A facelifted Hyundai Kona was introduced into the SA new car market earlier today. Since the new nameplate’s introduction here in 2018 almost 1 800 units have found new homes in SA. This number has added to Hyundai’s massive success in the last few years. As the market moves from hatchback and sedan ownership to SUV/crossovers Hyundai SA has reacted quickly to provide a range of products for buyers to choose from.

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New face

The most notable change on the facelifted Hyundai Kona is the, err… face. Hyundai’s designers have resculpted the frontal aspect. It’s new appearance, with a wider and chunkier grille, brings it more in line with the likes of the revised Santa Fe (which we drove and reported on here).

At the rear there has been a slight tweak of the lights and the unpainted sections of the bumper are now grey instead of black. In profile there are new alloy wheels, which are different in design and size depending on which derivative you opt for. Speaking of which…

You can view pics of the pre-facelift Kona in our original launch report here.

Three flavours

Hyundai’s initial two variant line-up has been extended to three, with a new engine and transmission option on offer. The local subsidiary has done away with a manual transmission from the rejigged range as well as the 1,0-litre turbo engine. There are still two engines available. A 2,0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder with 110 kW/180 N.m is mated exclusively with a torque converter automatic. A 1,6-litre turbopetrol, which produces 146 kW/265 N.m, is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Both engines can be found in the Executive trim derivatives, with the turbopetrol also available in N-Line spec. The latter isn’t to be confused with the high-performance Kona N that Hyundai SA has confirmed will be introduced locally in the first quarter of 2022. N-Line versions can be differentiated by their body coloured wheel arches and model-specific alloys (red car pictured above).

Click here to read about the full-fat Hyundai Kona N.

Standard spec

Hyundai has taken the opportunity to increase the standard spec on the Konda to coincide with the new face and realignment of the range. Climate control air-conditioning is now standard fitment, as is an eight-inch infotainment screen with wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and voice control capabilities. As standard there is also cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel, wireless mobile phone charging, rear parking sensors and a rear-facing camera. 

Pricing 

Hyundai Kona 2,0 Exec AT R449 900

Hyundai Kona 1,6 TGDI Exec DCT R499 900

Hyundai Kona 1,6 TGDI N-Line DCT R579 900

Prices include Hyundai’s class-leading seven-year/200 000 km warranty and a five-year/75 000 km service plan.