2021 Hyundai Kona, Kona N Line revamped

Hyundai has earlier today during an online event taken the wraps off its updated 2021 Kona SUV, with revamped design along with a new N Line trim option. Headed to Mzansi dealerships already, the Kona is among the automaker’s smallest SUVs for our shores, not to mention some of its most affordable.

2021 Hyundai Kona

For the petrol powered 2021 Kona, the changes for the new model year kick off with a makeover of the external design. There’s a new fascia, with bolder cladding and stronger lines, while the bonnet has been stretched to overlap more with the front grille.

LED daytime running lamps have been added, while underneath the grille the bumper now links with the front cladding. Hyundai have made the crossover 1.6-inches longer, too, to give it more visual heft, while the skid plate elements now match the lower door trim. At the rear, there are new taillamps and a new fascia in a contrast finish. Hyundai has also refreshed its alloy wheel options.

Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of two engines. The entry-model Kona gets a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine, with 110kW and 180Nm worth of torque. It’s paired with a variable transmission. Available on the higher trims is a 1.6-lite 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, with 146kW and 265Nm. It’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Inside, like the exterior there’s more of a focus on rugged styling. The new console features a floating display on top, and there’s new ambient lighting and aluminium-effect trim. An electronic parking brake is an option, while the longer length adds rear legroom and cargo space. Those in the back also get USB ports now, too.

A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is available, supporting multiple Bluetooth connections along with voice control over AC, multimedia, rear window and side mirror heating, steering wheel heating, and more. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported. There was no word on Hyundai’s Digital Key system.

Adaptive cruise control is offered, plus Highway Drive Assist which combines that with lane-keeping. Forward collision avoidance assistance with pedestrian and cyclist detection is also available, along with rear cross traffic collision avoidance assistance. Lane following assistance and blind spot collision avoidance assistance are also available.

2021 Hyundai Kona N Line

New for the Kona N Line is a sportier version of the crossover. It gets the turbo engine as standard, but also throws on a style pack. That includes a new front bumper which links with the body-colour wheel arch cladding, while the skid plate design is swapped for an N design aero lip with corner fins. There are special mesh features, too.

N Line 18-inch alloys with a special design are standard, as is a larger, central aero diffuser in contrast finish at the rear. Dual exhaust tips and rear bumper edge strakes are used. Inside, there’s a special N Line colour package, with black seats using red contrast stitching, plus a black headliner, metal pedals, and N Logos on the seat, steering wheel, and shift lever. A 10.25-inch digital cluster and matching 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen are available.

Pricing for the new Hyundai Kona starts at R449 900 for the 2.0 Executive IVT and R499 900 for the 1.6 TGDI Executive DCT while the 1.6 TGDI N Line DCT is priced from R579 900.

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Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.