Kona the Suburban
Slightly smaller in-size than its Tucson sibling, and lower in height, the Kona’s unconventional styling is aimed at the younger SUV/Crossover buyer. Together with the likes of the equally unconventional Toyota C-HR, and the SEAT Arona, it is not surprising that Hyundai’s entry targets the very same market as they do.
There is the frugal 2wd 1.0 3-cylinder which comes only in manual, and this one… a little more mental, and heaps more fun! The 1.6 litre turbocharged engine delivers a punchy 174bhp, and driving all four wheels.
Interestingly, both cars do not share the same rear suspension setup. While the 1.0 utilises a simpler torsion beam, the 1.6, together with its rear drive train utilises a slightly more complex multi-link.
Gearshifts are genuinely quick with its in-house built dual-clutch transmission with seven cogs, making easy work of sorting ratios.
What also comes as a surprise, is how planted the Kona is around corners. With its four-wheel drive allowing each wheel to bite better into the tarmac, handling is quite neutral. While perhaps not as surgically precise as cars like the Golf GTi or Golf R, which it was never intended to emulate, it is still impressive.
With its tilt to lifestyle, it seems a little strange that Hyundai included an electronic differential lock function into this car, but whatever… I decided to use it to help me get out of some slightly demanding situations where I needed more grip, when I found myself unable to get grip on non-tarmac surfaces (sometimes we go a little further for better pictures).
Performance aside, the Kona does ride a little on the firmer side, though there is still enough comfort for longer drives, though there is a bit of a buzz coming from the engine compartment under hard acceleration.
It is a little smaller than the Tucson, but do expect to fork out a little more coin for this car. The Kona does not ride as high as many SUVs and Crossovers, making entry and exit an easy process, which in-turn, makes it great for day to day usage.
Unfortunately, some who are much taller might find that the car can be a tad too small, for them. Cargo space may also be insufficient for young families, who might need to juggle baby and booster seats, and the odd stroller. And for purposes of security from prying eyes, the car should have come with a tonneau cover for the boot.
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