Hyundai has fully redesigned the Kona for the 2024 mannequin 12 months. The fashionable entry-level subcompact crossover was recognized for its daring styling in its first technology. While a couple of sporty options stay, the redesign has seen the Kona undertake a number of fashionable parts seen on Hyundai’s extra upmarket automobiles whereas remaining on the reasonably priced finish of the Korean automaker’s lineup. But, the 2 usually are not with out their shortcomings.
Full Disclosure: Hyundai flew me out to Baltimore, Maryland to drive the Kona. The automaker paid for my airfare, lodging and meals.
New Modern Look
The 2024 Hyundai Kona’s smooth aerodynamic entrance finish will probably be the primary a part of the crossover to be a focus for onlookers. The Kona is fitted with full-width LED mild bars on the entrance and rear, much like different Hyundai automobiles like the revamped Sonata. The crossover nonetheless retains its rugged wheel arches, which will likely be obtainable in black plastic for traditional and Limited trims or physique shade on N-Line and Electric fashions.
The similarities with current Hyundai fashions are much more obvious on the brand new Kona Electric. The electrical crossover options pixel-shaped accent lighting beneath the entrance and rear bumpers, much like Hyundai’s Ioniq fashions. It’s not stunning, contemplating the recognition of the retrofuturistic styling parts.
Hyundai aimed to maintain the design for the combustion and electrical Kona as shut as doable. The shared physique form has allowed each fashions to reap the advantages of refined aerodynamics. However, the pair has some variations past the pixel accent lighting. The combustion mannequin is fitted with energetic grille shutters to feed cool air to the engine as wanted. Like most EVs, the Kona Electric has no engine underneath the hood to chill and its entrance finish is closed off.
Restrained Powertrain
The 2024 Hyundai Kona is fitted with a two-liter inline-four engine as customary. The powerplant makes 147 horsepower. The higher-end N-Line and Limited trim ranges make the most of a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four, producing 190 horsepower. All-wheel drive is an obtainable possibility in any respect trim ranges.
After driving each the N-Line and Limited Kona crossover, the Hyundai engine may be very succesful for its section, with one important caveat. Throttle response has a noticeable delay of not less than a second, which worsens relying on how a lot throttle is utilized. It makes shortly accelerating as much as freeway speeds irritating. Putting the crossover into “Sport Mode” mitigates the problems however doesn’t remove it.
The Kona Electric doesn’t function the identical drawback however is held again in different methods. The entry-level EV is simply obtainable with front-wheel drive. Hyundai claims the usual vary mannequin produces 99 kilowatts (133 hp) and has 200 miles of vary, efficiency on the decrease finish for EVs. For comparability, the EPA rated the usual Volkswagen ID.4 for 150 kW (201 hp) and a 209-mile vary. The prolonged vary Kona Electric improves to 150kW (201 hp) and a 261-mile vary.
Functional Interior
Hyundai targeted on perform over type when designing the brand new Kona’s inside. The dashboard options two 12.3 built-in shows, mimicking the minimalist look of the automaker’s different fashions. The Kona additionally options bodily buttons for almost each often-used management, together with whether or not its USB-C port is used for solely charging or additionally as a knowledge connection.
Apple Car Play and Android Auto can be found on the Kona however would require a wired connection at launch. Wireless connectivity will likely be obtainable after a future over-the-air (OTA) replace. Hyundai will have the ability to replace varied digital methods through OTA replace, together with ADAS, management and navigation methods. Bluelink+, Hyundai’s related automobile service plan, is complimentary on the Kona and the entire producer’s 2024 fashions.
The Kona options a number of different tweaks to maximise passenger and space for storing. The thinner entrance seats and a sofa-style rear seat create good legroom, and the EV crossover has a completely flat ground for passengers within the again row. The crossover is fitted with a detachable rear cargo shelf with mounting pegs to retailer the panel. The Kona additionally has hideable cup holders to incorporate area for small objects. However, the plastic materials used within the inside feels skinny and flimsy.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Hyundai Kona gives a utilitarian driving expertise in a trendy, fashionable bundle. Owners will simply get from A to B whereas retaining their telephones charged and with out getting misplaced in a bottomless pit of touchscreen submenus. The Kona has the potential to be sporty on the highway, but it surely feels tamped down. It’s disappointing that the N Line Kona is solely an look bundle as a result of the extra aggressive bodywork and Alcantara upholstery scream efficiency.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona is on sale now, beginning at $24,100. The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric will likely be obtainable later this fall. Pricing has but to be introduced for the electrical crossover.
Source: jalopnik.com
