Hyundai Kona (2018-2025) Buyer’s Guide

Initially positioned alongside its Creta sibling, the Hyundai Kona prioritised eye-catching design over outright practicality. Considering a used version of this compact crossover? Here’s what you need to know…

When the Hyundai Kona touched down in South Africa in the final quarter of 2018, it held an unusual position in the South Korean firm’s local stable. In a departure from Hyundai Automotive SA’s typically conservative approach to product planning, this distinctively styled crossover shared a vast overlap in pricing with the popular Creta.

Hyundai argued that the Creta and Kona appealed to entirely different demographics, despite both playing in (what was already) a crowded compact-crossover segment. With its staid styling and practical cabin, the former was designed for pragmatic family-car buyers, while the latter was somewhat smaller but more premium, with its bold design intended to catch the eye of young-at-heart, trendy customers.

Built on the same platform as the i30 hatchback, the OS-series Kona was billed as a “global” model that had a key role to play in Europe (for the record, the SA-spec Kona was sourced from the Ulsan plant in South Korea). In contrast, the Indian-made Creta was conceived specifically for developing nations.

Predictably, the 1st-gen Creta was far more popular than the Kona in Mzansi. Nevertheless, the Kona – named after a region of Hawaii, though called the “Kauai” in Portugal and the “Encino” in China – carved out a distinct niche on the local market. As a matter of fact, our calculations suggest Hyundai Automotive SA sold in the region of 3 050 units, with nearly 1 700 of those being pre-facelift examples.

While this Buyer’s Guide will focus on standard versions of the distinctly styled crossover, we’ll also touch briefly on the Kona N variant (effectively a hot hatch in a higher-riding body), which Hyundai launched locally in 2022. The 2nd-gen Kona was planned for a local introduction, but never arrived.

Hyundai Kona model line-up in South Africa

The Hyundai Kona was revealed in June 2017, with the South Korean manufacturer claiming the newcomer’s “impactful design and uncompromised individuality” would appeal to “modern customers with active lifestyles” (specifically what it described as the “Millennial” demographic).

South Africans, however, had to wait until October 2018 for the Kona to hit the market, exclusively in petrol form. At launch, Hyundai Automotive SA offered the model in 2 guises: a 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre 4-pot paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both were front-wheel drive and both featured the Executive trim level. 

• Kona 1.0 T-GDI Executive 6MT (88 kW/172 Nm)
• Kona 2.0 MPI Executive 6AT (110 kW/180 Nm)

In July 2021, the facelifted Kona made local landfall. Hyundai took the opportunity to nudge this model further upmarket and thus largely wiped out (what had been) a significant pricing overlap with the Creta. Benefitting from design and mechanical changes, the refreshed line-up expanded to 3 derivatives.

See also: Hyundai Creta (2017-2020) Buyer’s Guide

The 1.0-litre 3-cylinder (manual-equipped) powertrain fell away, while the 110-kW atmospheric 2.0-litre motor (now offering slightly less twisting force at 179 Nm) switched from the old torque-converter auto to a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The big news, however, was the introduction of a peppy turbocharged 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, which sent 146 kW and 265 Nm to the front axle through a 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. This powertrain was available in both the Executive grade and a new (then-flagship) N-Line specification.

• Kona 2.0 MPI Executive CVT (110 kW/179 Nm)
• Kona 1.6 T-GDi Executive 7DCT (146 kW/265 Nm)
• Kona 1.6 T-GDi N-Line 7DCT (146 kW/265 Nm)

Interestingly, at 4 205 mm from nose to tail, the refreshed Kona measured some 40 mm longer than the pre-facelift model, while the N-Line derivative added another 10 mm. Variants using the 1.6 T-GDi could be specified in 2-tone guise, gaining a black roof and matching side-mirror caps.

Then, in April 2022, Hyundai Automotive SA introduced the Kona N alongside the updated i30 N. Like its hot-hatch sibling, this spicy crossover employed a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that delivered a considerable 208 kW and 392 Nm to the front wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch cog-swapper.

With production of the OS-series Hyundai Kona having ceased and the SX2-series starting to roll out to various markets (but not Mzansi), our records suggest Hyundai Automotive SA discontinued the 1.6 T-GDi Executive at the start of 2024, before the 2.0 MPI Executive and 1.6 T-GDi N-Line followed around the middle of that year. At the time of writing, the Kona N was still listed on the brand’s local website.

