Hyundai will shortly launch hybrid variants of its popular small Kona SUV with a
trio of petrol/electric models. The hybrid Kona’s carry a $4,000 premium over their
petrol-only equivalents with pricing starting at $36,000 plus on-road costs. To be
launched in two grades, Kona and Kona Premium with a sportier N-Line
enhancement pack available as an option on both. The hybrid power source, a
1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with a 32kW electric motor driving the front wheels
through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic – the combination is said to offer
combined cycle fuel consumption of just 3.9L/100kms – a big saving on the pure
petrol Kona’s consumption of 6.6L/100km. However, critics would argue that for
the $4,000 price increase, you can buy a significant amount of petrol. The hybrid
Kona’s will also be joined shortly by a battery-electric model.

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