Metamorphosis |
The Hyundai Kona crossover, first released here in late 2018, was recently enhanced with a sleek front and rear redesign for the new Executive models and the introduction of a new N-Line derivative, packing a powerful turbo engine.
The Executive derivatives now have a much wider grille, a more pronounced front apron, new alloy wheels, and a lightly restyled rear. The N-Line has received more sporty cues, including Audi Quattro-like slits above the grille, darkened cladding, different alloy wheels, exposed exhaust tailpipes, and two-tone exterior paint as standard.
The N-Line and the Executive are slightly longer (by 50 mm and 40 mm, respectively) than the preceding range, but interestingly, the N-Line also has an 8 mm higher ground clearance (178 mm versus 170 mm). Improved interior specifications include an auto air-con, black artificial leather seats, wireless charging, as well as Driving Modes (Eco, Normal, Smart, or Sport) and Traction Modes.
The preceding Kona models were powered by the Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder turbo engine delivering 88 kW of power and 172 Nm of torque, positioning the range directly against the Toyota C-HR and (now discontinued) Nissan Juke. However, in line with Hyundai’s repositioning of the Kona as a performance model, the latest incarnations have received a substantial power boost.
The new Smartstream 1.6 T-GDi engine now used in the GT-Line (as well as the top-spec Executive) delivers a sturdy 145.5 kW at 6,000 rpm and 265 Nm from 1,600 rpm to 4,500 rpm, sent to the front wheels (now shod with 18” rubber and alloy wheels) via a seven-speed DCT.
The engine’s innovative Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) system delivers higher oil pressure during acceleration and high engine speeds, increasing the duration of valve lift, while at lower speeds, the oil pressure decreases to lessen valve lift. This continuous adjustment of compression ratios improves combustion efficiency and performance (by up to 4%, according to Hyundai) and fuel economy (by 5%).
Dynamics Transformed
It also means the Kona GT-Line is elevated to a new realm of performance. It now scoots from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and can attain a top speed of 218 km/h; fast enough to challenge premium crossovers such as the BMW X2 sDrive20i (141 kW/280 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds), the VW T-Roc R-Line 2.0 TSI 4Motion (140 kW/320 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds) and the Mazda CX-30 2.0 Individual (121 kW/213 Nm, 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds).
After a few spirited outings on the twisty roads of the Western Cape in our test unit, looking splendid in red and black, it was abundantly clear to what extent the new 1.6 T-GDi engine has transformed the Kona’s driving characteristics. The upgraded N-Line felt much sportier, and with good low-down torque and handling and brake performance to match, it has undergone a complete metamorphosis in terms of dynamics.
Now available for R579,900 (including a seven-year/200,000 km warranty and five-year/75,000 km service plan), the new Kona N-Line stacks up well against the VW T-Roc (R616,600), the BMW X2 (R762,700 without options) and the less powerful Mazda (R540,000) and Audi Q2 S-line 35 TFSI Tiptronic (R581,500 without options).
Last Word
The previous Kona models were pleasant runabouts with average, somewhat lethargic performance and dynamics. But the new, updated range has been drastically transformed by equipping it with a more powerful turbo powerplant. Judging by the spirited behaviour of the new N-line, we look forward to the real N derivative, with 206 kW under the hood.
Report by Ferdi de Vos | Images © Hyundai South Africa
