Test Drive Hyundai Kona challenges Ssangyong Tivoli
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The Hyundai Motor Kona small-size SUV being driven on a highway in Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Hyundai Motor is offering the small-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) Kona for a test drive during the nation’s largest automaker’s auto event in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. The new model aims to spearhead the nation’s fastest-growing auto market, challenging Ssangyong Motor’s Tivoli SUV.
“A total of 7,000 Kona small-SUVs have been sold in the 10 days since Hyundai Motor started receiving orders on June 27,” said Lee Kwang-guk Executive Vice President overseeing the domestic sales division.
Targeting the nation’s young motorists in their 20s and 30s, the Kona SUV is perfect as a first car.
With a wide driving vision as well as various conveniences, the Hyundai Kona SUV is a reliable and stylish compact SUV.
The Kona SUV’s dynamic exterior is based on its low and wide stance with Hyundai Motor’s characteristic cascading grille. The daylight headlamps and main lamps are divided into upper and lower sides in front. The Kona SUV also features so-called "armor" bumper garnish, which make it look like an ice hockey player's shoulder pad.
Emphasizing its sporty design characteristics, the Kona SUV offers various color choices to cater to young motorists’ tastes. The roof features a different color from the vehicle's body.
Unlike its catchy exterior, the Kona SUV’s interior concentrates on driver comfort with its wide dashboard and large navigation panel. The center fascia is also intuitive enough for drivers to control its air conditioner and infotainment features.
It comes with a choice of two engines _ a 1.6-liter gasoline turbo GDi and a 1.6-liter diesel eVGT engine. This reporter was offered the 1.6-liter gasoline turbo-engine vehicle.
Producing a maximum 177 horsepower with a 27.0 kgf.m torque, the Kona SUV’s acceleration was punchier than its competitors in the market _ the Ssangyong Tivoli, the Renault Samsung QM3 and the GM Trax compact SUV. The wind noise came at speeds above 120 kilometers per hour, but it was acceptable.
The Kona SUV’s highest trim level also offers various advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), assisting the driver on various occasions with beep alerts.
“About 45 percent of the Kona SUV customers are in their 20s and 30s. Of them 51 percent are female,” a Hyundai Motor official said.