2019 Hyundai Kona upgraded for Australia

The upgraded 2019 Hyundai Kona has been released for the 2019 model year, with all models receiving more equipment than before, including a new 8.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and an eight-speaker Krell sound system. Now in dealerships, the 2019 Kona is better equipped to compete with rivals such as the Toyota C-HR and Mazda CX-3.

Pricing has increased by up to $3,000 for the top spec Highlander, though Hyundai says that the Kona’s value equation has increases significantly thanks to new equipment. Like the i30 small hatch and Tucson medium SUV, the company has also released an entry level Go variant of the Kona range that lowers the entry point to $23,500 plus on-road costs.

“With the addition of a sat-nav infotainment system and premium audio from Kona Active upwards, and an accessible new Go range-opener, the refreshed 2019 Hyundai Kona builds on the model’s terrific value and appeal for active urban buyers,” said Hyundai Motor Company Australia Chief Operating Officer Scott Grant.

The Kona Go is the new entry point to the Kona range. Priced from $23,500 plus on-road costs, the Kona Go is available with the same 110kW/180Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, or a $3,500-optional 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive ($27,000).

The 2019 Hyundai Kona Go is equipped much like the former entry-level Active, though with 16-inch steel wheels instead of alloys. The Kona Go also has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, automatic projector headlights with LED daytime running lights and a rear spoiler.

Stepping up to the now mid-level Active (2.0: $25,500; 1.6T: $29,000) adds a new 8.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and live traffic updates, as well as DAB+ digital radio, 16-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearknob, a rear centre armrest with cupholders and a new Krell eight-speaker sound system.

Disappointingly, neither the 2019 Hyundai Kona Go or Active are equipped with any active safety equipment – choosing a Mazda CX-3 Neo gets you AEB, and a CX-3 Maxx gets you blind spot monitoring with rear traffic alert. On the Kona, low speed autonomous emergency braking is packaged with driver fatigue monitoring, blind spot monitoring with rear traffic alert, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and electric-folding heated mirrors as part of a $1,500 SmartSense Package.

The Elite (2.0: $29,500, 1.6T: $33,000) then adds leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, single-zone climate control, automatic wipers, 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, a carbon-grey grille and a rear skid plate, as well as the contents of the SmartSense Package.

The top-shelf Highlander (2.0: $35,500; 1.6T: $39,000) then adds larger 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic high beam, a heads-up display, heated and ventilated front seats with 8-way electric adjustment, a larger driver’s information display, a glass sunroof, wireless phone charging and access to Hyundai’s AutoLink Premium, which is a smartphone app that allows owners to access various functions and settings of their car without being in it – models below the Highlander are equipped with the standard version, which doesn’t let owners remote start their car or access climate control settings.

2019 Hyundai Kona pricing (plus on-road costs):
Go 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $23,500
Go 1.6-litre turbo petrol AWD: $27,000
Active 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $25,500
Active 1.6-litre turbo petrol AWD: $29,000
Elite 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $29,500
Elite 1.6-litre turbo petrol AWD: $33,000
Highlander 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $35,500
Highlander 1.6-litre turbo petrol AWD: $39,000

Options:
Premium paint: $595
SmartSense Package: $1,500
Two-tone roof (Highlander only – deletes sunroof): no cost

Stay tuned to Chasing Cars for more Hyundai news and reviews. Read and watch our 2018 Kona review here.