What's the news?
If you like the Hyundai Kona and yet you want a model that's ecologically sound - but the full Kona Electric is perhaps a bit too advanced - then this variant should please you: it's the Kona Hybrid.
With almost 120,000 Konas sold in Europe since its launch in 2017, the Hybrid model was almost an inevitability for this popular B-segment crossover. And, building on the recently refreshed Ioniq, this part-electric Kona uses a 1.6-litre 'Kappa' GDI petrol engine (with 105hp and 147Nm), with a 32kW (43.5hp) permanent magnet synchronous electric motor bundling another 170Nm into the mix.
Powering the electrical half of the drivetrain is a 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery, with the total outputs of the Kona Hybrid maxing out at 141hp and 265Nm. The top speed is restricted to 160km/h, with 0-100km/h coming up in 11.2 seconds on the standard-fit 16-inch wheels (11.6 seconds on optional 18s). Expect 3.9 litres/100km (72.4mpg) on the 16s (4.3 litres/100km, or 65.7mpg on the 18s), with CO2 rated at 90g/km (99g/km on 18s). Power goes to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch autopmatic transmission.
The Kona Hybrid will come with BlueLink connected telematics, the option of having a 10.25-inch split touchscreen for the infotainment, standard support of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the seven-inch infotainment, and an interior featuring white accents to highlight its hybrid status. Eight exterior colours will include the launch finish of Blue Lagoon, while the electrified Kona will get the full Hyundai SmartSense safety technology package. Saying all that, we are awaiting news on the Irish-market version of the Kona Hybrid.
Anything else?
Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, vice-president of marketing and product at Hyundai Motor Europe, said: "Hyundai already offers the widest range of powertrains and with the launch of the all-new Kona Hybrid, we are offering our European customers even more choice when it comes to eco-friendly SUV models. In addition to its stylish design and efficient hybrid powertrain, customers can now also enjoy cutting-edge connectivity features."