Nor'West News: February 08, 2024

12
Thursday February 8 2024
Incorporating
best motorbuys
www.drivesouth.co.nz
Plenty of room for all in modern Kona
THE EAGERLY anticipated
second-generation version of
Hyundai’s popular compact
Kona urban SUV is bigger,
bolder and more refined than its
predecessor.
All the usual effusive new
vehicle descriptors were rolled
out at the launch of this second
generation Kona four months
ago. Added to the mix are
claims it sets a new compact
SUV standard with its futuristic
design and economical Hybrid
variant that headlines with
a spacious, versatile cabin
featuring a clever ‘floating’
horizontal dash and standard
12.3-inch multimedia system.
In short, these all add up to
Motoring with Bob Nettleton
this model being vastly superior
across the board compared to its
predecessor. It addresses several
niggles people had with that, not
the least of these was a lack of
cabin and load space, and benign
styling, that had all the appeal of
an old woolly jumper. This is in
stark contrast to the sharp clean
and contemporary lines of its
successor.
While all new in most areas,
the status quo has been retained
under the bonnet – the engines
largely carry over from the
outgoing model, with an aging
2.0-litre petrol, plus 1.6 turbo,
and 1.6 Hybrid variants. The 1.6
AWD turbo receives a healthy
power upgrade from 123kW
Ratings out of 10: Performance 7; Handling 8; Build
Quality 8; Comfort 8; Passenger and Load Space 8; Styling
7; Value for money 6; Safety – Five Star ANCAP crash rating.
Average fuel consumption on road test, 4.7L/100km
Overall points out of 10: 8
to 146kW. For now though it
is a six model affair starting
at $42,990 for the entry level
2.0-litre petrol Active and
topping out at a lofty $65,990 for
the Limited N-Line being test
driven here.
In the engine compartment
the hybrid system is matched
to a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre
petrol engine with a battery
electric system. With 104kW and
265Nm of torque, flexibility is
the vehicle’s performance forte.
For the most part the test
vehicle is driven using the petrol
engine, with an electric motor –
powered by a 1.32kW/h battery
– chipping in with a handy
additional 32kW and 170Nm
as required. I was surprised at
how far the test vehicle would
run in electric mode in aroundtown
driving at speeds of up
to 50km/h without a helping
hand from the petrol motor.
Performance is less convincing
on steeper up hill grinds if
the vehicle is under load. Also
climbing at the same time is
engine noise. A smooth and
well-sorted 6-speed automatic
does everything that’s asked
of it across a range of different
driving situations.
There is plenty to enjoy
and room to do it thanks to a
noticeably larger cabin and more
voluminous rear cargo hatch.
Rear leg and headroom is vastly
superior. Second-row shoulder
room (1,402mm) is also among
the largest in its class.
All models feature alloy wheels
as standard, LED headlights and
taillights, and dual-zone climate
controlled air conditioning. Top
shelf variants such as the Limited
N-line have additional touches
such as an 8-speaker premium
audio system and power tailgate.
Latest in-car connectivity and
technology is expertly showcased
on a 10-inch touchscreen
multimedia system.
The underpinnings are
conventional with MacPherson
strut front suspension with
a multi-link rear end. In the
transition to this model, the
suspension has benefitted from
further refinements, such as
redesigned rear suspension
mounting bushes, and retuning
the springs for improved ride
comfort. On the downside, road
noise especially over coarse chip
seal is more intrusive than you
would expect from a premium
priced model.
Finance
available
(conditions apply)
CARS WANTED
– CASH PAID
We buy small
Japanese vehicles
- Must be tidy
REDUCED
2011 mazda aXeLa
$7,995
1500cc, auto, 184,500kms.
2010 miTsubishi rVr
$10,995
1800cc, auto, 2WD, 128,000kms.
2009 ToyoTa ipsum 7 seaTer
$8,995
2.4, auto, alloys, 81,000kms.
2014 ToyoTa coroLLa GX haTch 1.8
was $11,995 Now $10,995
Auto, NZ new 176,000kms.
2 AvAIlAblE
SOlD
2012 NissaN Tiida LaTio 4 door
$5,995
1.5 auto, 131,000kms, new WOF, drives well.
2009 suzuki sX4
$8,995
5Dr Hatch, 2.0L auto, NZ new, 114,000kms.
2015 ToyoTa coroLLa GX haTch
$12,995
1600cc, 147,000kms, rev.camera, NZ new.
2012 NissaN Tiida 5/haTch
$6,995
1.5 auto, 111,000kms.
REDUCED
4 IN STOCK
2012 hyuNdai i30 s/w
$8,995
NZ new, 1600cc, auto, 133,000kms, alloys.
2015 ToyoTa yaris 5/haTch
was $13,995 Now $12,495
1.3L, auto, NZ new, low 56,000kms.
2012 NissaN Tiida 5/haTch
$6,995
1.5 auto, new WOF, 127,000kms.
2012 hyuNdai i30 5/haTch
$7,995
1.6L, auto, 173,000kms, alloys.
- 281 Ferry Road - 03 389 1121 - dougdrake@xtra.co.nz www.dougdrake.co.nz