Review: Hyundai Kona 2.0 Active – A stellar left-field alternative?

At this point, it’s safe to say that all attention in the B-segment compact crossover SUV space is being conquered by two main protagonists – no prizes for guessing what they are.

Despite this, the folks over at Hyundai Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) remain confident with their rival against said segment conquerors featured here – the Kona 2.0 Active.

Having spent a few days piloting it recently, we’re certain this rather left-field choice has got enough to satisfy prospects seeking something less predictable. Here’s what we garnered from the Hyundai Kona 2.0 Active.

OVERVIEW

In the recently refreshed Kona range, the 2.0 Active sits above a rather ‘basic’ 2.0 variant and just below the turbocharged 1.6 Turbo and N-Line duo.

The good news here is that this 2.0 Active variant is brimmed with similar features and tech as seen in its higher-specced siblings, sans the peppy turbo-DCT powertrain choice of course.

That’s not bad considering the RM141,328 price tag (OTR sans insurance) it commands.

There’s also plenty of style present, and we’re not just talking about this Korean fighter’s snazzy exterior – it has an interior to match too. Predictably, the kit count, especially on the convenience and safety fronts, also help to justify said figure too.

Back to the exterior and we’re certain this Hyundai’s design has already wooed plenty of admirers. Key highlights include all-LED lighting, snazzy 18-inch wheels, the typical SUV traits like the rugged body cladding and lifted ride-height, not forgetting a rather pleasant blue hue that our tester-came dressed in.

Surely, if the Kona 2.0 Active’s exterior looks doesn’t compel you enough, then perhaps its rather posh and seemingly tech-laden innards will…

ON THE INSIDE

We’ll be honest and concede that this isn’t the most spacious or space-efficient offering in class. Nevertheless, it does still offer a sizeable glove box and centre console cubbie, as well as 60:40 split-folding rear seats to expand its standard 361-litre boot space further.

However, the presence of posh leather upholstery, rich use of soft-touch plastics in all the key touchpoints, as well as the respectably high noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) suppression present, all bode well in making this a pleasant space for anyone to be in.

Then there’s the level of kit and tech that elevate things further. Key highlights here include the revised 8-inch touchscreen head unit that offers Apple and Android connectivity, as well as a digital TFT LCD instrument panel complemented with a neat head-up display.

Hyundai also covered basic convenience well here too through the inclusion of keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, electronic driver seat adjustment, as well as three USB ports to sate all your gadget-charging needs. Surely, this variant of the Kona holds up well against its key rivals here.

DRIVING

In terms of driving dynamics, the Kona 2.0 Active isn’t as engaging as it looks would suggest, but it is far from shabby. Key to this is comfort stemming from the long-travel suspension and supple damping tuned into them. These allow the Kona to soak up bumps and imperfections in relatively high stride, as well as a comfy ride too.

Vague as it may be, the electric power steering’s precision and lightness are perfect for daily traffic grinds. In this 2.0 Active variant’s case, you’ll also benefit with several useful conveniences like lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, blind-spot info and warning, a passive cruise control unit, as well as an auto brake-hold function – handy in both urban crawls and highway jaunts.

In terms of pep, the 2.0-litre 4-cyl mill mounted up front delivers a respectable amount of which – 240 hp and 180 Nm – and gets this crossover’s claimed 1,330kg heft going with ease. What’s surprising here is the CVT transmission’s rather smooth and refined feel. It does have that typically noisy drone when pushed, but it’s a smooth operator once you get used to it.

On top of three selectable drive modes - Eco, Normal, and Sport - the Kona also offers three Traction Modes - Snow, Mud, and Sand. The latter means the Kona will be able to do a little spot of soft-roading if needed, and this is something the bulk of its rivals actually cannot commit too - a huge plus in the Kona’s favour indeed.

Sure, the offer of a turbocharged mill plus an even slicker 7-speed DCT box in the high-specced variants seems tempting, but they come at much higher prices – over RM150,000. If performance is not a priority, then the Kona 2.0 Active’s rather respectable pep and somewhat smooth operation will sate the needs of just about anyone anytime.

SAFETY

We reckon this aspect of the Kona 2.0 Active will woo any prospect into its favour as it closely mirrors its high-specced siblings here, and there’s plenty to marvel in.

For starters, the basics are covered well through the presence of six airbags, ABS and EBD, stability control (ESP), as well as ISOFIX childseat anchors.

Then comes the myriad of advanced safety features warranted in a crossover of this price. Besides lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist plus blind-spot info and warning systems mentioned earlier, this Kona also gets both forward-collision warning (FCW) autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems, high-beam assist, as well as driver attention assist.

In short, Hyundai have also ensured the Kona 2.0 Active stands equally as safe as all its key rivals Surely, this only adds to justifying its price tag too.

RUNNING COSTS & RELIABILITY

Throughout our drive, we came close to meeting this crossover’s claimed 6.2 litres/100km NEDC fuel economy rating – we averaged 6.5 litres/100km. With frugal driving, especially in Eco drive mode, a full fill-up of the 50-litre tank with RON95 shouldn’t cost more than RM100 and return at least 650 km travel range too.

In the grand scheme of things, that puts the Kona 2.0 Active on equal footing against chief rivals like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.

As for reliability, Hyundai’s current crop of cars tend to have little wrong from the get-go, and it’s been so for some time already. If anything, HSDM’s offer of a 5-year or 300,000 km warranty coverage ought to supply the peace of mind anyone needs, really.

SHOULD YOU BUY ONE?

If you don’t mind the slightly cramped cabin and tinier boot space over its peers, and you seek something a little less predictable, then this Korean fighter is worth a serious look, and that’s despite its slightly princelier price tag.

Nevertheless, it’s safe to say that those willing to venture into the left-field of this hotly-contested segment will find somewhat of a gem. In the case of this Kona, we reckon those brave enough to adopt it wouldn’t have any regrets. Are you keen to layan this Kona now?

SPECIFICATIONS

2022 Hyundai Kona 2.0 Active