Flash Drive: 2024 Hyundai Kona

Flash Drive: 2024 Hyundai Kona

All-New Small SUV

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona is presently provided in 4 trim ranges with the selection of two gasoline-powered engines and, in early 2024, an all-electric model will arrive. Hyundai invited automotive journalists to Baltimore, Maryland, to drive the gasoline variations, that are in sellers now. Whereas we did get some transient seat time within the Kona EV, we’ll wait a couple of extra months to assessment it. This Flash Drive is a primary take a look at the gasoline-powered 2024 Kona, with a extra detailed assessment upcoming the place we’ll dive-in deeper to the driving attributes and real-world gas economic system.

EV Objective-Designed Exterior

Hyundai says the gasoline powered Kona has an “EV-centric exterior.” This design technique is reverse of what most automotive corporations have traditionally completed, which is design first for a gasoline engine after which adapt it to an electrical energy plant. By beginning with the Kona Electrical in thoughts, the aerodynamics for the gasoline Kona have been lowered to a 0.302 drag coefficient (0.27 for the Kona EV) with energetic grille shutters, and an aerodynamic modern nostril, wheel arches, carry gate and built-in rear spoiler. The 2024 Kona is not going to be mistaken for an earlier era as it’s rounder, smoother and has a extra up to date feel and appear.

Many Choices: Two Engines/Two Transmissions/FWD and AWD

The Kona SE and SEL include a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower (hp) and 132 pound-feet (lb.-ft.) of torque. Out there with both front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) and that includes a constantly variable transmission (CVT), the brand new Kona has EPA gas economic system scores of 29 mpg metropolis/34 freeway/31 mixed for the FWD, and 27/29/31 for the AWD.

The Kona Restricted and N-Line have a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine good for 190 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, however will get the ability to both the entrance or all of the wheels by an 8-speed computerized with a torque converter. These two fashions even have practically the identical fuel economy ratings of 26/32/28 for the FWD and 24/29/26 for the AWD.

Distinctive Exterior Design Imaginative and prescient

The 2024 Kona utilized an EV universal-architecture, paving the best way for Hyundai going all-electric within the coming years, so it makes good sense to have the gasoline engine play a secondary position within the Kona design imaginative and prescient.

In comparison with the outgoing Kona, the 2024 is longer (5.7”) wider (1”) and taller, leading to passenger area being equal to a size-up SUV. The outside options designs of an aerodynamic nostril with a seamless horizontal gentle strip that runs throughout the whole hood. The rear will get the identical clean remedy with a pixelated horizon lamp operating the total width from the fenders and throughout the ability tailgate. LED head, daytime operating and tail lights end the outside lighting design. There are a alternative of 5 alloy wheels starting from 17-19 inches, and 10 all-new for 2024 exterior colours.

Inside

Hyundai says the Kona has a “driver-centric, dwelling area” inside. The important thing characteristic is a floating horizontal C-Pad with twin 12.3-inch panoramic show screens. Making these screens obtainable on the Kona is a pleasant contact by Hyundai, as up till just lately this configuration and know-how was solely discovered on premium and luxurious automobiles. The left display homes the digital meter and gauge cluster show, whereas the appropriate aspect display is house to the infotainment system The bottom system has six audio system, however stepping-up there’s a Bose premium audio set-up with an exterior amp, tweeters and eight audio system. All sound techniques get AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which for some motive are wi-fi on the SE and SEL however wired on the N-Line and Restricted. When choosing the Comfort Bundle for wi-fi charging it’s a $2,200 premium.

The ground is flat on the Kona EV as there is no such thing as a transmission, however the Kona gasoline fashions have a minimal transmission hump for rear seat passengers, who’ve three inches of further leg room, because the Kona makes use of each shift-by-cable and shift-by-wire transmissions.

The entrance seats have been contracted by 30% for added rear leg room, and the sofa-like rear seat reclines, which is new for Hyundai. Rear cargo area is 25.5 cubic toes with the rear seat upright, however grows to a really useable 63.7 cubic toes when the 60:40 rear seat is folded flat. The lift-over for the rear storage space is low although the Kona is taller. Relying on the trim, seat floor supplies embody material, suede-like Alcantara (an artificial textile comprised of a mix of polyester and polyurethane) and Hello-Tex leatherette.

