2024 Hyundai Kona N Line
Price: $38,430 CAD
Colour: Cyber Grey
The compact SUV/CUV segment is very likely the most competitive space in all of automobilia. Carmakers must make cars for this segment, but the competition is such that it’s very difficult to stand out. I’ve driven the Hyundai Kona numerous times over the last five years (I nearly bought one in fact). Every time I was behind the wheel it was a pleasant experience and the vehicle highlighted just how good Hyundai is at this kind of car. The problem of course is how do you improve on something that is so good to begin with? The key it seems is to push the envelope even harder.
When the Kona debuted in 2018, I was impressed immediately. It was dynamic, good-looking and affordable. It had the right blend of equipment with a good engine range offering and you could get it with AWD. It wasn’t without faults of course. The bare plastic cladding was so extensive you’d swear you were looking at a modern Subaru and the carpet was that horrible cheap Velcro crap that nearly ruins everything. You could however fix the cladding issue by purchasing the top model which came fully painted. There was no hope for the carpet problem, but I like to believe Hyundai read my review of that first-generation car and realised the error of their ways as the the new Kona comes with proper carpet. This is proof there is a god.
I mentioned earlier that the first-generation Kona was a good-looking car. How then to not ruin that while still producing a new car that actually looks new? Not sure how they did it, but Hyundai has done just that. The new Kona looks even better than the old one. It carries forward the new design language Hyundai has been using in vehicles like the Tucson where they’re kind of pre-dented without losing its good looks. The front end features a light band across the entire front that should only be on the EV Kona but here it is on the regular one as well. The looks of the new Kona invite you inside where you’ll find there’s more incremental improvements.
Hyundai puts good interiors in their cars. The materials are high quality and the whole thing is laid out well. The N Line trim comes with alcantara inserts that will be a nightmare to keep clean but at least they’re dark grey. You also get a lovely infotainment offering with the dual 12” screens that are HD and easy to use. I will note that this press vehicle didn’t have the “Ultimate” package fitted to it and that means it doesn’t have those fabulous turn signal cameras or 360 cameras. It’s sorely missed on this car. The Ultimate package costs $3,000 CAD and in addition to the turn signal cameras you also get ventilated seats, remote smart park assist (more useful than you might imagine) and an upgraded stereo. It’s worth every penny.
The 2024 Kona comes with the same powertrain offerings on the first generation. This isn’t a bad thing as the 1.6L turbo is all you really need for a vehicle of this size. It generates 190hp and the same in torque. While turbo lag means you will take a beat to get going, once you’re at speed it’s a really solid motor that gives you enough power for the daily grind. In lower trims you can get a 2.5L mouth breather engine as well. I can’t recommend this one as it’s pretty numb and could lead to dark thoughts.
I’m an amateur detailer and I love nothing more than ridding our family car of the accumulated filth and misery inflicted upon it by family. The most important step in this process is vacuuming the carpet. A good vacuum is considered the majority of the work in a great detail. In recent years carmakers have started putting really cheap carpet in cars. It looks like the hard plastic loop component of Velcro, and it will not release dirt, hair, twigs, lint or anything else that gets matted into it by my hooligan spawn or loving wife. The first-generation Kona had just such carpet and it was a horrible thing to see given how great the rest of the car was. Incredibly, Hyundai decided to spend the extra $28 for proper carpet and the new Kona is all the better for it. I can see myself spending a Saturday morning vacuuming away, happy as a clam in my Kona.
I’ve often waxed lyrical about the rise of Hyundai in recent years. They have evolved so much in such a relatively short period of time. Like any artist with such a string of recent hits however, it’s hard to come up with a good follow-up performance. With cars like the Kona entering their second generations it would be easy to stumble and make mistakes, thus giving away all that good will so hard gained from the car buying public. Hyundai however, continues to push design, value and quality in their cars and show no signs of stopping. This could lead to a really long career.
