Left-Handed Satisfaction
We recently had a go at Hyundai’s new crossover, the Kona with a cracking 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, and it was stunningly fabulous around the bends. The 1.0 Kona is its milder sibling, and we sure had a ball of a time driving stick!
The milder Kona makes do with a 1.0 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, and comes only with a 6-speed manual, which drives just the front wheels. In a time where the humble manual has become something a little left-of-field, we certainly loved the idea of a car you can cog-swop yourself.
For those who have not driven a manual for a while, you would be rather pleased to know that Hyundai had built this transmission, with a large and forgiving sweet spot for a biting point, and you can drive this car like a fish taking to water.
Gear changes are smooth, with gates spaced-out well-enough, and with six ratios, the secured reverse gear is located in the direction of the first gear, and a little further to the left. And like most automatics, the manual car also “auto holds”, allowing you to lift off the brake to depress the throttle with peace-of-mind, good for those moments where you need to take off from a slope.
Unlike the 1.6 which benefits from all-wheel drive and a more complex multi-link rear suspension setup, the 1.0 makes do with a simpler torsion beam setup, which for the car it is fitted in, is genuinely sufficient.
The 1.0 was not built for tossing around, like the 1.6, and its 118bhp and 172Nm, versus the 1.6 litre’s 174bhp and 265Nm, takes the car to 100 in a more leisurely 12 seconds.
That said, it does have similar grunt compared to some naturally aspirated compact family sedans, though it produces more torque.
While cornering agility is unlike the 1.6, where the rear wheels also do some of the drive work, the 1.0 carries itself quite well with minimal body roll, steering feel is decent, though is not the sharpest, and there is some suspension play for comfort.
Driven enthusiastically, you may find that the six-ratios might be a little close. I often found myself downshifting two cogs for whenever I needed more juice to overtake.
Although the car does carry 15” brake discs front and rear, we would have loved just a little more boost added to the brakes.
But overall the Kona is quite a happy car. Living with it is rather easy too, with an easy-on-the-pocket 19.2Km/L combined cycle for fuel efficiency, and even with its small footprint, Hyundai had not skimped, and included a reverse camera for easier parking. Also included are static turn lamps, six airbags and even their smart keyless entry system.
The SEAT Arona may be a viable option, with similar specifications, though equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, but costs quite a bit more.
Credits:
- Convenient and Hassle-Free
- Consumer Protection
Transparent Process
With No Obligation
Get the Best Price for your used car
from 500+ dealers in 24 hours