Hitting the Street

Departing Fells Point, Maryland, Baltimore’s historic waterfront, we headed out of the town destined for Sagamore Farmby some stunning rolling hills horse nation. The naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder within the Kona SEL AWD cruised nicely on the flats, with the CVT responding easily. That is true for all CVTs as they’re designed for effectivity and never efficiency. However when pulling a slight rise within the street, the CVT tended to lag so punching the throttle was essential to discover a decrease “gear,” although, after all, there are none on a CVT. This was superb and anticipated, with all different facets of this engine and transmission mixture very livable for each day commute and round city driving.

After lunch, my driving accomplice and I bought right into a Kona N-Line AWD with the turbocharged 1.6-liter and the 8-speed computerized transmission with paddle shifters. Regularly I discover paddle shifters to be pointless on the automobiles I assessment, however within the case of the Kona N-Line, I wanted them at instances.

Trendy 8, 9 and 10-speed computerized transmissions are programed to get into the upper gears as rapidly as attainable, and keep there, all within the curiosity of gas economic system. The draw back is that they don’t wish to downshift rapidly or on the proper time when extra oomph is required. I discovered myself transferring alongside properly, within the Regular drive mode at 50 mph, within the highest gear, which was superb for cruising flat. However when climbing even the smallest of rises within the street the N-Line started to gradual appreciably. This was remedied by choosing the Sport drive mode and blipping the left-side paddle down a gear or two. The turbocharged 1.6-liter responded rapidly and with out hesitation, pulling the elevation rise with ease. This gave the N-Line some spirit and allowed it to point out what it may do.

Expertise and Security

The Kona comes with an in depth record of ordinary security options starting with entrance, aspect affect and aspect air curtain airbags. Hyundai’s SmartSensesecurity tech is strong with Advance Driver Help Programs (ADAS) that embody a encompass view digital camera, lane maintaining help, blind spot detection, ahead collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic avoidance help. Click on the above hyperlink to find out about their security suite. Different options are Auto Maintain, a encompass and blind view monitor with parking sensors, anti-lock brakes, and a tire stress monitoring system.

The Hyundai Blue Link telematics app supplies entry to car techniques together with distant beginning, and the Digital Key supplies further comfort and security.

Pricing and Availability

These 2024 Kona costs embody the necessary $1,335 Freight fees. The Kona gasoline fashions are in sellers now in North America.

• SE            2.0L FWD     $25,435
• SEL          2.0L FWD     $26,785
• SE            2.0L AWD     $26,935
• SEL          2.0L AWD     $28,285
• N-Line      1.6L  FWD     $31,985
• N-Line      1.6L AWD      $33,485
• Restricted     1.6L  FWD     $32,985
• Restricted     1.6L  AWD     $34,485

Observations: 2024 Hyundai Kona

The tv commercial tagline for the 2024 Hyundai Kona is “Whether or not we’re prepared to just accept it or not, the commute is again.” Clearly taking part in off the post-pandemic distant working pattern of increasingly more corporations requiring their employees to be within the workplace not less than few days per week. The tv spot reveals employees, snug working from house for the previous couple years, now coping with the fact of rush hour site visitors.

The spots are intelligent and level to the strengths of the 2024 Kona. Whereas is it bigger in all dimensions than the outgoing mannequin, it’s nonetheless categorised as a small or compact SUV. Hyundai says the all-new Kona is the “final commute conquering machine” and after a couple of hours behind the wheel, we agree it might make for a snug commute.

Hyundai makes the purpose the Kona is “designed for energetic and numerous life” which, contemplating its dimension, would imply singles or {couples} with out kids shall be drawn to this compact SUV, in all probability laying-down the second row seat completely and filling the cargo area with outside journey gear.

Clear Fleet Report will write a way more detailed Street Check assessment after getting within the Kona for greater than a pair hours. We additionally shall be among the many first to assessment the all-new 2024 Kona Electrical, which ought to be someday within the subsequent few months because it goes on-sale earlier than the tip of 2023.

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Story by John Faulkner. Photographs by John Faulkner and Hyundai.

Disclosure:

Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at automobiles from automakers to judge, usually for per week at a time. Our street exams are based mostly on this one-week drive of a brand new car. Due to this we don’t deal with points akin to long-term reliability or complete price of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new automobiles or know-how. As a part of these occasions we could also be provided free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of automobiles and information irrespective of those inducements.

Our focus is on automobiles that provide one of the best gas economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical automobiles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered automobiles which can be among the many prime mpg automobiles of their class. As well as, we goal to supply opinions and information on superior know-how and the choice gas car market. We welcome any suggestions from car house owners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for various viewpoints. Please tell us your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.