The second-generation Hyundai Kona has arrived. Can the SX2 tow? What is the maximum towing capacity of the new Kona?

The second-generation Hyundai Kona has arrived. Can the SX2 tow? What is the maximum towing capacity of the new Kona?

The all-new, second-generation Hyundai Kona is bigger, more spacious, and more practical than the original - it is nice that Hyundai listened to feedback and acted.

Bigger than its predecessor in both width and length, the car has also had a design overhaul and comes with an updated suite of tech and safety features.

Exterior styling looks like it’s straight off the set of a Sci-Fi movie.  Love it or hate it I guess. It is based on a ‘mini Tucson’ design with lots of shapely sheet metal and slimline horizontal lighting at both ends.

The new Kona SX2 is 145mm longer, 25mm wider, 20mm taller and 60mm longer in wheelbase. So now there’s finally enough room in the rear to comfortably carry adults. The boot space has also increased, thanks to a longer body and despite a slightly reduced rear track (which would bring the wheel arches closer together). The luggage volume increases by 33 litres to 407 (with the space saver spare) and expands to 1241L when you drop the back seats to an “almost-flat” 10 degrees. The bigger body dimensions naturally translate into 85 litres of additional total maximum luggage space over the old Kona, when you drop row 2. If you need to transport more cargo or your bikes, why not fit a Kona SX2 towbar?  Hyundai has rated the new Kona at a max of 1300kgs - it does depend on your version, so double check your owner's manual.

On the inside, the base model comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, support for Hyundai's Bluelink smartphone app, a rear-view camera, proximity-key entry and start, six speakers, cloth seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, dual-zone auto air conditioning, and front and rear parking sensors. 

The driving position is good with lots of adjustability so you can get a good view of the road ahead.  Space in the back is more than adequate, too. Even taller passengers will find they have plenty of legroom and headroom because it’s pretty wide.

Even the base Kona has a proximity-sensing key that lets you unlock the vehicle without taking the fob from your pocket or bag, plus auto-unfolding side mirrors. You can also use Hyundai’s phone app to remotely access or even remotely start the car if you prefer.  Seats are manually adjusted, but the premium versions have electric, and they also automatically back up when the door is open making getting in easier.

The Kona’s new underpinnings, stiffer body and added insulation help improve noise, vibration and harshness from the engine and tyres, lending a more premium feel from the driver’s seat. In terms of ride quality, handling and steering, the Kona feels good and solid. Hitting potholes can translate into the cabin more fluently, but most things are absorbed nicely by the suspension.  Refinement is good as well, in terms of wind and road noise.  Going for the N Line pack does nothing in terms of altering the driving dynamics. It uses the same fundamental platform and the same suspension tune as the non-N Line models. In that sense, it is disappointing that Hyundai has not provided more distinction for the N Line.

You get a choice of two petrol engines and a petrol-electric hybrid, or the Kona Electric if you want to do away with the combustion engine altogether.  For city dwellers, the preferred Kona is the Hybrid. The hybrid claims to slash fuel use and its 32kW electric motor will bolster low-speed acceleration and refinement. It comes with a 104kW and 265Nm petrol-electric 1.6-litre powertrain that has a claimed fuel economy of 3.9L/100km.

The new Kona is also launched with over-the-air (OTA) software update capability, allowing remote software and firmware updates for key systems without the need to visit a workshop. Most EVs have this but the majority of petrol vehicles at this price point do not.

Standard safety is good, with forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control fitted to all cars – though Konas with a manual transmission only get the regular cruise control that doesn’t automatically adjust its speed to the traffic ahead.
You need to go for the N Line to get the full suite of safety equipment, though. This adds a blind spot monitor with collision avoidance, as well as a system to warn of traffic crossing the rear while reversing, a parking collision avoidance system, and a 360-degree parking camera.

The new Hyundai Kona impresses in many important regards – efficiency, comfort, practicality and technology.  Have a test drive, and do not forget to order a Hyundai Kona SX2 towbar.