Hyundai Kona N Line arrives

The new-look 2021 Hyundai Kona has arrived in Australia, bringing a sportier N Line grade with it for the first time as well as more standard equipment in return for higher prices across the board.

Hyundai Australia has also rejigged the small SUV line-up, which now starts at $26,600 plus on-road costs – $2300 higher than before – for the standard ‘Kona’ variant that replaces the previous Go model.

There is no longer an all-wheel drive option at the entry, mid-series (Active) or upper-tier models (Elite and Highlander), leaving all-paw traction to the two new N Line variants that crown the combustion-engined range at $36,300 plus ORCs in standard form or $42,400 plus ORCs for the N Line Premium.

The N Line variants are also now the only models fitted with a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine – uprated to 146kW/265Nm – and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission, while the front-drive-only lower-rung variants all continue with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder (110kW/180Nm) that pairs with a CVT auto.

Updated Kona Electric models are due to land in March, and a high-performance Kona N is also on its way.

Apart from the higher entry level, the Kona Active is now $2140 more expensive at $28,200 plus ORCs, the Elite similarly starts $1000 further upstream at $31,600 plus ORCs and the Highlander is $1340 dearer at $38,000 plus ORCs.

The changes wrought on the 2021 Hyundai Kona are most obvious on the outside, with the revised styling including a new grille, front bumper and stacked headlights.

The front skid plate and cascading grille is also said to “project a low and wide stance”.

Entry and mid-grade Kona variants come with an 8.0-inch infotainment unit and a 4.2-inch colour driver’s display and LED daytime running lights (DRLs).

All Kona variants are fitted with Hyundai’s comprehensive safety suite, which includes six airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), driver attention warning, lane following assist, tyre pressure monitoring system and rear occupant alert.

Other standard equipment, even at entry level, includes a reversing camera, downhill brake control, hill start assist, dusk-sensing headlights, wireless phone charging, ‘quiet mode’, luggage net, roof rails and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Moving up to the Kona Active brings 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-appointed seats, leather trim on the steering wheel and gear knob, power-folding and heated exterior mirrors, tinted rear windows, rear park assist and an arm rest for the second row.

Driver assistance systems come even more advanced on the Kona Elite, with blind spot monitoring, safe exit warning, remote start, collision avoidance assist and rear cross traffic alert all fitted standard.

There’s also a larger 10.25-inch infotainment system, rain-sensing wipers, fog lights, and carbon grey and gloss black exterior trim.

The fully-loaded Highlander has 18-inch alloy wheels, a glass sunroof, two-tone roof, LED headlights, tail-lights and front indicators, a head-up display, ambient lighting, heated and ventilated front seats, and electro-chromatic interior mirror.

For the sportier Kona N Line variants, a multi-link rear suspension set-up is complemented by exterior additions and badging as well as N Line front seats, red cabin stitching, piping, trim inserts and alloy pedals.

The rear outboard seats in the N Line Premium are heated (as is the steering wheel), while the front seats are power-adjustable.

The N Line Premium also has various other high-grade features found in the Highlander that are not necessarily included on the standard N Line.

A beige interior can be added to Highlander for an extra $295, while premium paint adds $595 across the board.

Servicing costs are yet to be confirmed, however Hyundai says the 2.0-litre needs to be serviced every 12 months or 15,000km, while the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol in the N Line models has 12-month/10,000km intervals.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Kona cost?
Kona 2.0-litre FWD – $26,600 (new)
Active 2.0-litre FWD – $28,200 (+$2140)
Elite 2.0-litre FWD – $31,600 (+$1000)
Highlander 2.0-litre FWD – $38,000 (+$1340)
N Line 1.6-litre AWD – $36,300 (new)
N Line Premium 1.6-litre AWD – $42,400 (new)
*Prices exclude on-road costs