Hyundai’s second-generation, 2024 Kona could end up being one of the most popular SUVs in its class. Why? It just does everything it should do, and it does it with a sense of dynamism and personality that we haven’t seen in this class for a while.
In Australia, buyers are first being offered a 2.0-litre petrol with front-wheel drive, and a 1.6-litre turbo with all-wheel drive. A 1.6 hybrid and a fully electric option will arrive here later in the year. All models switch to Hyundai’s more modern ‘K3’ platform, like the i30 Sedan (Elantra), replacing the K2 layout like what is seen on the current i30 hatch and outgoing Kona.
2024 Hyundai Kona: Specifications
Kona 2.0 MPi
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder
Output: 110kW@6200rpm / 180Nm@4500rpm
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels/tyres: 18×7.0, 215/55 (F&R)
ANCAP: Untested
Tare weight: 1477kg
Official consumption: 6.6L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 47L/91 RON
0-60km/h: 4.91 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.30 seconds*
Kona 1.6T N Line
Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Output: 146kW@6000rpm / 265Nm@1600-4500rpm
Gearbox: 8-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels/tyres: 19×7.5, 235/45 (F&R)
ANCAP: Untested
Tare weight: 1557kg
Official consumption: 7.6L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 47L/91 RON
0-60km/h: 3.85 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.00 seconds*
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturer’s claims may be different
2024 Hyundai Kona: How much does it cost?
With a range spanning 10 different possible combinations, for now, buyers certainly have plenty of variety to choose from. Prices have jumped up quite a bit for the new model. The Kona range previously started from around $26,000. Now, it kicks off from $32,000.
However, you do get a lot more kit as standard. The new model is also considerably larger than the outgoing model, so you are literally getting more for your money. It stands 135mm longer, with 60mm added to the wheelbase, and also spreads 25mm wider. Interior and boot space have grown as a result.
2024 Hyundai Kona 2.0 MPi: $32,000
2024 Hyundai Kona 2.0 MPi N Line: $36,000
2024 Hyundai Kona 2.0 MPi Premium: $39,500
2024 Hyundai Kona 2.0 MPi Premium N Line: $42,500
2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6 GDi hybrid: $36,000
2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6 GDi hybrid N Line: $40,000
2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6 GDi hybrid Premium: $43,500
2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6 GDi hybrid Premium N Line: $46,500
2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDi AWD N Line: $40,000
2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDi AWD Premium N Line: $46,500
2024 Hyundai Kona: Interior & packaging
While the outgoing model was always a bit tight and cramped inside compared with some rivals, this new model is much bigger inside. And it feels it. The interior is now open and free, with taller windows and increased headroom front and rear. Legroom in the back in particular has increased by 77mm, making it much more accommodating for adults.
There’s also a new centre console and rear section that presents climate vents and twin USB-C ports as standard. Hyundai says shoulder space is up by 17mm in the back, with 11mm in added headroom. Even the rear windscreen aperture is expanded to give the driver a clearer view as well as introduce more natural lighting into the cabin.
We love what Hyundai has done with this new centre console. It’s made with a stylish design that cascades down and rearward, but it’s also practical-minded and presents useful storage trays, a rubber padded wireless charger, and twin cup holders. Our main criticism is that the console area doesn’t house a proper enclosed storage box, which could come in handy if you wanted to conceal valuables. There is a small enclosed tray.
Up on the dash of every variant is a new 12.3-inch touch-screen multimedia system, running Hyundai’s latest operating system and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with digital radio. A six-speaker sound system comes as standard, while the Kona Premium and Premium N Line upgrade to a Bose eight-speaker setup.
Boot space is increased by 33 litres to 407L, and folding the rear seats down flat sees that room grow to 1241L (up 85L). A space-saver spare wheel sits under the floor – potentially a turn-off for some customers.
