The Hyundai Kona will be launched in Australia soon, and its pricing will start from AUD 24,500, making it 10% cheaper than the equivalent base-spec Toyota C-HR, and level with the Mazda CX-3 Down Under. Other contenders in the Australian market include the Mitsubshi ASX, Subaru XV, Nissan Qashqai and the Honda HR-V.

Three specification levels will be available for the Australian-market Kona – Active, Elite and Highlander. The base Active trim level can be optioned with the Safety Pack which brings blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking, features which are standard on the Elite and Highlander trim levels.


Two powertrain combinations are on offer, comprising a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated MPi four-cylinder petrol with 150 hp and 180 Nm of torque paired with a six-speed automatic and front-wheel drive, and a 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol four producing 178 hp and 265 Nm of torque paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.

Both versions receive Drive Mode Select, which offers Comfort, Eco and Sport modes which alter throttle mapping, transmission shift points and power steering assistance. Inside, all Kona variants for Australia will receive a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment unit which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Qi wireless charging pad for compatible mobile devices.

The Kona also gets Hyundai AutoLink which sends vehicular data to one’s mobile device, and higher trim level features include a head-up display and LED headlights.