Hyundai continues on its retro-futurism offence with its latest iteration of their best-selling Kona Hybrid.
It is most certainly a very refreshing (and polarising) take on what a mass-market crossover could look like. The South Korean automaker has had quite the glow-up, and has been churning out banger after banger. But this all-new Kona isn’t all about its looks.
There’s a lot of substance to back its cyberpunk aesthetics too. And best of all, it isn’t absurdly expensive either.
2023 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Technical Specifications
Powertrain: 1.6 litre Inline-4
Transmission: 6-speed DCT
Output: 129 bhp, 265 Nm
0-100km/h: 11.4 seconds
Top Speed: 165 km/h
Efficiency: 21.3 km/l
Dimensions: 4,350 mm x 1,825 mm x 1,585 mm
Wheelbase: 2,660 mm
Retro-Futurism in Spades
With its robocop front and rear light bars, you’d struggle to mistake the car for anything but a second generation Kona. The car eschews typical headlight convention, integrating the main and high beams into what traditionally would be the fog light clusters.
Hyundai then went one step further by then visually combining the headlights with the wheel arch cladding trim, creating an even more seamless front-end. A similar approach was also employed for the rear end of the car as they did the front. The brake light clusters now form part of the rear wheel trim assembly.
There are geometric lines scattered throughout the car. But it has been done tastefully and harmoniously. The ‘X’ shapes formed by the rear quarter glass and the trim panels on the tailgate are a nice touch too.
Test drive the Kona Hybrid here: https://hyundai.com.sg/test-drive/
Despite not being fully electric, the Kona also lacks a grille. All of the perforation needed for airflow has been designed as part of the lower fascia panel of the front bumper. When the engine doesn’t require additional air for cooling, two separate panels rise and seal off the upper portion of this area for greater aerodynamics.
Uncluttered, Minimalist Interior
The Koreans have adopted a very minimalist approach to the design of the new Hyundai cabins. Whilst most of the car functions can be controlled through its touchscreen, Hyundai opted to keep a bank of physical switchgear for the infotainment and climate functions.
It is easily accessible for the driver, and has been laid out in a logical fashion that’d take you no time at all to master. There’s also no shortage of storage cubbies and connectivity options. A wireless charger has been built into the centre console, and it also comes with two USB-C ports. One of the ports can be toggled between delivering only power, or for information transfer and for power.
The cluster is easy-to-read, and looks premium. Space in front is excellent, and you’d not complain about a lack of head or knee room. The front seats are also ventilated, and fully-electric. Room in the rear is surprisingly good too. Relatively large window apertures allow a fair amount of light into the back despite the car not having a full-length glass moonroof.
Refined on the Go
It has all the ingredients needed for a punchy drive. A 1.6 litre engine is the centrepiece of its powertrain. It then receives assistance from a 49 bhp electric motor, and the duo then sends their combined power to the Kona’s front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch transmission.
The rated output is 129 bhp with 265 Nm of torque. As such, the car never feels sluggish regardless of your road speed. Low speed city driving is typically handled by the electric motor, and it does an admirable job in hauling the car on its own. The engine does the heavy lifting on the open roads.
Unless you are actively looking out for it, the transition between electric and petrol power is virtually undetectable. Forget what you know about hybrids from the Japanese – the Kona Hybrid’s system just feels significantly more polished and refinished.
For its application, the steering is properly weighted. It doesn’t egg you on to drive enthusiastically, choosing to reward you for tackling the roads with a sense of zen and a whole load of inner peace.
Especially if you choose to play some soothing meditation music through the car’s Sounds of Nature feature. It rides really well too, handling most of the undulations on the road with confidence and in relative comfort.
Premium on a Budget
This is a compact crossover that is extremely well made, very capable mechanically and feels like it’d just work. And keep working for a really long time too. There are no squeaks or rattles of any kind, and the cabin is made out of materials that feel expensive yet durable.
The hybrid drivetrain is also ridiculously efficient, and it is possible to come close to matching their claimed efficiency figures even in the real-world. With space for four adults, looks that’d undoubtedly last (when was retro-futurism ever out of trend?) and a comprehensive 5 year unlimited mileage warranty, there’s little reason to not shortlist the new Hyundai Kona Hybrid!
Read the full article here: https://paddleshift.sg/2023-hyundai-kona-hybrid-refined-retro-futurism/
Test drive the Kona Hybrid here: https://hyundai.com.sg/test-drive/
