Updated Hyundai Kona Launched In Malaysia With Two Smartstream G Variants
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HDSM) has launched the updated Hyundai KONA compact SUV. There are two variants of the newly enhanced KONA on offer i.e. the standard KONA 2.0 and KONA 2.0 Active. The KONA is fully imported from South Korea with retail prices at RM119,888 and RM136,888 respectively (on the road without insurance).
The enhanced KONA features a sleeker front profile that now wears a new cascading grille design in place of the hexagonal grille, and new headlight design. The armour cladding that used to surround the headlights and join with the front fenders now sits beneath the headlights and extends across the face of the crossover. Additionally, the skid plate on the lower bumper embraces the lower air intake and visually complements the shape of the main upper grille. Integrated into the bumper corners are vertically oriented aerodynamic inlets that improve air flow. Similarly, the rear bumper has also been re-profiled. The new rear bumper, which also follows the protective armour concept of the front and sides, also uses a contrasting material. This has resulted in an increase in overall exterior length by 40 mm, though the interior dimensions remain unchanged. Boot space measures at 361 litres (VDA). The KONA comes with updated 17″ or 18″ wheel designs, depending on the variant.
The Active variant is fitted with dual LED (low and high projection) headlights, while the Standard variant uses halogen units. The daytime running lights of the Active variant also doubles as turning signals while the Standard has a standard turning light within the headlight cluster. Active also gets a pair of front LED fog lights, with LEDs also featured at the rear; the Standard uses standard bulb lighting units.
Both the two-wheel drive KONA share the same Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with a Smartstream IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) transmission to produce 149 PS @ 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque @ 4,500 rpm. Smartstream is Hyundai’s latest range of powertrain technology derived from its efforts in motorsports. It is supposed to offer more dynamic performance, improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Although only in 2WD guise, the KONA has a traction control mode for mud, sand and snow conditions.
The KONA’s interior has been redesigned for a more upscale look. The updated interior is completed by new colours and materials. New seat cover options include a black woven houndstooth design, cloth seats with black and grey embossing and perforated leather seats in black or beige.
Most of the changes are in the centre console area. The 8″ touchscreen now features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (with Google Maps and Waze), and the physical control buttons have been moved from the sides of the screen to below it, giving it a more horizontal appearance. Furthermore, an electric parking brake with auto hold function has replaced the conventional handbrake, in response to customer feedback. There is also a USB port and storage tray for the rear passengers. There is a total of three USB ports in the vehicle, with one dedicated for connectivity.
New to this model are a 10.25″ digital instrument cluster and head-up display for the KONA Active variant. This variant also gets 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and single zone climate control. However, standard for both variants is remote engine start function via smart key.
Other key standard features are cruise control, rear view camera with dynamic parking guide, tyre pressure monitoring system, and automatic light control.
The safety system for the KONA Active is a bit more extensive although both variants get six SRS airbags, traction control, vehicle stability management, hill start assist control, etc as standard. The Active variant gets the added benefit of Hyundai SmartSense which includes Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA); and Safe Exit Warning (SEW), which detects oncoming vehicle from the rear and then displays a visual and audio warning to alert the passenger from exiting the vehicle; Lane Keeping Assist (LKA); Lane Following Assist (LFA); Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert; Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) and High Beam Assist (HBA). The Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) has also been upgraded with pedestrian and vehicle detection.
“With a bold, progressive design and adventurous personality, the KONA has become an icon in its segment. We are more confident than before of the Hyundai KONA’s success in Malaysia despite the fierce competition in this segment,” said Mr Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.
Mr Low added that the KONA’s design is very distinctive and unique. The redesigned front and rear of the car give the KONA a sleek, sophisticated look while keeping its robust signature style to make it even more appealing to customers who lead active lifestyles.
“Its distinctive look makes it stand out from any other model in its class. The Kona is also targeted for those who want to stand out in the crowd and be different. It’s an agile and stylish car that can take you anywhere, be it for an adventurous outing or just for a city drive,” he added.
The Hyundai KONA 2.0 Standard is available in four exterior colour options i.e. Chalk White, Galactic Grey, Pulse Red, and Surfy Blue, complemented by Black fabric upholstery for the interior. Meanwhile, the KONA 2.0 Active has Surfy Blue, Ignite Flame and Misty Jungle as exterior colour choices to match a Black leather interior; or Dive In Jeju and Dark Knight to match the Light Beige leather interior.
The KONA comes with a five-year or 300,000 km warranty (whichever comes first) and also 3-year or 50,000 km (whichever comes first) free maintenance service.
