design and a little bit of sponginess can’t be undermined.
Rear occupants are equally sorted with leather-based appointed seats, rear privateness glass and type-C USB retailers within the rear console. One thing this author discovered uncommon, nonetheless, is the entrance centre console space.
What begins as a wise format housing a wi-fi charging panel, 12V and USB retailers, and a drive mode selector, all of a sudden deteriorates right into a rush job on some bizarre storage compartments. A lid with a gap would have been effective.
Hyundai proceed to be formidable and profitable with their futuristic physique styling, with no exception right here. The outside assumes a extra capsule aesthetic – each the back and front having been hit with the sandpaper, rounded off, and polished.
Traits of the predecessor are vestigial at most, and the change is most noticeable to the oncoming motorist. It’s exhausting to overlook the literal silver lining streaking throughout the nostril within the type of the ‘Seamless Horizon’ LED strip mild.
Twin projector headlights and DRLs additionally cowl security and evening time visibility extraordinarily nicely. Design of the facility tailgate is directly minimal and sporty. A smaller rear window between one other LED strip mild and deep roof spoiler creates an athletic attraction.
In a refined contact, badging is easy and with out a confetti of collection and trim signatures. Among the smoothness is damaged up down the flanks by the gray cladding, and a set of chunky, geometric 18-inch alloys, which, swimsuit the automobile superbly.
All Kona variants additionally include the SmartSense suite as commonplace. Added to the Premium trim are blind spot view monitor and rear collision avoidance, bolstering current lively security options.
Backed by a 5-year limitless kilometre guarantee (with iCare roadside help additionally accessible), you’ll find out extra concerning the 2024 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium by visiting the Hyundai Australia web site, or speaking to your native dealership.
Our check automobile was equipped by Hyundai Australia for unbiased evaluate functions.
