The Kona Active (left) and Kona Standard shown at a media preview two days before launch.
UPDATE: The refreshed Kona 1.6 Turbo is launching in Malaysia in July 2021. See post.
PETALING JAYA: The facelifted Hyundai Kona is launched today.
Two variants are offered namely the Kona Standard and Kona Active priced at RM119,888 and RM136,888 respectively (on-the-road without insurance). They are also RM4,000 more and RM6,000 more than the introductory prices the previous Kona were selling at when it first arrived last year.
It was only less than six months ago that Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) had brought in the pre-facelift model. Like before, the latest model remains a fully imported SUV.
While previously the 1.6-litre Turbo was available, the distributors decided not to bring in this variant at launch.
Still in its first generation, the Kona made its debut in 2017.
The latest Kona shows off a sleeker and more stylish look with a variety of design upgrades and advanced features. It is exclusively equipped with the new Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson powertrain which comes in two variants, Standard and Active.
The front-wheel drive KONA Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with a Smartstream IVT transmission (8 virtual speed) produces 149 PS of power at 6,200 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. The Smartstream engine offers dynamic performance with a smoother, comfortable driving experience, reduced emissions and better fuel efficiency.
The latest Kona is the first model to use this new engine
Exterior and interior changes in the facelift are highlighted as shown.
The striking new front-end design of the new Kona stands out with eye-catching, protective cladding panels which are accentuated by the thin LED daylight running lights (DRLs).
Its newly designed bold grille complements the curved bonnet design, while the main bumper fascia connects smoothly to the wheel arch claddings, forming a unique and robust armour in a contrast to the main body.
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.
At the rear, the new taillights feature horizontally stretched graphics. These reflect the unique identity of the front-end light design. The new rear bumper, which also follows the protective armour concept of the front and sides, also uses a contrasting material. In addition, the latest model comes with updated 17- or 18-inch wheel designs.
The Kona is also now 40mm longer than the previous model, giving it a sleeker and more dynamic look that complements its wide, strong visual stance.
Entering the cabin, one will notice a redesigned interior that expresses a more upscale and progressive look than its predecessor.
The new console area is separated from the instrument panel to emphasize the horizontal layout.
The dashboard appears wide and airy to create a generously spacious atmosphere. An electric parking brake with auto hold function is added as a new convenience feature in response to customer demand. Additionally, the new Kona now also gets a remote engine start function by using the smart key.
The new 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. As a testament to its more grown-up status, the seatbelts do not have funky colours that are colour-coordinated with the exterior colour.
New to this model is a 10.25-inch digital cluster that is only available to the KONA Active variant, in addition to the 8-inch AVN screen with multiple Bluetooth connections. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard for both variants which also include Waze and Google Map for navigation convenience.
The Kona Active has been upgraded with many safety features that used to be found in the pre-facelift 1.6 Turbo.
It is equipped with a number of safety and driver assistance features, offering a comprehensive safety suite such as the 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.
Other safety enhancements include 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.
"We are more confident than before of the Hyundai Kona's success in Malaysia despite the fierce competition in this segment,” said HSDM managing director Low Yuan Lung.
“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 said.
Four new colours options are available with the Kona Standard, namely Chalk White, Galactic Grey, Surfy Blue and Pulse Red while the Active variant comes with five new exterior colours, including Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Dark Knight, and Misty Jungle.
The Kona comes with a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty and also 3-year or 50,000km (Whichever comes first) free maintenance service.
It is available for viewing at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide. Interested parties may contact Hyundai’s Customer Careline at 1-300-13-2000.
Facelifted Hyundai Kona Specifications (pdf)
The Kona key fob has a new 'Hold' button that switches on remote engine start once the car is locked.
