Hyundai Kona Hybrid: here is the complete hybrid variant, available on the market since August

A bit surprising, here is the new hybrid Hyundai Kona: The Korean B-SUV, already available in diesel, petrol and 100% electric versions (ICI, our last February review of Hyundai Kona Electric), is now featured in the new all-hybrid variant, which combines a 1.6-liter petrol engine permanent magnet electric propulsion system, powered by a small battery that recovers kinetic energy allowing the car to travel a few kilometers without any emission.

The design of this model – sold in 120,000 copies in Europe since its launch in October 2017 – it does not change, while retaining the stylistic features that made it very personal: i divided optical groups front and rear, the grille Cascading grid and the lights raw plastic guards. The novelty is the Hybrid badge, which identifies the first fully hybrid version of Hyundai Kona. A drivetrain derived in all respects from the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid and Kia Niro Hybrid "cousins".

This version combines the gasoline engine 1.6 with 105 hp and 147 Nm torque (with Atkinson cycle technology) to a permanent magnet electric motor 32 kW (43.5 hp) and 170 Nm couple: the result is a power of 141 hp (103.6 kW) and one couple of 265 Nm. The battery of 1.56 kWh (lithium-ion) recharges, like on Ioniq Hybrid, simply by braking or downhill, which ensures the Hyundai Kona Hybrid a bigger boost at standstill and recovery, as well as a low autonomy in 100% electric mode (about 3-4 km as on other Hyundai-Kia hybrids).

The system is supported by a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox, also available with the Sports driving style can be operated by moving the shift lever to the left: in this case, gear changes become more responsive (they can also be operated manually via the steering wheel paddles) and the hybrid system offers maximum combined power.

To reduce fuel consumption, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid launches the system ECO Driving Assistance System (ECO-DAS): integrated in the new infotainment system AVN 10.25 inch, it uses browser maps to warn the driver of imminent deceleration, minimize the use of mechanical brakes and optimize the regeneration of kinetic energy. This function – which can be activated in Eco mode between 40 and 160 km / h – goes hand in hand with the system. Predictive Energy Management, which manages the charging and discharging of the battery according to the presence of ascents or descents.

As in the update Hyundai Kona Electric presented last month, the first of the Kona Hybrid infotainment system connected to services Blue link. New AVN (Audio video browsing) is an option that includes the touch screen of 10.25 inches with split screen function, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto e advanced voice commands via the cloud (available in 6 languages). The Display Audio system remains available with a 7-inch display.

The navigation is connected thanks to Hyundai LIVE Services (standard if you choose the browser): for 5 years, connected services related to real-time traffic, weather, radar (if allowed), parking and points of interest are available. Present the wireless charging for smartphones with the Qi standard.

Inside, the aesthetic novelties they are limited to blue accents on the vents and on the gear lever, as well as on the glossy black inserts on the door handles, on the steering wheel and on the center console. Also available here are heated front seats that can be cooled with three levels for each function, in addition to the heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.

The packet SmartSense Hyundai Kona remains a benchmark in the SUV segment with regard to ADAS equipment, with badistance in reporting and avoiding forward collision (emergency braking with pedestrian recognition), intelligent cruise control ( SCC) with Stop & Go, tracking (with active track centering), intelligent speed limit warning to read limits and adjust speed accordingly, blind spot collision warning and rear-traffic collision warning. Driver warning, Lane Keeping Assist and High Beam Assist are standard on all versions.