Hyundai Malaysia launched two new cars in the recent past - one being a luxury sedan, Sonata, and the other being a sporty crossover, Kona. In our previous article, we talked about the Sonata in detail, and now it's Kona's chance.

The B-segment crossover from Hyundai is named after the west coast region of Hawaii's Big Island. In Malaysia, the Kona like the Sonata will be available as a completely built unit imported from South Korea. Prospective consumers would have to shed RM 206,888 (with full 100% SST) to get this sporty crossover home. However, for the first 50 consumers, Hyundai has a special introductory price of RM 189,888 (with 50% SST).

In Malaysia, the Hyundai Kona is offered in three options - entry-level 2.0, 2.0 Active, and range-topping 1.6 Turbo.

Let's now start discussing the 2020 Hyundai Kona's first impression that includes details of its design, features, performance, and safety.

2020 Hyundai Kona design language

Like the new Hyundai  Sonata, the Kona crossover benefits from the company's Sensuous Purity design language that gives the car its individualistic appeal. Further, the combination of sculpted lines and stylish edge make it look expensive.

The front profile gets a massive Cascading grille with the brand moniker followed by the number plate resting at the centre. Sitting further up the grille are a sleek pair of headlamps - halogen units in the base and LED with Static Bending Light in the other two trims. Also, part of the set up is LED DRLs sitting below the headlamps in black casing.

The side profile of the range-topping trim features several sporty features like the two-tone ORVM with LED turn signals. The car rolls on standard 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Active and Turbo trim runs on 18-inch alloy units. Included in the standard kit is an electric outside mirror with auto fold function.

The rear looks equally sporty like the rest of the car with elements like a roof rack, and two-tone roof, and rear spoiler - all limited to the Turbo trim. The sharp tail lights come in a bulb combination set up in the base and LED in the remaining two variants.

2020 Hyundai Kona cabin features

Making the journey a bit easy for everyone is Kona's modern and innovative convenience features. Further, the car offers an exceptional level of comfort with its high-quality material that calls for a refined and sensuous feel. While the base trim is wrapped in fabric, the Active and Turbo get leather & cloth combination and full leather upholstery, respectively.

Part of Kona's standard feature list is - smart key with push start button, auto light control, tyre pressure control, rear-view camera with dynamic parking guide, navigation, manual air-con system, day & night IRVM, and four power windows with driver's side auto-up & down with anti-pinch function.

On the other hand, features like full automatic climate control, heads-up display, auto wipers, and an 8-way power driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support and manual adjustment for the front passenger seat. However, exclusive to the range-topping variant is a wireless charging system, smart cruise control, high beam assist, idle stop & go, and electronic chromic inside rearview mirror.

2020 Hyundai Kona engine

The Kona crossover is offered in two engine options - Nu 2.0 Atkinson and Gamma 1.6 T-GDi. The former mill powers the base and 2.0 Active trim, while the latter is found under the 1.6 Turbo model. The former, Nu 2.0 Atkinson engine, comes with a displacement of 1,999 cc making a maximum power of 149 PS at 6,200 rpm along with a peak torque of 180 Nm at 4,000 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic gearbox. On the performance front, the 0-100 kmph run gets completed in 10 seconds.

The 1.6-litre T-GDi mill, on the other hand, generates 177 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm.
Compared to the 2.0L model, the 1.6L variant saves 2.3 seconds off the 0-100 kmph, calling for a benchmark sprint time of 7.7 seconds.
The said engine is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that also sends power to the front wheels.

All Kona variants come with three drive modes - Eco, Comfort, and Sport, however, only the range-topping model gets auto start-stop function.

2020 Hyundai Kona safety

Like the Sonata sedan, the Kona safety kit is packed with amazing standard features like - six airbags, hill start assist, ESC, and ISOFIX two child seat mounts. The 2.0 Active adds the list with features like a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Over and above these functions, the 1.6 Turbo trim benefits from Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver assistance techs including Lane Keeping Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist, and High Beam Assist.

Conclusion

The 2020 Hyundai Kona is one great option in the B-segment crossover arena. It is loaded with an amazing feature kit both at the comfort and safety side. However, the starting price tag of RM 115,888 could be a concern for some.

Also Read: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line revealed