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.
Bu hikaye Autocar UK dergisinin August 16, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Autocar UK dergisinin August 16, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
MG 4
An EV changes your driving style - but not to the detriment of pleasure
PEUGEOT E-208
Time with our French hatch is up. Is it good riddance or au revoir?
In the hot seat
Is the best automotive job in the world actually in miniature scale? Hot Wheels' design boss assures STEPHEN DOBIE it is
Correcting the record
Autocar invented the road test back in 1928 - or did we? KEITH JONES trawls the past to find the true starting point
Road test rebooted
As the Autocar road test forges into its second century, its brief is expanding and it's returning to a familiar place. MATT SAUNDERS explains
Cyber attack
MG is back on the international stage and now trying to return to its sports car roots. MATT SAUNDERS sees if the Cyberster EV can match up to a rival from the present and a relation from the past
KIA PICANTO
As rivals fall by the wayside, Kia's popular city car gets a makeover
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
Latest coupé in a long line of Maserati GT cars hits the UK with V6 power
PORSCHE CAYENNE GTS COUPE
New V8 model gets all the goodies
TOYOTA PRIUS
Back by popular demand with a cool new look and greater driver appeal
