Hyundai Kona range upgraded and expanded
New entry-level version of Hyundai’s small SUV drops base price to $23,500 as EV pushes into 2019Hyundai has announced an upgraded, expanded and repriced model line-up for its smallest SUV, the Hyundai Kona.
Now priced from $23,500 plus on-road costs thanks to the addition of a new entry-level variant dubbed Go, the 2019 Hyundai Kona range also brings more equipment and prices increases across the board.
At the same time, Hyundai has confirmed the Australian launch of the battery-powered Kona Electric could now be delayed until early 2019, following strong demand in Europe.
The Hyundai Kona Electric was pressed into service as a reconnaissance vehicle by New Zealand rally star Hayden Paddon ahead of the Coromandel Rally in NZ on the weekend.
“A world first?” Paddon posted on Facebook on Friday.
“Doing today’s Rally Coromandel Recce in the all-new Hyundai #KonaEV – the new 450+ km range allows us to complete a full day of 2 pass Recce for the first time.
“Quiet, comfortable and surprisingly fast! Looking forward to seeing the stages!”
Likely to cost about $50,000 when it arrives here, the Kona Electric has attracted 7000 orders in Norway and is due to enter production for Australia in October.
The small electric SUV will be Hyundai Australia’s second all-electric model after the IONIQ hatch, which arrives in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure-electric forms around October, priced between about $350,000 and $45,000.
On sale now, the regular 2019 Hyundai Kona range opens with the $23,500 Go variant, lowering the admission price by $1000, and tops out with the flagship Highlander at $39,000 plus ORCs -- $3000 more than before. In between, Active and Elite variants increase in price by $1000.
All model grades remain available with the choice of two four-cylinder petrol powertrains: 110kW 2.0-litre front-wheel drive six-speed automatic or, for $3500 more, 130kW 1.6-litre turbo all-wheel drive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Key upgrades include a new 8.0-inch touch-screen multimedia system with satellite-navigation and a premium Krell eight-speaker sound for the 2019 Kona Active, Elite and Highlander.
The new system features DAB+ digital radio, a centre console USB charging port, SUNA live traffic updates, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity and a 10-year Sat-Nav Update Plan.
The top-shelf Kona Highlander also scores a powered glass sunroof or the no-cost option of two-tone Phantom Black roof paint, and premium paint is a $595 option across the range.
Also new for the MY19 Kona is the SIM-based Hyundai Auto Link system, which connects the vehicle to a smartphone app to provide vehicle data including real-time diagnostics, tyre pressure monitoring, driving history statistics, parking management, service scheduling and automatic access to roadside assistance.
In addition, Hyundai Auto Link Premium comes standard in the MY9 Kona Highlander, allowing remote engine starting via smartphone, remote access to doors and climate control and geo-fencing alert setting. Its ongoing subscription cost is included in the 2019 Kona service price.
However, buyers of the entry-level Go and Active variants miss out on Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (AEB), Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic-Collision Warning, Driver Attention Warning and power-folding heated exterior mirrors.
These features are part of Hyundai’s SmartSense advanced safety pack, which costs $1500 extra for Kona Go and Active customers.
Standard equipment for the base Kona Go extends to six airbags, a reversing camera, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), automatic headlights, roof rails and rear spoiler.
The 2019 Kona Go, which is distinguished by 16-inch steel wheel with covers and a black mesh grille, comes standard with a smaller 7.0-inch infotainment touch-screen.
In addition, Kona Active models add the 8.0-inch multimedia system, 16-inch alloys, second-row armrest/cup-holders and leather-appointed steering wheel and gearshifter.
In addition, Kona Elite models add the SmartSense safety suite, 17-inch alloys, front fog lights, carbon grey grille and body cladding, rear skid plate, leather appointed seats, solar glass, rear privacy glass, keyless entry/start, climate control, auto driver’s power window, auto wipers, luggage net and seat-back pockets.
In addition, the Kona Highlander offers 18-inch alloys, head-up display, LED headlights and front indicators, LED tail-lights, colour driver’s cluster, Qi wireless phone charger, electro-chromatic interior mirror, heated/ventilated front seats, powered driver’s seat, auto high-beam, front parking sensors and Auto Link Premium.
“With the addition of a sat-nav infotainment system and premium audio from Kona Active upwards, and an accessible new Go range-opener, the refreshed 2019 Kona builds on the model’s terrific value and appeal for active urban buyers,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia COO, Scott Grant.
How much does the 2018 Hyundai Kona cost?
Go 2.0 MPi 2WD 6A -- $23,500 (new)
Active 2.0 MPi 2WD 6A -- $25,500 (+$1000)
Go 1.6 T-GDi AWD 7DCT -- $27,000 (new)
Active 1.6 T-GDi AWD 7DCT -- $29,000 (+$1000)
Elite 2.0 MPi 2WD 6A -- $29,500 (+$1000)
Elite 1.6 T-GDi AWD 7DCT -- $33,000 (+$1000)
Highlander 2.0 MPi 2WD 6A -- $35,500 (+$500)
Highlander 1.6 T-GDi AWD 7DCT -- $39,000 (+$3000)
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
