HYUNDAI Kona 2018

Body, cabin and cargo space

At 418 cm, the Hyundai Kona is one of the smallest subcompact crossovers on the market. The pocket-size format and chunky, eye-catching styling contribute to the vehicle’s excellent initial appeal.

At first glance, you’d think that interior space would be restricted by this configuration, but it is (mostly) not the case. Rear headroom may be tight for a tall person, but otherwise the Kona easily accommodates four adults. In fact, two children can sit in their bulky booster seats without their feet touching the seats in front, even when said front seats are adjusted for average-sized (1.78 cm/ 5 ft. 10 in.) occupants. But forget about the middle seat in the back; there is simply too little width.

The firm front seats provide surprisingly good side support for an entry-level vehicle. It is mostly thanks to their narrowness, something our more heavily built testers disliked along with the relatively short cushions. A well-positioned footrest and telescoping steering wheel allow drivers to feel at ease. However, the rock-hard door armrests are an annoyance on long drives. Note to Hyundai: a little extra padding won’t break the bank.

The 2018 Hyundai Kona also offers more cargo space than its reduced dimensions suggest. Honda HR-V and Nissan Qashqai are still the segment leaders, but the little Hyundai beats out the Mazda CX-3 in this respect. Folding down the rear seatbacks creates a flat surface and versatility similar to that of a compact hatchback. A luggage cover is standard, but there is no 12V outlet in the back.

Finish and convenience

Sumptuous materials are not to be expected of an entry-level vehicle. Still, Hyundai offers a playful mix of textures and trims for a pleasing interior. The only place where the hard plastics are frankly off-putting is on the door armrests; here’s hoping that with repetition, Hyundai gets the message.

Hyundai ranks with the best when it comes to ergonomic design of infotainment systems. The Kona provides more proof, with a clear, logical touch screen, flanked by large buttons and knobs for the main functions. The other controls are equally easy to use, including the ones on the steering wheel.

The analog instrument cluster and trip computer are a model of simplicity. The 1.6T models add a head-up display projected on a pop-up screen at the base of the windshield. We are great fans of these devices, which allow the driver to keep an eye on their speed without taking their eyes off the road. Kona’s also displays visual alerts from the blind-spot monitors, making the system that much more efficient. However, Hyundai needs to stabilize the projector to eliminate the constant jiggling at highway speed.

Safety features

• Antilock brakes with brake-force distribution and brake assist
• Stability and traction control
• Front airbags
• Front side airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Front safety belts with pretensioners
• Five adjustable head restraints
• Rearview camera
• Blind spot and rear cross traffic alerts, rear parking sensors (standard, 2.0L Preferred, 2.0L Luxury, 1.6T Trend and 1.6T Ultimate; non-available, 2.0L Essential)
• Lane departure warning with automatic lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection (standard, 2.0L Luxury and 1.6T Ultimate; non-available, other trims)
• Automatic high beams (standard, 1.6T Ultimate; non-available, other trims)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Overall score: Not tested
Frontal impact: Not tested
Side impact: Not tested
Rollover resistance: Not tested

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)
Moderate overlap frontal impact: 4 / 4
Small overlap frontal impact:
- driver side: 4 / 4
- passenger side: 4 / 4
Side impact: 4 / 4
Rear impact: 4 / 4
Roof strength: 4 / 4

IIHS Top Safety Pick+

Visibility

Front visibility is adequate, but the wide roof pillars and small side and rear windows restrict the view in the other directions. Hyundai’s traditionally large outside mirrors compensate, in concert with the rearview camera.

All but the least expensive trim add a useful blind-spot monitoring system. However, we noted that the system often relayed false signals, from guardrails, road signs and the like and that after passing a slower vehicle, the visual alert takes too long to extinguish.

Engine and transmission

For the 2018 model-year, Hyundai offers the Kona with a choice of two gasoline engines. The first is a 2.0L Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder, available since 2017 on the Elantra sedan. We have not tested it on the Kona, but its 147 hp is about average for the subcompact SUV segment. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it is offered with either two- or four-wheel drive and will likely equip the majority of units sold.

Our test model was equipped with the optional 1.6L direct injection turbo engine, delivered in Canada with four-wheel drive only. Its 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque are significantly higher than average for the category. Initial acceleration is not mind-blowing, but the vigorous mid-range acceleration has drivers smiling. Rather pleasing at full blast, the engine note tones down appropriately as speed stabilizes.

The turbo engine is paired with a dual clutch automatic. Seven gears take full advantage of the powerband, and shifts are generally smooth. However, there is some vibration to contend with at launch, when the clutch engages; certain rival transmissions are better at taming this phenomenon, and are quicker to boot. Still, Hyundai has greatly reduced transmission hesitation during hard downshifts, an improvement since the transmission débuted on the 2015 Tucson.

Our 860-km test run composed of three-quarters highway in May 2018 yielded a measured fuel consumption of 8.1 L/100 km. That’s only slightly higher than Natural Resources Canada's official highway rating of 8 L/100 km, and it’s 6 percent lower than the combined city/highway rating. A 2.0L front-wheel-drive model will likely require a half-litre less.

Obviously, the electric Kona will slash the energy bill when it hits the market in early 2019. If it delivers on the promised 400-km driving range, it will represent a very interesting addition to the widening selection of electrified vehicles on the market.

Ride and handling

The flashy little 2018 Hyundai Kona also manifests a sporty bent on the road. It links turns easily, with little body roll. The independent rear suspension equipping the all-wheel-drive models eliminates the rear-end wag still displayed by small Hyundai vehicles equipped with a rear torsion beam.

Precise and (finally) not too light, the steering reinforces the decisive handling. It even provides a degree of road sensation, which is quite rare for the segment—and for a Hyundai. Braking is reassuring, with a firm and progressive pedal response. All of which makes the Kona very enjoyable to drive, especially with the all-wheel-drive system’s efficient transfer of power to the road.

Unfortunately, in the case of the Kona, enjoyment does not rhyme with refinement. All our testers judged that the ride is too firm on degraded pavement. The body jiggled side to side even on good highway surfaces. Steering stability is not affected, fortunately, but comfort is another story.
There’s a good chance that the 18-in. tires play a part, because of their very low profile. Or at least, that’s what we noted when we compared other Hyundai’s with oversized rims with the same models equipped with smaller wheels.

Some “sport” tires are also often noisier than average, which no doubt partly explains the high noise level in the cabin. Poor noise control is common to small Hyundai vehicles and unwanted sound quickly becomes annoying on long trips.

Inspection

Our inspection at a CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre yielded the following observations:

• Heavy hood supported by a simple rod
• Uncrowded engine compartment, easy access to most regular maintenance items
• Well-positioned windshield washer fluid tank, on the right side of the engine compartment
• Plastic fuel tank, still rare in current Hyundais, won’t rust
• Rustproofing in and around wheel wells only; Hyundai usually applies more
• Large openings in upper grille, making the air-conditioner vulnerable to road debris
• Compact spare lodges under trunk floor