Hyundai Kona OS AWD 1.6L Petrol N Line Premium

The fastest AWD Kona you can buy also has a great list of standard features – As I am impressed by Kia, I’m also incredibly impressed with the current build quality of Hyundai’s products. The Kona is no exception. For the price, you’re getting yourself into a vehicle that has been thoughtfully put together, with a good mix of the cheaper stuff, along with quality materials. On the outside, both paint and the plastic trim all appeared to be of a superior quality. Even the twin chrome exhaust tips looked and felt of a grade even greater than some European equivalents (no fakery here!) As they weren't just a facade of an exhaust exit, rather it looks like proper R and D went into making these tailpipes. In this top trim, leather seats and soft-touch materials helped justify the higher asking price over lower trims. Stand-out quality was found in the dual 10.25 inch displays, both for the infotainment and the driver’s display. Hyundai’s infotainment system has some of the best responses to touch inputs in the industry. The tablet-like UI employed here is simple to use, helping elevate the quality of interaction you have with this vehicle. The driver’s display is ultra-crisp and smooth in its animations, again, helping improve the sense of quality in this cabin. Small in their size and frequently used, they have a lasting impact slightly reducing the overall sense of quality. Some quality let-downs came in the form of a cheaper feeling interior door handles and the cheap nature of the drive mode select button.

The Kona N-Line Premium, tops the standard petrol-powered versions of the Kona line-up at $47,093 drive away. This is quite a step up. Conversely, you’re getting a better motor, gearbox, all-wheel drive (AWD)and more features than you’d ever expect you’d need at this price point. The Kona is up against the likes of the Nissan Juke, the Toyota Yaris Cross and the Subaru XV/Crosstrek.

The Kona needs to be serviced every 10,000km or once a year.

Hyundai is less interested in showing a breakdown of each year of servicing, instead wants you to purchase a pre-paid servicing plan.

For the full five years or first 50,000km of driving, Hyundai will charge you $1,595; this is reasonable. This works out to about $319 a year.

Harman/Kardon. Ever heard of them? I’m sure you have. If not, they’re some of the best in-car speakers you can buy and have been seen in even the likes of Range Rover. I just haven’t yet seen these speakers fitted to the likes of a Hyundai. Again, Hyundai is outshining its former self with improvements like this. The premium speaker system used in the Kona was exceptional for the price.

As much as the Kona N-Line Premium looks the part, it’s not going to fulfill the full-fat N experience you might be chasing. This Kona has a 1.6L four-cylinder petrol motor pushing 146kW at 6,000rpm and 265Nm at 1600-4500rpm. 0-100km/h times haven’t been officially announced, but many publications quote the capable little SUV hitting 100 in the mid to low 8 second range. That’s respectable for a small SUV in this segment, in which cars usually achieve a time closer to 10 seconds. The 0-100 time is aided by the AWD drivetrain and dual-clutch transmission partnered with the turbocharged motor. I adored the grip this AWD system offered, as I never once experienced slippage under enthusiastic acceleration in situations where I normally would with other front-wheel drive systems.

I’ve read some complaints regarding the Kona N-Line’s gearbox, but I’ve looked for a reason to hate it and still can’t find one. I understand that even though this is the sports-orientated version of the Kona, shifting gears using the manual mode isn’t the best experience. Instead, you should leave the gearbox to do what it does best in auto. The vehicle’s 7-speed dual clutch transmission certainly does a far better job at shifting than the dual clutch unit in the Nissan Juke. Shifts can occasionally feel a bit abrupt under harsh acceleration with the Kona, however in every other instance the gearbox performs without a hitch.

There’s a larger set of wheels fitted to this trim, translating to a stiffer overall ride. It’s not back-breaking, but you are going to feel a little more on the road than a more comfort-orientated SUV. Handling is aided by the AWD system and a stiffer suspension setup. The Kona is able to tackle tighter corners and start accelerating sooner out of them thanks to this setup. Claimed fuel efficiency for the Kona is 6.9L/100km, but I achieved as high as 13.5L/100km during my time with the Kona.

The Kona N-Line adds some much needed flair to this interior with the addition of N badges sewed into the seats, an N-Design steering wheel and an N-Design shifter. Leather seats also elevate the interior to a more luxurious level, helping justify the price tag.

With all the seats folded-up, the rear boot space equals 351L, and the maximum boot space you can get with the second-row folded is 1143L. Upon opening the boot, it becomes apparent that the Kona isn’t a replacement for a family car. This car is more suited for a family of 3, or a spacious option for 1 to 2 people. The boot is small and feels cramped once you’ve placed two suitcases in there. The seats fold in a 60:40 split, which is ideal for a family of 3 and allows you to fit more cargo in the back whilst carting around two passengers. As a 5’11” human, the rear seats were too tight for me. Even though this is a four door small-SUV, the second-row was cramped and not comfortable on long journeys. These seats should be reserved for smaller passengers or used exclusively for shorter journeys.

Unless you want more power or a more economical option in the form of a hybrid or EV, the Kona N-Line offers one of the best value for money propositions along with a premium driving experience and list of features in the small-SUV segment.

*Disclaimer - I work for ProductReview as their independent car and motorbike expert. I borrow new cars and motorbikes from manufacturers and owners to review. I am not paid or incentivised by these brands to post reviews. I write and create content to provide insight and information about any new or used vehicle I can get my hands on.