Is it possible to be excited by a new small hybrid crossover? I wouldn't have thought so, but when this Hyundai Kona test car was delivered, I must admit that I was - if only a little.
Some new cars just instantly blend in, but this one, with its strakes, pronounced wheel arches and busy detailing, plus a Starfleetfriendly Geordi La Forge headlight, is certainly impactful. Judging by the reaction online, not everyone loves the new second-generation Kona's bold new look, but at least it's not boring.
The theme continues inside. There are stripes, trays and a panoramic dashboard screen, but with those come acres of knobs and buttons, all housed in a console whose silvery finish is oddly reminiscent of an early-2000s hi-fi. Even in range-topping trims, though, most of it is hard plastic.
Of course, underneath the wild design, the mechanicals are fairly predictable. The Kona sits on a front-wheel-drive platform that accommodates a pure-petrol engine, a hybrid powertrain or a big battery pack for an EV.
This story is from the August 16, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 16, 2023 edition of Autocar UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The venomous nature of the Cobra
Last week, Matt Prior drove a totally new kind of AC Cobra. This is a car with one of the strongest allures of all - but also an incredibly complex and controversial history.
SKODA KAMIQ
A long getting-to-know-you trip to Spain reveals all
THE SEVEN-YEAR TITCH
Outgoing baby Jag is plush, practical and now eminently affordable
'Our time has come'
Honda may be late to the EV party, but a barrage of bold new battery-powered cars is on the way. JAMES ATTWOOD speaks to boss Toshihiro Mibe at its R&D base to find out what's in store
Lion kings
Plush, powerful four-door cars are an endangered species - and now Peugeot has called time on its latest, the 508 PSE. STEPHEN DOBIE compares it with its most significant ancestor, the 505 GTI
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
Wolfsburg gives the lesser-known Golf PHEV a big-impact refresh
PORSCHE PANAMERA GTS
Stuttgart's latest 'bahnstormer targets driver appeal over outright punch
MERCEDES-AMG GT 63 PRO
Hardcore variant of V8 sports car engineered with track days in mind
TESLA REVEALS ROBOTAXI
Firm unveils Cybercab coupé and 20-seat Robovan in autonomy push
DACIA PLOTS AMBITIOUS EXPANDED EURO LINE-UP
Firm teases something different’ ahead of impending C-segment reveal
