Hyundai has added another variant of its sub-compact SUV Kona, this time for the European customers. The customers were apparently demanding eco-friendly SUVs.
In terms of the looks, the Kona Hybrid doesn’t look any different than the original Kona that debuted in 2017, besides the Blue Drive and hybrid badging of course. Those interesting looking wheels are optional and measure 18-inch and are shod with Michelin Pilot Sport tires; 16-inch wheels are standard. In addition to the new Blue Lagoon with a black roof finish, customers can choose from 26 other color combinations. Full LED technology for the twin headlamps is optional too.
Interiors get some generous Blue highlights to distinguish the Hybrid variant from the regular Kona. Features include a 10.25-inch infotainment system which comes with ECO-Driving Assist System (ECO-DAS) to help improve fuel economy. The integrated Coasting Guide analyses road information from the navigation system to notify the driver when deceleration (change of direction, cross-roads, highway exits) is imminent. According to Hyundai, the feature aims to reduce fuel consumption and minimize brake usage. The Coasting Guide can be activated in Eco mode between 40 and 160 km/h (25 and 99 mph).
Eco-DAS is further equipped with a Predictive Energy Management system, which manages charging and discharging of the battery in uphill and downhill situations to maximize the battery usage. The electric motor can also assist going uphill in order to improve fuel efficiency. The electric power is then recovered on the way downhill by regenerative braking.
A 7-inch system comes as standard and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Safety package includes Front Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection ability. Buyers can also go for the optional Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go, and Lane Following Assist that works in tandem with SCC. Additional options include Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning. Driver Attention Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist come as standard.
Moving on to the business end of the story, the Kona Hybrid’s powertrain is a combination of 1.6-litre (1,580 cc) Atkinson cycle Kappa petrol engine that puts out 105 hp at 5,700 rpm and 147 Nm (108 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm, and an electric motor that produces 32 kW (43.5 hp) and 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) of torque. Transmission is a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic with Sport mode and paddle shifters.
The lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity of 1.56 kWh. With 16-inch wheels, the Kona Hybrid is claimed to accelerate from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.2 seconds while the 18-inch ones take an additional 0.4 seconds, apparently. The top speed is 160 km/h (99 mph).
The new Kona Hybrid will be available to customers from August 2019.
Also Read: Overwhelming demand for all-electric Hyundai Kona in Norway
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