2024 Hyundai Kona: Powertrain & handling
We drove the base 2.0L petrol first during this event and, to be honest, we were not expecting much. But our expectations were far exceeded. It’s a relatively new engine falling under the ‘Smartstream’ family and coded as the G2.0, running some advanced stuff like direct and multi-point injection, a high compression ratio of 12.5:1, and dual continuously variable valve timing. The unit runs on the Atkinson Cycle for optimum efficiency, and produces 110kW and 180Nm.
With an official consumption rate of 6.6L/100km, it is friendlier on your wallet compared with the 7.6L/100km rating in the 1.6 turbo. Mind you, the turbo does have to lug around a heavier all-wheel drive system and a multi-link rear suspension setup (the base 2.0L uses a revised torsion-beam arrangement).
The engine produces a typical buzzy soundtrack and, yes, it is a bit whingy when under pressure. Performance is respectable, though. With the ‘Intelligent’ IVT CVT auto, the brains behind the powertrain ensures there is enough grunt for the demands. So long as you’re not demanding too highly.
We managed to clock some 0-100km/h runs during the launch event with a Racelogic Vbox Sport and we witnessed 0-100km/h in 10.30 seconds. Obviously not a hair-pulling hot hatch but still adequate enough for the daily errands, especially in dense urban situations.
If you want something sporty you’ll need to step up to the 1.6 turbo. This is a much meatier unit, developing 146kW and 265Nm, and a nice little soundtrack to match. Peak torque is available from just 1600rpm, which means you really don’t have to be pushing it to experience decent shove. We clocked 0-100km/h in 8.00 seconds flat.
In this we were expecting a quicker time. Due to added technology and grown dimensions, the new model is about 83kg heavier than its equivalent predecessor. That shouldn’t impact the times all that much, though.
The new eight-speed auto (conventional torque converter) is significantly smoother, more refined, and overall a more satisfying unit than the old seven-speed dual-clutch setup. Doing without the dual-clutch trickery seems like a good move for this vehicle category as well, because we doubt a high concentration of buyers are going to really appreciate or enjoy the rapid-fire gearshifts of a dual-clutch ‘box.
That’s not to say the new eight-speeder is sluggish or laggy. Upshifts are almost seamless and you can prompt hasty downshifts using the steering wheel paddles. Most of all, it doesn’t roll back on steep hills and doesn’t take half a century to go from reverse to drive (or vice-versa). You’ve also got Eco, Normal and Sport modes to play around with.
2024 Hyundai Kona: Key attractions/reasons to buy
Aside from its larger and more practical interior and its catchy and interesting exterior design, one of the key attractions here is the switch to the K3 platform. This is an excellent foundation for this small SUV, as it handles Australia’s rough-and-tumble country roads and harsh city street surfaces with ease.
We had a lot fo fun punting the new model up a twisty mountain road during this launch event, and Hyundai (perhaps purposely) selected a section of road that was completely covered in patchwork and broken tarmac. However, the new Kona soaked it all up brilliantly.
The handling is great, albeit with some initial wobbliness under light steering load. But turn up the heat and throw it into some corners with attitude and it responds confidently and with true refinement and poise. There’s a nice steering system, too, for this class of vehicle. Honestly, a top job on the ride and handling front with this one, especially for Aussie conditions.
2024 Hyundai Kona: Key considerations before you buy
Not much, really. It is worth keeping in mind there is a hybrid model and the fully electric version coming later this year. Just in case you’re over-eager and accidentally miss out. The other main concern for us is with the N Line pack.
It looks fantastic. That aggressive twin-split rear wing looks like it should have been reserved for a full N model further down the track. But unfortunately the N Line is just a cosmetic package. We would have liked to see sports suspension or some further mechanical distinction or enhancement applied to the N Line over the regular lineup.
On that note, there isn’t likely to be another full N model, not with a turbo engine anyway. Technical advisor Albert Biermann has hinted that there isn’t any development happening for a new petrol-powered Kona N, or even an all-new i20 N for that matter. But there is the possibility of a Kona N electric making its way into showrooms further down the line.
