We all like a little bit of luxury, but sometimes the budget just doesn't stretch that
far. So does an entry-level model like this Hyundai Kona Active fill the bill? Let's find out.
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The Kona launched in 2017 and had a decent update this year. The Active is the second
model up in a six-model range, and it sells for a bit over $30,000 on the road.
It lines up against a plethora of competition, including the MG ZS, Mazda CX-3 and Mitsubishi
ASX. The sterling essentials of the Kona haven't changed, but that's fine, it really does have its
own unique look, but there is a new bumper and grill, and they sit alongside the LED
parking lights and the stacked headlights. The Kona also gets a new rear bumper design,
large rear skid plate, a new look alloy wheels, up-sizing from 16s to 17s for the Active.
The Kona Active continues to come with this two-litre four cylinder,
naturally aspirated petrol engine. So that means no turbo charges or any other dodos
like that, and that also means less complexity and less servicing cost.
Nowadays, it match for the continuously variable transmission
rather than a six-speed auto, that really helps dramatically improve fuel consumption.
There's no doubt the Kona Active delivers a workman-like vibe when you first get in,
there's not that much colour and energy to the trim, and the surfaces are hard to the touch. So
here is where you notice some of the latest little luxuries are missing. You still have to use a key
to start the engine, and there is no digital dash, just a couple of analogue dials. And check this
out, all you youngies at home, this is what air conditioning in cars always used to look like,
none of this pre-setting a digital number, it's all about blue for colder and red for hotter.
It's not all old school of course, the Kona Active does get an electric park brake, a touchscreen,
and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity and wireless charging as well.
And in the safety department, there is no doubt the Kona Active compares well with many
more expensive rivals, there's even hands-off driving ability.
But for a vehicle that emphasises its versatility, the Kona is a bit light
on for storage opportunities. The litter bin is adequate and the glove box quite generous,
but door bins are pretty tight. It's a bit tight for legroom in the rear seat as well,
otherwise, two adults would fit quite comfortably, kids should be no problem. There are no adjustable
rear aircon vents and the door bins are tiny, but you do get a string net for both seats,
a fall-down armrest with twin cap holders and the USB plugin. At 374 litres, the boot's about the
right size for this type of vehicle, I especially like this, the handy storage area under the floor.
There's also a side bin and storage net in the rear seats but folds down growing
space dramatically. Well, so far, so good. But what about the driving? Let's go and find out.
[Music]
The Kona competes in a segment where there is an enormous range of driving quality
from the very good to the rather ordinary. The Active sits towards the top end of that range.
The naturally aspirated engine is never going to deliver gobs of low down pulling pair, but the
move to the CVT makes that less noticeable, you're not always hopping between gears.
It's only when you're really having the throttle and cock that extended and noisy top-end
revving that the downside of a CVT becomes apparent. The driving experience of the Kona
is utterly familiar, the localised suspension and steering tune developed for the original
carries over into this update. That means this is a car that really operates best around town,
its lower speed ride is decent, and its steering is quick and light enough for tight manoeuvres.
And on the open road, the Kona's suspension setup is a bit sharp in the ride,
and the torsion beam rear end is a little bit lively. It's a setup experience, you don't quite
expect. The fuel consumption claim pans out in the real world, in the city or country,
it never climbed higher than seven litres per 100 kilometres,
which is impressive. There is no doubt the Kona's styling makes it an interesting vehicle to look
at, but the good news is big windows help make it a pretty easy vehicle to look out of.
Just wish the equipment list included some front parking sensors to help with those
tight spots. Hyundai also looks after the Kona Active with a solid ownership program.
It comes with a five-year unlimited kilometer warranty, 15,000 kilometer service intervals
and a kept price service plan. The Hyundai Kona Active proves you don't have to invest
big money to get a small car with good manners and a decent list of standard equipment.
Sure, there's a temptation to shop further up the model range for those little extras,
but that's about what you want, not what you need. And that's a whole different subject.