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Expert Guide to Singapore’s Hyundai Kona Hybrid
The latest Hyundai Kona is a crossover SUV that is offered in Singapore in full electric or hybrid versions.
This second-generation Kona was apparently designed as an EV first, and then modified to accommodate internal combustion engine variants, of which there are a bewildering array in other markets. We’re not sure that the limited choice in Singapore is a bad thing – hybrids may be more complex and expensive, but in our test, we figured the payoff is only a few years in fuel savings over petrol-only variants.
In its second iteration the Hyundai Kona has grown quite a lot. That puts it in direct competition with the likes of the Honda HR-V and Mazda MX-30. Can it compete?
| Good | Less Good |
|---|---|
| Sharp retro-futuristic styling | Detuned slightly for Singapore |
| Interior space | Overzealous safety features |
| Quiet and refined |
What is the Singapore Hyundai Kona Hybrid?
Hyundai’s second-generation Kona enters the competitive crossover SUV market in full EV or Hybrid form.
It is the Kona Hybrid we have on test. This means a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine, attached to an electric motor and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, driving the front wheels only.
The test car had the international-standard 104kW (134hp), 265Nm powertrain, but thanks to Cat A Certificate of Entitlement (COE) requirements, Singapore cars are slightly detuned to 97kW (125hp), but still 265Nm. In general, urban driving conditions, we think this shouldn’t make much of a difference.
The new-generation Kona is 170mm longer and 60mm wider than its predecessor, and this means loads more interior space.
Where the Kona stands out is with its retro futuristic RoboCop styling, which may not be to all tastes. It does break the mould somewhat in this segment by having character. It is cohesive, and we reckon it looks better in the flesh too.
How does it drive?
While the power figures here are not going to set the world on fire, the Kona Hybrid arguably delivers what buyers in this segment want. Power delivery is smooth, and overall, the hybrid powerplant is quiet and refined.
Interestingly, Hyundai Singapore claims 4.7l/100km fuel economy (compared to the 3.9l/100km claimed for the test car), and this tracks with our time spent with the car when we saw a best of 4.0l/100km and a worst right on Hyundai Singapore’s claimed 4.7l/100km. Whichever way you look at it, this is an efficient vehicle – that equates to more than 800km range from the Kona’s 38-litre fuel tank.
Handling is really quite good. The Kona Hybrid has a composed ride, with good body control, and it feels nicely planted in highway driving conditions.
The suspension is good too, if not the plushest out there. You can feel some road imperfections in the road surface, but the suspension does take the edge out of them.
The steering is also just right for this segment – progressive, light, and predictable.
The brakes, likewise, have a good feel and are predictable.
Overall, it is easy to drive, refined, and quiet – all desirable traits in this segment.
The main fault we have with the driving experience is that some of the driver’s aids can be a bit overzealous. The speed-limit warning can get things wrong and continuously beeps even if you’re just 1km/h over the limit.
Likewise, the driver monitoring system alerts you if you spend more time looking at the dash or the rear-view mirror longer than the system likes.
You can switch these systems off, but have to navigate numerous menus to get there, and they start again by default whenever you start the engine.
It is an impressive suite of drivers aids for a car of this class, but we think some of them could be better calibrated.
What is the cabin like?
Space is the name of the game here. Rear seat passengers are the biggest beneficiaries from the increased size of the second-generation Kona, with plenty of legroom, headroom, and toe room. Rear seats recline as well (there are two different positions).
The load space has also increased. The tailgate reveals 466 litres of boot space, and the rear seats fold almost completely flat to increase that to 1,300 litres.
Equipment levels in the cabin are quite high.
The dash features dual 12.3-inch screens. The driver display shows lots of information, but without too much busy design, which can be distracting. The infotainment screen is slickly designed and easy to use too.
There’s a good blend of tech and tradition with physical controls for shortcuts for menu settings and climate controls – meaning they’re not buried behind layers of menus and are easy to use on the go.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, as well as power-adjustable, and the driver’s seat has two memory settings. With 10-way adjustment, finding a comfortable driving position is easy, and the steering wheel is nice too, with four dots – ‘H’ in Morse code – replacing the usual Hyundai logo.
The gear selector has moved to the steering column, freeing-up space between the driver and passenger, and there’s loads of storage, plus a wireless phone charger and two USB C ports.
While there are some hard plastics in the cabin, the test car’s leather interior felt like a nice place to be, with all the tech you could want – without being overwhelming – plenty of storage, and a decent amount of passenger space.
Conclusion
Overall, the Kona Hybrid is a cohesive and compelling package that blends significant fuel savings with a practical, comfortable, and easy-to-live-with small SUV. And it adds a touch of pizzaz to the class with that exterior styling.
Is it the Goldilocks vehicle in this crossover SUV segment? While the styling may put some more conservative buyers off, we like it for standing out from the crowd. In terms of driveability, practicality, and fuel-efficiency, however, we think it is just right.
Check out our Hyundai Kona Hybrid test drive here on Chasing Cars.
The video is produced by Chasing Cars, partner of our sister company Budget Direct Australia. Some features or options in the car build may not be applicable to the Singapore market (including the availability of car parts). Note that all prices quoted in the video are in AUD. Remember to check with your local dealer for details.
Written by motoring journalist, Tony Tan