The B-SUV segment is growing every day, but the new Hyundai Kona has literally jumped a dimension. The narrow and cute structure of its previous generation is gone, replaced by a much more muscular and futuristic vehicle that nods to the dimensions of its big brother, the Tucson. The "Seamless Horizon" LED strips stretching across the tip of the hood and the tailgate give the car a Robocop demeanor in the dark of night. During my journalism days, I always argued that design is an act of courage; Hyundai engineers have shown plenty of that courage with the Kona, presenting a design that turns heads on the street.
Mechanically, the Kona stands out with its 1.6-liter T-GDI turbo engine that challenges the C-SUV segment. As a former service professional, I always say "displacement is life"; 198 horsepower and 265 Nm of torque make this car one of the most serious hot-SUVs in the B-SUV class. Combined with the 7-speed DCT transmission, going from 0 to 100 in 7.8 seconds establishes surprising dominance in the left lane. Gear shifts are fast and smooth. However, there is a bill for this high performance: in stop-and-go city traffic and aggressive use, fuel consumption can easily climb to 8.5-9 liters. It's a bearable cost for those seeking driving pleasure.
Inside, the spacious and technological vibe borrowed from the Ioniq series dominates. The dual 12.3-inch integrated screen design is very stylish and operates fluidly. By moving the gear selector to the steering column (Shift-by-wire), the center console has turned into an incredibly useful storage area; there is massive space for coffee cups, phones, and even a small bag. The elongated wheelbase has incredibly increased rear legroom; now even adults can travel crossing their legs in the back. The 466-liter trunk is a massive increase compared to the old one and is very ideal for weekend getaways.
In driving dynamics, the Kona has tried to hit the fine line between comfort and sportiness. While entering corners with the power of 198 horsepower, the chassis feels quite rigid, but there is some body roll due to the tall structure. The suspension system works quite successfully over bumps and potholes, not reflecting much of the impact into the cabin. Steering responses are much crisper than the previous generation. Regarding insulation, wind noise is successfully cut, but under spirited driving, the sound of the 1.6 T-GDI engine leaks into the cabin, reinforcing that sporty feel.
Overall, the new Hyundai Kona 1.6 T-GDI is built for drivers who don't fit the mold, saying, "Let it be B-SUV sized but offer C-SUV volume and sports car performance." If fuel economy isn't your top priority, it is one of the most enjoyable and "loaded" options on the market with its rich technological equipment, spacious living area, and that wonderful 198-horsepower output.
