Hyundai Kona 2021

There’s a four-model Kona line-up, not including the new N Line cars, and that story kicks off with a model simply titled the Kona.  

That model replaces the former entry-level Kona Go, a move which has seen the sticker price climb by about $3000 should you want to get into the cheapest Kona, with the range now starting at $26,600.

The Kona rides on 16-inch alloys, and while the DRLs are LEDs the headlights themselves are halogens. Inside, you get cloth seats, and the smallest 8.0-inch mutlimedia screen - though it does get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless smartphone charging.

The range then steps up to the Active ($28,200), which gives you a nicer-feeling interior, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, privacy glass and heated and folded mirrors. 

Next up is the Elite ($31,600), which builds in some more safety stuff - we’ll get to that in a moment - as well as a major upgrade to the the centre screen, which is now a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation. You also get a better Harman Kardon stereo, climate control, a smart key with remote start and an acoustic windscreen meant to reduce road noise.

At the top of the regular Kona tree is the Highlander ($38,000), which gives you a second 10.25-inch screen in the driver’s binnacle for a total of two - a positively German feeling cabin setup that we love. You also get 18-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors, LED headlights and taillights, a head-up display, a big glass sunroof and heated and cooled seats up front, with heating in the window seats in the rear.

If your tastes run a little Sportier, then the new N Line cars might be right up your street.

First, you’ve got the named Kona N Line ($36,300), which changes the engine and gearbox - again, we’ll come to that in a moment - and also adds sportier suspension, heaps of exterior styling changes, 18-inch alloy whees and a red-trimmed interior treatment designed to feel a little sportier.

Last but not least, you have the N Line Premium, which is a not-inconsiderable $42,400. You get the twin-screen interior setup, heated and cooled seats up front and seats that are heated in the window seats in the back, a head up display, and your headlights and taillights are now LED, and there’s a sunroof, too. In fact, it largely followed the specification of the Highlander, just with a better engine and gearbox, and a sportier driving experience.