The 2021 Hyundai Kona has launched in Australia armed with new styling, a new model range including sporty new N Line models, new tech and according to Hyundai, a continued sense of fun. Priced from $26,600 plus on-road costs, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is more modern than before, which should help it fight the battle against competitors such as the Mitsubishi ASX, Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V.
“In three short years on the market, the versatile Kona has grown to become a top-seller in the class and one of our most popular models,” Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Executive Officer, Jun Heo said.
“New 2021 Kona builds on the qualities that have drawn small-SUV buyers to the model, with an eye-catching new look, new N Line sports variants, and additional standard comfort, convenience, technology and SmartSense safety features,” he said.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona’s exterior has been changed for a more aggressive and modern look, with new headlights, tailights, bumpers and alloy wheels. The new N Line and N Line Premium models also add a body-coloured bodykit, as well as sportier details like dual exhaust tips. The interior has also been updated with a new centre console (with an electric parking brake), new digital dials on higher-spec models, new infotainment screens and new tech such as a rear USB charging port.
Hyundai has updated the available drivetrains on the 2021 Hyundai Kona. Still offering a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a smaller but more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged alternative, the 2.0-litre now comes on all models bar the N Line and N Line Premium – previously the 1.6T was available on all models. Choosing the 1.6T adds a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.
The 2.0-litre engine produces 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque. It’s front-wheel drive but unlike last year’s model, it’s mated to a CVT automatic – this has reduced fuel consumption by up to 20 per cent, according to Hyundai, and it’s now rated at 6.2L/100km combined. The 1.6L turbo now produces 146kW/265Nm and yet its consumption has been reduced to 6.9L/100km.
Standard kit on the entry-level Kona ($26,600) includes 16-inch alloy wheels, auto lights with LED daytime running lights, wireless phone charging, an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, six airbags and a reversing camera.
The Kona Active ($28,200) adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, leather seats, rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, auto-folding mirrors, a rear centre armrest and larger 17-inch wheels.
The Kona Elite ($31,600) adds auto wipers, front fog lights, keyless entry and push button start with remote start, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, climate control, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with inbuilt navigation, digital radio, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert with rear braking and safe exit warning.
The Kona Highlander ($38,000) adds LED lighting with auto high beam, a heads-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats, a sunroof, ambient lighting, 18-inch wheels, a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and an 8-way passenger’s seat, front parking sensors and a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.
The N Line ($36,300) adds a turbo engine, all-wheel drive, a multi-link rear suspension set up, front sports seats, alloy pedals and a number of N Line details such as the sporty bodykit to the Elite.
The N Line Premium ($42,200) then adds the Highlander’s additional equipment but still with N Line detailing.
2021 Hyundai Kona pricing (plus on-road costs):
Kona 2.0L CVT: $26,600 (+$2,300)
Active 2.0L CVT: $28,200 (+$2,140)
Elite 2.0L CVT: $31,600 (+$1,000)
Highlander 2.0L CVT: $38,000 (+$1,340)
N Line 1.6L turbo AWD DCT: $36,300 (new)
N Line Premium 1.6L turbo AWD DCT: $42,400 (new)
Premium paint: $595
Beige interior (Highlander): $295
Black roof (deletes sunroof on N-Line Premium) for N Line and N Line Premium: no cost
Keyword: 2021 Hyundai Kona Brings Big Updates to Australia