By Khulekani Dumisa

The Hyundai Kona launched in South Africa back in 2018. Whilst the car has not been a smashing hit locally (although it has sold over 300,000 units globally), it has given a solid option to buyers who are not looking for a mainstream choice. Whereas looks were daring by Hyundai standards, they also tended to be quite polarising. Hyundai has sought to correct that with the recent updates giving the car a stylish yet less divisive look. Buyers can also look forward to a sporty N Line Pack.

 Refreshed Hyundai Kona looks

The Kona major updates by today’s design standards. It is 40mm longer and bears new headlights, daytime running lights, grille, bumpers, and air intakes. The latter is particularly evident in the N Line Pack. The rear has received as much attention as the front with restyled KED lights, reverse lights and bumper. In addition, the latest model comes with updated 17- and 18-inch wheel design. This is in addition to 16-inch wheels carried over from its predecessor.

The new Kona comes with five new exterior colours, including Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Cyber Gray, and Misty Jungle. Every colour can be combined with the Phantom Black two-tone roof. The two-tone roof also comes with matching mirror housings.

The N-Line package is a major edition to the updated Kona package. Those who opt for it will get a badge on the grille, wider air-intakes in black mash design, rugged skid plate body coloured wheel arches, a wider rear diffuser in black, dual-tip exhausts and 18-inc wheels.

The N-Line will be available across the range but a specifically tuned steering is available with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.

Interior

The interior has been changed slightly with new ambient lighting technology an electric parking brake added. The standard screens grow from 7 to 8 inches.  There is also a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a new optional 10.25-inch infotainment display. These are naturally compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The updated Kona interior also comes with 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, beige, or khaki. The back seats not only enjoy new upholstery but are also heated.

In addition, the interior is now available with a dedicated N Line colour package in one-tone black with cloth, leather or suede seats. Furthermore, there are distinctive red stitching, metal pedals, and N logo on the gear shift and on the seats.

Engines

The range is powered by two petrol engines, a diesel engine, hybrid and electric power plants. The new 1.6-litre T-GDI Smartstream engine that is shared with the Elantra N-Line makes 147 kW and is offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Mild hybrid power is injected in the 101 kW 1.6-liter diesel and 89 kW 1.0-liter petrol engines via a 48-volt technology. The latter engine can be had without the hybrid technology.

Having reached the 100,000 unit sales mark, it is unclear when these changes will make it to the all-electric Kona.

The above specifications are for international markets and the arrival of the updated Kona in Mzansi is yet to be announced.