Hyundai expands Kona range with hybrid model

Hyundai is bridging the gap between its standard ICE Kona and the Kona Electric with the announcement that a hybrid variant will soon be available to buyers in Europe. The award-winning small SUV has already proven it popular with buyers, and in full electric form has surpassed even Hyundai's expectations. With the ever-increasing demand for small-but-efficient SUVs, Hyundai believes that the Kona Hybrid will help it claim its share of this part of the market.

Hybrid power

The Kona Hybrid follows the unveiling of the second generation of Hyundai's first hybrid car, the IONIQ, and is part of the brand's expansion of its eco-mobility range. It feature's Hyundai's familiar 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine which is backed up by a 32kW electric motor, drawing power from a relatively small 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery. Essentially, it is the same powertrain as seen in the IONIQ Hybrid.

Combined power is 139bhp with a torque figure of 195lb-ft which is delivered through a six-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. This enables the Kona Hybrid to hit 62mph in 11.2 seconds and continue on to a maximum speed of 99mph with predicted NEDC emissions of just 90g/km of CO2 and efficiency of around 70mpg depending on the wheel choice.

Interior and exterior features

All-new Kona Hybrid comes with a few additional touches both inside and out. Inside, there is a dedicated colour pack which consists of white accents around the air vent surrounds and gear shift bezel, as well as Glossy Black accents on the door handles, steering wheel spoke and air vent bezel, and a grey headliner. Standard models feature black woven cloth seats with white stitching, or black leather seats with white stitching on higher trims.

Buyers can choose from an optional heated steering wheel, three-step ventilation and three-step heating package. Outside, the Kina Hybrid is available in seven colours from launch, and customers can choose between newly-designed alloy wheels with one design in standard 16 inch form, and the other in optional 18 inch form.

In-car tech and driver aids

As standard the Kona Hybrid get a good level of connectivity, including a 7 inch display screen that can mirror smartphone displays via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The option connectivity package steps things up with a 10.25 inch split touchscreen which can be customised to display both audio and navigation information, for example. Further apps and widgets are available, and buyers get five years' subscription to Hyundai LIVE Services thrown in with the package. An Eco-Driving Assist System (ECO-DAS) uses the touchscreen to display information which will help drivers to improve their real-world economy, too.

Driver safety and convenience is improved through a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense package which includes Front Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection ability, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist. Options include radar-guided Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go and Lane Following Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. A smorgasbord, in other words!

Will Kia be launching a PHEV?

Hyundai's sister company, Kia, is rumoured to be developing a PHEV version of its ever-popular Sorento. What we do know is that Kia is working on PHEV versions of its Cee'd SW due for release soon, so it stands to reason that the technology will be applied elsewhere in the range.

There's no word on the price of the Kona Hybrid, but it will be available in the UK in August this year with deliveries expected to commence in September.