Hyundai Kona Active 2018 review: long term 

Great review. I bought the Kona 1.6 turbo petrol Elite model back in May and so far could not be happier with it. For the size it's quite a good ride and with all the safety features it's a great vehicle. The only down side would be is I'm not keen on the space-saver spare tyre. Some people think the Kona is also ugly with all the plastic around the outside etc but hey, it's a lot easier and cheaper to replace if damaged plus have a look at a lot of other recent SUV models, they all have that too in some degree. I love the Kona!

i LOVE my baby blue Kona

On holiday in Hobart Nov'17 wife drove dealer demo 'elite' Kona with 2 ltire & safety pack & loved it. Ultimately bought an i30 for fantastic handling & esp Radar Cruise which Kona's yet to include. Love our i30SRPremium. If my teenage Getz EVER fails, I'll go for Kona. Hyundai has proven the most reliable brand of my life & I'm a v senior 'senior' who'se owned a huge variety since 1961.

Got my Elite turbo in December 2017, no issues at all. The rear vents are under the front seats facing rearwards. My front collision avoidance system kicked in once when a clown stomped his brakes @100KPH to take a turnoff. For 6 months I was the only kid on the block with one, now they are EVERYWHERE !

Low and not eye-searing headlights on a high-ride vehicle? Amazing!

I love kona 1.0 manual

Nice review.Wanted something to replace my written off 2015 I30 and this looks like a good contender.

I'd like to get one for my wife to drive. I'd get the 2.0 liter and automatic like you show. That's the more reliable set up I'd say. Plus I have that 2.0 in my Elantra. 59k. Only had a thermostat software update.

You are 180cm with a 6'2" son. I hate it when measurements are inconsistent!

very nice, like it

You'll mention Subaru Forester regarding false alerts with the safety packs, but shy away from naming BMW or Mercedes or Audi by saying "an very expensive German car". Why so timid?

The 2.0L would be reliable since it’s a simple engine and this car has pretty basic electronics. Build quality may not be on the same level as say a Honda but I’m sure this car will last a pretty long time with very few issues. I may consider one. A family member of mine purchased a naturally aspirated Kia and it’s been very reliable with no issues for 11 years so these Korean cars are fine.

@CarsGuide Great, great review! I just bought the Kona as well and I’m SO happy with it. I have the same engine as yours - but upgraded to the luxury model. Question: does your version not have the 3 modes? *Normal/Eco/Sport?* My model has this feature and when put into ‘sport mode’ it is extremely peppy! The extra kick needed for the highway and added quick acceleration. 👍😎

Map pockets, usb, air vent comes with higher options, doesnt it?

Great

Thank you!

Was that fuel economy based on the trip computer or was it accurately calculated? I'm getting 6L/100kms from my 2L kona active (have had mine 4 months) and can only achieve 8's on absurdly short trips or revving the tits off it in the sport drive mode. I leave mine in the comfort drive setting so maybe that's it?

8/10 not biased

I forgot that Australian cars have the drivers on the "wrong" side (as we say here in America), thought your camera was mirrored... I test drove the SEL and find the cloth seats in YOUR Kona nicer to look at then the plaid ugly pattern in the U.S. version. That being said, you don't see the plaid pattern when your bum is on the seat so I could live with the cloth pattern.

Good review.

Is it me or does he look like Gordon Ramsay?

does this car even have a spare tyre and jack ?

ultimate spec more fun

Mee

Its based on the I20 chassis

5k is toooo much for small box

Nah,few more bucks n its Mazda CX5 for me!

I doubt that it going to catch on in North American market knowing the fact that you get better options

Good review, only one slight gripe if you will. Kona *isn't a jacked up I30* , Hyundai created a dedicated subcompact SUV platform for this market... "Mike O'Brien, Hyundai's vice president of corporate planning, product planning and digital business, said the *Kona's dedicated platform* has been optimized for size and sales." www.forbes.com/sites/sebastianblanco/2018/03/21/hyundai-kona-platform-optimized-for-gas-diesel-electric-powertrains/#49c5243f5955 There are several articles with quotes from Hyundai reps stating this fact online. It may also be used for the Genesis line as a luxury subcompact SUV. SUVs are planned for the Genesis line in the future. It's also optimized for a hybrid/electric powertrain. On another note. If you want more power get the 1.6T petrol. Problem solved.

Where’s Nikki?? We want Nikki. We want Nikki. You two worked great together. Oh yes, this review was very good too.

That watch is way to big for your baby wrist

If this is a SUV then Toyota Prius is a Truck

Safety extras are for Noobs.

your wrong kona is fast brahhhh even you get the 1.0 120 hp! brahhh

im going to mention the elephant in the room, its butt ugly!!