2021 Hyundai Kona facelift launched in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: It was just last October when Hyundai introduced the Kona compact SUV in the Malaysian market for the first time. In less than 6 months, here comes an all-new 2021 Hyundai Kona facelift. Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors today launched the SUV’s new version with a sleeker and more stylish look loaded with a variety of design upgrades, advanced features, and a new engine under the bonnet. So, let’s check out the details.

Starting with the 2021 Hyundai Kona price, the new model is on offer in two variants - Kona Standard and Kona Active, priced at RM 119,888 and RM 136,888, respectively. The mentioned prices are on the road, without Insurance. 

Design-wise, the new Kona features a striking front fascia with a newly designed bold grille, thin LED daylight running lights and curved bonnet design. The bumper is integrated with wheel arch claddings to form a unique and robust armour, while the skid plate on the lower bumper merges with the lower air intake, complementing the shape of the upper grille. At the back, the SUV gets new tail lights with horizontally stretched graphics, a new bumper following the protective armour concept of the front. Added to the tweaks are new 17- or 18-inch wheel designs.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona colour choices include:

• Kona Standard - Chalk White, Galactic Grey, Surfy Blue, and Pulse Red 
• Kona Active - Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Dark Knight, and Misty Jungle

“With a bold, progressive design and adventurous personality, the KONA has become an icon in its segment. We are more confident than before of the Hyundai KONA’s success in Malaysia despite the fierce competition in this segment,” said Mr. Low Yuan Lung, Managing Director of HSDM.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona interior has a more upmarket look as compared to the previous version. There is a wider dashboard, a new console area separated from the instrument cluster, and new colour themes and material, The new options for the seat covers are a black woven houndstooth design, cloth seats with black, and grey embossing, and perforated leather seats in black or beige.

Added to the list of creature comforts are an electric parking brake with auto hold function, remote engine start function with the smart key, and Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity with Waze and Google Map for navigation. There is also a new 10.25-inch digital cluster for the Kona Active in addition to the 8-inch AVN screen. .

Powering the upgraded Kona is a new two-wheel-drive Smartstream G2.0 Atkinson four-cylinder petrol engine producing a maximum power of 149 PS at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 180 Nm at 4,500 rpm. Paired with a Smartstream IVT transmission, the engine offers dynamic performance with a smoother, comfortable driving experience, reduced emissions, and better fuel efficiency, says Hyundai.

When it comes to safety, the South Korean automaker has loaded the top-spec Kona Active with a glut of advanced systems, including 

• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Rear Cross Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist 
• Safe Exit Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert
• Rear Occupant Alert
• High Beam Assist
• Upgraded Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and vehicle detection

On purchase of the 2021 Hyundai Kona, the customers will get a five-year or 300,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and also a 3-year or 50,000 km free maintenance service. The new Kona is now on display at all Hyundai showrooms nationwide.

Also read: Hyundai Malaysia launches two customer loyalty programmes