What are the Hyundai Kona’s strengths?

Wide range of petrol engines and ‘boxes: Though the turbodiesel, hybrid and fully electric powertrains available in Europe weren’t ever offered in South Africa, the local line-up still catered for a wide range of tastes in terms of petrol motors and transmissions.

For instance, those keen on a manual could opt for the forced-induction 1.0-litre mill (which sipped at a claimed 6.8 L/100 km), while buyers who preferred an automatic could choose the tried-and-tested 2.0-litre engine – 1st paired with a torque-converter auto (7.2 L/100 km) and later with a CVT (6.5 L/100 km).

The turbocharged 1.6-litre unit, meanwhile, sipped at a listed 7.5 L/100 km, with its snappy DCT further facilitating a 0-100 kph sprint time of 7.7 sec (claimed). Of course, the Kona N was easily the fastest accelerating of the bunch, reaching 3 figures in just 5.5 sec, at least according to Hyundai.

Plenty of standard safety kit: Since the Kona was conceived with European markets in mind (and achieved a full 5-star rating from Euro NCAP), Hyundai Automotive SA enjoyed access to a wide variety of safety kit for this particular model.

Thankfully, the brand’s local distributor opted to retain much of it, with the pre-facelift Kona shipping standard with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, downhill brake control, hill-start assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, tyre-pressure monitoring, rear-outboard ISOfix child-seat anchors, a reverse-view camera and rear parking sensors.

At the mid-cycle update, the Kona gained vehicle stability management across the range, while the top-spec N-Line scored a pre-collision avoidance system, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, fatigue detection and adaptive cruise control (features adopted by the full-fat Kona N, too). Curiously, however, the facelift saw the 2.0 MPI Executive and 1.6 T-GDi Executive lose rear cross-traffic alert.

Distinctive exterior styling: While its exterior styling was somewhat divisive, there was no denying the OS-series Kona turned heads. Up front, the ultra-slim LED daytime running lights were separated by a narrow inlet just above the gaping grille, while the headlamps below them were framed by black plastic cladding that flowed from the stocky wheel arches.

Not enough front-end lighting for your tastes? Well, Hyundai’s designers also added chunky foglamps, positioning them low down and further inboard than is typical.

Meanwhile, the stacked rear-lighting arrangement saw the lower items encircled by black cladding, mirroring the front-end treatment, while the cabin featured “Lime” detailing in conjunction with the “Acid Yellow” exterior paint colour and “Red” accents for the 4 other exterior colours on offer.

The facelifted version (which was available in a choice of 6 hues) was similarly daring in design terms, while the N-Line grade gained palpably sportier styling, including derivative-specific bumpers, a mesh-effect grille, body-coloured (rather than black) cladding, a front lip and a rear diffuser.

What are the Hyundai Kona’s weaknesses?

Cramped rear quarters: Despite sporting a slightly longer wheelbase (2 600 mm) than that of the Creta, the Kona’s rear quarters were cramped by comparison. The dramatically sloping roofline took a small bite out of rear headroom, for instance, while kneeroom was a little tight for adults, too.

Though the luggage compartment was likewise smaller (and indeed shallower) than that of the Creta, it was at least about average for the class. Interestingly, for the pre-facelift model, Hyundai claimed a figure of 361 litres using the stringent VDA measuring method, though it switched to the more generous SAE system for the refreshed model, revising that number to 544 litres.

Lacked dynamic sparkle: While the Kona was certainly nimbler than higher-riding siblings like the Creta and Tucson (and featured comparatively quick if somewhat over-assisted steering, with the latter criticism particularly evident in the facelifted model), it was by no means the last word in dynamism.

Considering its sporty styling and relatively firm suspension set-up (which was admittedly softened somewhat at the mid-cycle update), one might have expected a little more dynamic sparkle from even the common-or-garden Kona derivatives. Still, at least the Kona N was a capable corner carver, thanks, in part, to its upgrade to a multi-link rear suspension arrangement and electronically controlled dampers.

