Hyundai has taken an unusual route with the Kona
subcompact crossover, launching the fully-electric version ahead of the hybrid. The time has come for Hyundai to
drop the Kona Hybrid as an alternative for the ICE-powered Kona and the Kona
Electric. The model packs a similar hybrid powertrain as the one recently
introduced on the Ioniq Hybrid. A 105 PS Kappa 1.6-liter GDI
direct-injection gasoline four-cylinder engine works with a 32 kW (43.5 PS) electric motor and a smaller 1.56 kWh lithium-ion battery (the Ioniq Hybrid
has an 8.9 kWh battery).
The permanent magnet electric motor alone produces a
maximum torque of 170 Nm of torque, contributing to a total of 265
Nm of system torque and a total output of 141 PS. Hyundai says the lithium-ion
polymer battery delivers “outstanding charge and discharge performance,
optimizing output from the high voltage battery and allowing for rapid
regeneration.” A six-speed dual clutch transmission with Sport mode is also
part of the package.
Besides the new powertrain, the Kona Hybrid marks
the introduction of several technological enhancements. Those include the Blue
Link connected vehicle system which allows users to remote lock or unlock the
car via a smartphone app, and the optional Audio Video Navigation system (AVN)
with a 10.25-inch split touch-screen.
The AVN multimedia system features Cloud-based voice
recognition in six languages and a customizable screen. An optional wireless
inductive charging pad (Qi standard) for mobile phones is also offered. As for
the standard 7-inch Display Audio interface, it comes with standard Android
Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Safety-wise, the Kona Hybrid offers the upgraded
Hyundai SmartSense technology package which comes as standard with Front
Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection
ability, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, and High Beam Assist.
Optional tech includes the Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go, Lane
Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, Blind-Spot Collision
Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning.
You’ll recognize the Kona Hybrid from other Kona
models thanks to subtle styling tweaks such as its own dedicated interior color
pack, the Blue Lagoon exterior launch color, as well as two exclusive alloy
wheel designs available in 16 and 18 inches, respectively.
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid will be available in Europe
from August 2019.
