fbpx
Print this page
Monday, 20 November 2017 13:29

Small SUV with huge potential

Written by  Mark Daniel
Hyundai Kona. Hyundai Kona.

Following the meteoric rise in the SUV market over the last decade, Korean manufacturer Hyundai has launched a small SUV.

It’s the Kona (a Hawaii place name) and if first impressions are correct it will mirror the success of the maker’s Tucson and Santé Fe models.

Though conventional in its overall shape, this wagon also has modern styling accents to make it a little different.

Overstated wheel arch surrounds blend into the front and rear light clusters with triple purpose: housing air ducts to engine and brakes, improving overall aerodynamics, and buffering day-to-day knocks.

Up front, several ‘slashes’ across the front grille and along the edge of the hood give a fresh look.

Two models are available in two levels of specification: the front-wheel-drive sports a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine producing 110Kw and 180Nm torque; the all-wheel-drive version uses a 1.6L turbo-petrol unit delivering 130kW and 265Nm.

The FWD has a 6-speed auto box; the AWD a 7-speed box with dual clutch technology.

Specification is standard or Elite: the former has 17-inch alloys, upholstery of cloth and pseudo-leather, manual air conditioning, keyless entry, daytime running LED lights, auto headlamps and a reversing camera; the Elite has 18-inch alloys, full leather, electrically heated seats, wireless smartphone charging, LED tail-lights, climate control and rear privacy glass.

Interestingly, neither spec is fitted with satnav, but instead Android Auto or Apple Car Play for guidance.

Safety is high on the agenda for all units -- blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, emergency autonomous braking, lane keep assist and driver attention monitoring.

First impressions of the interior are of good layout erring on the side of blandness, but countered by (optional) coloured seat stitching and piping, and extra-loud seatbelts and trim highlights.

More like this

Genesis points to the future

The Australian motoring press, known to take themselves a bit seriously, have been quite dismissive of Hyundai’s large, rear wheel drive, six cylinder sedan, the Genesis. 

Leave the anorak at home

DIESEL CARS were long ago the preserve of anorak wearers obsessed with fuel economy statistics that they neatly recorded in log books.

Featured

Dairy sheep and goat turmoil

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Hurry up and slow down!

OPINION: We have good friends from way back who had lived in one of our major cities for many years.

Editorial: Passage to India

OPINION: Even before the National-led coalition came into power, India was very much at the fore of its trade agenda.

National

Knowing bugs means fewer drugs

A mastitis management company claims to deliver the fastest and most accurate mastitis testing available at scale for New Zealand…

Machinery & Products

100 years of Farmall Tractors

Returning after an enforced break, the Wheat and Wheels Rally will take place on the Lauriston -Barhill Road, North-East of…

JD unveils its latest beast

John Deere has unveiled its most powerful tractor ever, with the launch of the all new 9RX Series Tractor line-up…

Biggest Quadtrac coming to NZ!

In the biggest announcement that Case IH Australia/New Zealand has made around its tractor range, its biggest tractor is about…

A different shade of blue for Norwood

Norwood and ARGO Tractors, the Italian manufacturer of Landini and McCormick tractors, have announced an agreement that gives Norwood exclusive…

Kubota tests diesel engines

Kubota last month used the UK LAMMA Show to test the water with its new 200hp, four-cylinder 09-series diesel engines.