Competition with siblings: In pure volume terms, there’s an argument to be made that the Kona was fighting a losing battle from the very start, facing competition not just from other brands but also from within its own stable. For similar – or even less money – buyers could instead opt for the appreciably more practical Creta, which also offered superior gravel-travel ability.

Of course, the Kona benefitted from more premium finishes in its cabin compared to the Indian-built Creta’s harder-wearing interior, but sales cannibalisation was always a concern, particularly in our highly price-sensitive market. Plus, at 1 stage, the Kona was positioned dangerously close to the larger Tucson.

How much is a used Hyundai Kona in South Africa?

In Mzansi, the Hyundai Kona shipped standard with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty. At launch, this crossover featured a 5-year/90 000 km service plan, though this was revised to 5 years or 75 000 km (again with 15 000 km intervals) at the facelift.

At the time of writing, around half of the OS-series Hyundai Kona units listed on Cars.co.za were fitted with the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol motor. The next most prevalent engine was the turbocharged 1.6-litre mill (22%), followed by the 1.0-litre turbo-triple and the full-fat N (with 14% apiece).

A whopping 86% of listed models thus featured an automatic gearbox of some kind, while only 7% were specified in N-Line trim. The most popular of the 8 model years was 2022 (31%), followed by 2021 (25%), while mileages ranged from virtually zero to 124 000 km.

• Below R250 000: At the time of writing, approximately 13% of all Kona listings were priced below R250 000. Interestingly, every example here was from the 2019 model year, with the 1.0 T-GDI Executive derivative proving the most prevalent.

• From R250 000 to R350 000: About 44% of listings – many of which were facelifted examples featuring the 2.0 MPI powertrain – were positioned between these pricing bookends. Most units here showed under 100 000 km on their respective odometers.

• R350 000 to R500 000: This pricing bracket housed some 27% of Kona stock, with virtually all being facelifted models. The 1.6 T-GDi powertrain was very well represented here, while indicated mileage topped out at just 69 000 km.

• R500 000 and up: The final 16% of listings were priced beyond the R500k mark. Predictably, most were Kona N derivatives, though we also discovered a single 1.6 T-GDi N-Line here. The most expensive example we found was a 2025 Kona N (with around 4 600 km on the clock) priced at R829 900. For context, the price when new would have been R848 900.

Which Hyundai Kona derivative should I buy?

Considering the variety of petrol powertrains on offer – and the fact that virtually all derivatives were generously equipped – identifying a “pick of the range” is by no means a straightforward exercise.

That said, risk-averse buyers who intend to keep their vehicle for several years would arguably be best served by the naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine and torque-converter automatic gearbox that did duty in the pre-facelift line-up.

On balance, though, the 1.6 T-GDi engine – available in either Executive or N-Line trim, though only from the facelift – was perhaps the powertrain most closely aligned with the Kona’s exuberant persona.

This turbopetrol motor transformed the Kona into something of a “warm” crossover, making it an attractive middle ground between the lower-powered derivatives and the high-performance (and more stiffly sprung) Kona N.

Is the Hyundai Kona a smart used purchase?

The Hyundai Kona faced competition from a handful of similarly conceived so-called “boutique crossovers” during its time on the local market. Key such examples were the Volkswagen T-Roc, Mazda CX-3 (and later CX-30) and Toyota C-HR.

Of course, the market was saturated with more conventional crossovers of a similar size, too, including the likes of the Renault Captur, Honda HR-V, Opel Mokka and Peugeot 2008. Interestingly, Hyundai also cited the Audi Q2 and Mini Countryman as direct rivals, seemingly in a bid to position the Kona as a bona-fide premium contender.

When it came to internal competition, however, the Kona was never going to trump the more practical Creta – nor even the larger Tucson – in a sales-volume contest.

But that certainly wasn’t Hyundai Automotive SA’s goal; instead, the company simply wanted to offer an alternative to its more sensible (dare we say run-of-the-mill) products, catering to the comparatively few buyers who prioritised offbeat design over outright practicality.

And, for what it’s worth, we believe the company should be commended for doing so. While the OS-series Hyundai Kona won’t ever be more than a niche offering on the used market – mirroring its performance in the new-vehicle space – its combination of flamboyant exterior design and impressive interior build quality will continue to appeal to a very specific subset of buyers.

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