Hyundai’s rejigged the compact Kona SUV for the 2019 model year, and it comes with quite a number of upgrades as well as a new entry-level variant. As much as $3000 has been added to the list price of the Kona range, though the upgraded kit does go some way toward justifying that.
The greater Kona range now benefits from a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, which sits far nicer atop the centre stack than the 7.0-inch unit that remains an offering in the base Go model. The 8.0-inch unit comes with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, as well as DAB+ digital radio, and satellite navigation replete with live traffic updates from SUNA. The Kona also gets a new Krell-engineered 8-speed audio system, as well as a USB charging port in the centre console.
Highlander cars now benefit from an electric glass sunroof, though that can be replaced by a Phantom Black two-tone paint option at no extra cost. The two-tone paint option has been removed from the Elite model. But the Highlander also gets Auto Link Premium, which allows owners to do things like start the engine remotely, unlock the car, control the climate controls, and even set up geo-fencing alerts (so it’ll let you know if your car passes a certain ‘perimeter’ you set, which will be great for parents wanting to keep an eye on their kids.
But the entry-level Kona Go will be of interest to many we reckon, with its attractive $23,500 pricetag. But there’s no hiding that it’s the base model with its 16-inch steelies, though the LED daytime running lights and automatic headlights go some way in making up for that. There’s also a smaller 7.0-inch infotainment system that retains Apple CarPlay & Android Auto but loses navigation, and it also has things like tyre-pressure monitoring, six-airbags, and the usual smattering of electronic safety systems.
Safety can be improved with the addition of the SmartSense Pack for an extra $1500, which throws in forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-drowsiness monitor. It’ll also add side mirrors that are both heated and power-foldable.
Hyundai will continue to offer the choice between the 2.0-litre/FWD and 1.6-turbo/AWD powertrains for all 4 model grades, with outputs rated at 110kW/180Nm and 130kW/265Nm respectively, with naturally-aspirated cars using a 6-speed automatic while turbocharged cars get a 7-speed DCT. Prices are now up a little bit, with Active and Elite cars up by $1000 and Highlander cars up between $2500-$3000.
| Kona Go |
2.0, 6AT, FWD |
$23,500 | New Variant |
| Kona Go | 1.6, 7DCT, AWD | $27,000 | New Variant |
| Kona Active | 2.0, 6AT, FWD | $25,500 | Up $1000 |
| Kona Active | 1.6, 7DCT, AWD | $29,000 | Up $1000 |
| Kona Elite | 2.0, 6AT, FWD | $29,500 | Up $1000 |
| Kona Elite | 1.6, 7DCT, AWD | $33,000 | Up $1000 |
| Kona Highlander | 2.0, 6AT, FWD | $35,500 | Up $2500 |
| Kona Highlander | 1.6, 7DCT, AWD | $39.000 | Up $3000 |
But for the best deals on a new Hyundai, check out our Showroom.
