Remember those moments when you see someone good-looking? You approach them and initiate a conversation, only to find out they believe the Earth is flat. It’s the same story for cars. Some are good-looking outside but once you sit on the driver’s seat, the experience goes downhill. More so when you start the engine and start rolling.
The Hyundai Kona is faced with such a challenge, thanks (or no thanks) to its good looks from all angles. Its sleek front face is complemented well by the muscular fender flares, with a belt line that leads you to sporty C-pillar and ends in the rugged rear section.
Comfort Inside
Anyone who takes a glance at it would have a second look, analyze it a bit, and think if it’s as good as it seems to be. Give it a chance because you’ll be surprised by how the Kona backs up its good looks.
Open the doors and there’s only comfort waiting for you. Aside from the solid and premium feel of the interior, its 1,800mm horizontal dimension gives it enough wiggle room while the 2,600mm wheelbase provides ample legroom for all five passengers. Not to mention the headroom is more than enough for the average Filipino.
Direct Power
Unlike other crossovers in its category, the Kona passed on the CVT and instead utilized a 6-speed automatic transmission. That, coupled with its 2.0 Atkinson engine (149 horsepower, 180 Nm of torque) gives it more responsive feedback at every step of the pedal. It’s more than enough to push your head back to the head rest when you floor the gas.
Those alone can give you a smile when tackling some light curves and confidence when going uphill. The addition of Drive Mode Technology is just a bonus for when you want to chill during your drive.
Beneath the Metal
At its core, the Kona is made of 51.8% Advanced High Strength Steel, the same used for the Tucson that went viral for being in one piece despite a four-ton boulder crashing into it. This component is 10% lighter than conventional material which contributes to the agile nature of the Kona.
An underrated highlight for the Kona are those that cannot be seen. It’s loaded with a good suite of safety features and construction that put it above other crossovers in its class. For safety, there’s six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat anchors for those starting a family, and a Smart Key + Push Start system for added convenience.
As if the interior and safety feats are not enough, Hyundai Philippines even threw in a 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty for the Kona. Yup, that means even if you go for a long drive every day, Hyundai PH has your back for a solid 5 years.