Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) recently unveiled its top range B-SUV Kona which includes the all-new 1.6 N Line variant and the powered-up 1.6 Turbo. While the 1.6 N Line is priced at RM156,888 the 1.6 Turbo is priced at RM146,888 OTR without insurance and SST.
Engine
Both the 1.6 T-GDi variants are equipped with the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi, a turbocharged inline four-cylinder petrol engine that is paired with a Smartsteam 7DCT – 2nd generation of 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission that produces 198PS and 265Nm of torque.
These new variants are also fully equipped with the Hyundai Smartsense active safety and driving assistance technologies.
Hyundai Smartsense
Included in the Hyundai Smartsense suite are Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go that keeps the SCC running even when the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
Other safety features are:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
- Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
- Rear Occupant Alert (ROA)
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
- High Beam Assist (HBA)
The Kona 1.6 Turbo shares the same exterior and interior design as the new Kona 2.0 Active variant, except for a roof rack and two-tone body colour which are exclusive to the 1.6 Turbo variants.
Exterior highlights
Among the exterior design highlights are a striking new front-end design with eye-catching, protective cladding panels, wide thin LED DRLs and a centre grille with a wide distinctive shape.
The main bumper fascia also connects smoothly to the wheel arch claddings, forming a unique and robust armour in a contrasting material to the main body. At the rear, the new taillights feature horizontally stretched graphics.
The Kona N Line features a sporty and progressive design. Its front bumper is harmoniously connected and unified with the body colour treatment of the wheel arch claddings.
N-style
Instead of the Kona 1.6 Turbo and 2.0’s rugged skid plate, the N Line version features a characteristic N-style aerodynamic lip with low-lying corner fins for a road-hugging appearance. Larger, more technical air intake features are further distinguished by a unique mesh design and surface treatment.
On the sides, the body colour claddings and new rocker panels are complemented by the dedicated 18-inch alloy wheel design.The rear bumper incorporates a large central aerodynamic diffusor in a contrast colour to the body as well as a one-side double muffler. The bumper fascia is formed with sharply creased corners and N-style fins for better air flow.
Dive in Jeju?
The Kona 1.6 Turbo N Line and 1.6 Turbo come with five exterior colours, including Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Pulse Red, and Misty Jungle.
Each colour comes with the Phantom Black two-tone roof. The two-tone roof also comes with matching mirror housings. In addition, these latest variants come with new 18-inch wheel designs.
Interior
The interior of the Kona N Line comes with a dedicated N Line colour package in one-tone black leather combined with suede as well as a ventilated and heated seat function for the driver and the front passenger.
In addition, the distinctive red stitching, metal pedals and N logo on the gear shift, steering wheel and seats all contribute to a sportier look and feel.
Both the Kona variants also feature the new layout design similar to the Kona 2.0, which among them include:
- New console area
- 10.25-inch digital cluster
- 8-inch AVN screen with Bluetooth
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Electric parking brake
- New ambient light
- New aluminium finish rings around the speakers and air vents
Warranty
The Kona comes with a five-year or 300,000km (whichever comes first) warranty and a 3-year or 50,000km (whichever comes first) free maintenance service.
