There’s a new Hyundai Kona in Australia.

The new Kona will be more expensive than its predecessor at the bottom end. But it brings new technology, a new hybrid option, and more interior space to the table.

Four trim levels will be offered, two of which can be had with a choice of three engines. Hybrid power features for the first time in the Kona locally, with an electric version also on the way Down Under.

The petrol-only Kona range will roll out over the coming months; 2.0-litre models without the N Line Pack or 1.6-litre turbo models have already arrived, with 2.0-litre N Line models to follow in the third quarter of 2023.

The Hybrid will touch down in the fourth quarter of 2023, as will the Kona Electric.

Pricing

  • 2023 Hyundai Kona
    • 2.0 petrol: $32,000
    • 1.6 hybrid: $36,000
  • 2023 Hyundai Kona N Line
    • 2.0 petrol: $36,000
    • 1.6 hybrid: $40,000
    • 1.6T AWD: $40,000
  • 2023 Hyundai Kona Premium
    • 2.0 petrol: $39,500
    • 1.6 hybrid: $43,500
  • 2023 Hyundai Kona N Line Premium
    • 2.0 petrol: $42,500
    • 1.6 hybrid: $46,500
    • 1.6T AWD: $46,500

All prices exclude on-road costs.

Powertrains

The entry-level engine in the Kona remains a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder making 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque. It runs the Atkinson Cycle, and is mated with a CVT – known in the Hyundai world as an IVT – with eight virtual steps.

New for Australia is a hybrid powertrain in the Kona. It combines a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor, hooked up to a 1.32kWh battery pack.

The electric motor makes 32kW of power and 172Nm of torque; combined system outputs are 104kW and 265Nm. It’s hooked up to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission

The range-topping 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine makes 146kW of power and 265Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed torque converter automatic.

Efficiency

Claimed fuel economy in the base 2.0 petrol is 6.6 litres per 100km on the combined cycle. That jumps to 7.6L/100km in the 1.6 turbo, and drops to 3.9L/100km in the hybrid model.

Dimensions

The new Kona measures 4350mm long, 1825mm wide, and 1585mm tall in base or Premium guise – the N Line is 35mm longer thanks to its unique bodykit. All models have a wheelbase measuring 2660mm.

Boot space in the Kona has improved from 374L to 407L with the arrival of the larger new second-generation car here. With the rear seats folded there’s 1241L of space.

Servicing and Warranty

The Hyundai Kona will be backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Maintenance will be required every 15,000 kilometres or 12 months in the 2.0-litre petrol and 1.6-litre hybrid, and every 10,000 kilometres or 12 months in the turbocharged petrol.

Final service pricing hasn’t been locked in.

Safety

The new Kona hasn’t been crash-tested by Euro NCAP or ANCAP.

Seven airbags will be standard, including a front centre airbag.

Standard safety equipment will include:

  • Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Driver attention monitoring
  • Blind-spot monitoring and assist
  • Lane-keep assist
  • Reverse/parking autonomous emergency braking
  • Safe exit warning
  • Parking sensors

Standard Equipment

Standard equipment on the Kona includes:

  • 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/55 tyres
  • LED headlights and daytime running lights
  • LED tail lights
  • Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
  • Keyless entry and start
  • Dual-zone climate control
  • Rear air vents
  • 4.2-inch digital instrument display
  • 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Bluelink connected services

Moving to the Premium brings:

  • Blind-spot view monitor
  • Reverse autonomous emergency braking
  • 3D surround-view camera
  • Side parking sensors
  • Acoustic front windscreen
  • Rear privacy glass
  • Dark grey cladding/silver skid plates
  • LED dual-projector headlights
  • LED front/rear indicators
  • Power tailgate
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Factory satellite navigation
  • Bose eight-speaker sound system
  • Leather upholstery
  • 10-way power driver’s seat
  • 8-way passenger seat
  • Premium relaxation front seats
  • Heated/ventilated front seats
  • Heated steering wheel
  • Heated rear seats
  • Auto-dimming interior mirror
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Ambient lighting

Opting for the N-Line Package brings:

  • Exterior
    • Unique bumpers/skid plates/side skirts
    • Gloss black rear spoiler
    • N badging/wheel caps
    • 19-inch wheels with 235/45 tyres (18-in on hybrid)
    • Chrome twin exhaust
    • Black mirror caps/beltline
    • Body coloured cladding
  • Interior
    • Leather/Alcantara trim
    • N steering wheel
    • Red air vents/seat highlights
    • Dark metal trim highlights
    • Black headlining
    • Alloy pedals
    • Sports scuff plates

For 2.0MPi models, it also brings:

  • LED dual-projector headlights
  • LED front/rear indicators
  • Power tailgate
  • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
  • Auto-dimming interior mirrors
  • Rain-sensing wipers

Colours

MORE: Everything Hyundai Kona

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Scott Collie

Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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