I guess there must be an art to writing advertising slogans. Something that really catches the eye and is sure to be more memorable. I don’t imagine you’ll get a restaurant advertising its food as being ‘alright’ or a hotel promoting its bedrooms as ‘okay’. I once went into a hardware store where chainsaws were advertised as being ‘safe to use.’ Hmm.

Granted, I’m no expert at this, but I suspect the Hyundai advertising department would probably skip referring to their Kona as being sensible.

However, call it practical, simple but smart and I think we’re starting to head in the right direction.

Powertrain Options

Because that’s exactly what sums up the Hyundai Kona. There’s even something for everyone in the range…100% electric, full petrol with a choice of a 1.0 litre with a manual gearbox or a 1.6 litre engine with the option of an auto ‘box…or the one I had, a self-charging hybrid.

The hybrid set-up is really to help either get the car rolling away from lights or give the 1.6 litre petrol engine a bit of extra oomph. You can trundle around at town speeds on battery power alone, but you’ll only manage a couple of miles at best. Handy though in stop-start traffic.

Performance Figures

It also helps with the economy because Hyundai reckon you can manage around 60 mpg. Decent.

Power tops out at 139 bhp, which equates to a 0-60 mph time of 11.2 seconds and a top speed potential of 103 mph. Thanks to the hybrid assistance, it feels quicker than those figures suggest because you can sprint off the line, but it’s interesting to note…and this is purely my impression…that manufacturers seem to be toning down the instant acceleration which you can get from hybrid and electric cars.

Driving Experience

I’m not surprised because once you’ve tried the instant surge of power and impressed your passengers or the spotty youth next to you at traffic lights in his ancient Ford Fiesta with lowered suspension and bore exhaust, you’ll eventually decide to save the front tyres and preserve your range or mpg. Sensible huh?

In other words, something like this Hyundai Kona hybrid is terrific when it comes to real world motoring, whether you’re trundling along busy urban roads or heading down the quicker stuff.

The Kona is good to drive. The suspension just edges onto the side of firm, which gives you a sporty-ish ride, but it’s not harsh. It handles nicely too and is also surprisingly quiet thanks to a slippery profile.

This is the latest version of the Hyundai Kona…it’s been given a refresh. Outside, you now have futuristic light bars (not sure about those, but it seems to be a bit of a current trend), and it’s also longer and wider with more space between the front and rear wheels.

Interior

The main changes are to be found inside. The big difference, if you are swapping from previous to current generation Kona, is that passenger space has increased…largely thanks to the longer wheelbase. The redesigned seats have also helped increase overall legroom quite significantly. Good…because life in the back of the old model was a tad tight. Boot space rises to a healthy 466 litres.

The interior has a classy look and feel. It’s always to see plenty of knobs and buttons around the place.

The dashboard is completely new. There are two 12.3-inch screens which look good. I particularly like the driver info screen which has the natty gadget of, where the speed and rev counter are positioned, when you indicate left for example, the speedo turns into a camera and shows you down the nearside of the car. Simple but clever.

Pricing

Everything kicks off with Advance trim (£31.455), which is decently equipped with sat nav, DAB radio, cruise control, air con, front and rear parking sensors, and roof rails. Many of you would be perfectly happy with this.

A further £1,800 gets you N-Line trim, which adds a powered tailgate, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging and some additional trim details.

N-line S comes next followed by top of the range Ultimate which, to be fair, represents decent value at £35,655 because you’ve now got a sunroof, heated rear seats, leather trim, ventilated front seats, full LED headlights, front rear and side sensors, BOSE audio system, and powered front seats. If you intend doing a lot of miles, it’s probably worth the additional outlay, especially if you’re the sort of person who tends to hang onto their cars.

There’s also a decent 5-year warranty which is unlimited mileage for private buyers or 100,000 miles for business users such as taxi or car hire firms.

The Verdict

So yes, the Hyundai Kona is one of those sensible cars that has got better with age. The second generation models are far superior to the previous model. I think it looks smart, different, is well equipped, offers ample cabin space, drives nicely and is economical.

Sensible? Definitely.

Surprisingly good? Absolutely.

I’d happily have one as my work and holiday transportation.

words: Graham Courtney
pictures: Hyundai

Hyundai Kona Review - Want a Sensible Car? Go for this