Hyundai Kona Hybrid gets Ioniq mill

KUALA LUMPUR: Placed between the ICE-powered Kona and the battery-powered Kona Electric is the newly introduced Kona Hybrid. The said car has been introduced in the Europen market, and according to Hyundai, it comes as a response to the ever-growing demand of SUV-like eco-mobility options. The Kona model was first introduced in 2017, and the company has sold around 120,000 units until now in Europe.

Starting with the powertrain, the Kona Hybrid sources its power from a 1.6-litre Atkinson GDI 4-cylinder mill that develops a maximum power of 105 PS along with a peak torque of 147 Nm. This engine is coupled to a permanent magnet electric motor that churns out 43.5 PS of power and 170 Nm of torque. The total system output stands at 141 PS and 265 Nm.

As for the battery specifications, the Hybrid model features a 1.56 kWh lithium-ion polymer unit. Like a typical Hyundai car, Kona Hybrid transmits power to the wheels via 6-speed dual-clutch transmission unit.

The cabin is loaded with high-tech comfort and convenient features. In the list are included -

• Hyundai Blue Link, allowing the driver to lock and unlock the car remotely
• Optional Audio Video Navigation system, it displays info on the 10.25-inch split touchscreen
• Cloud-based voice recognition (6 languages)
• 7-inch Display Audio System with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

• Hyundai Live Services, providing live traffic, weather, speed camera warning, parking availability, nearest fuel station information
• Eco-Driving Assist System, it helps improve mileage
• Navigation system with integrated Coasting Guide analyses road info
• Predictive Energy Management system, it takes care of battery charging & discharging in up- and down-hill situations

Speaking of the upholstery, while the standard model gets fabric seats, the top variants benefit from black leather with white stitching coverage. The cabin color kit includes white trim around gear shift bezel, air vent surrounds, along with gloss black accent air vent bezel and steering wheel. The headliner is gray.

At the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show was displayed the standard Kona, the car is scheduled for year-end launch.