Hyundai Kona 2019 pricing and spec confirmed

Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) has added a new variant to its Kona small SUV range, dubbed Go, which reduces the point of entry to the range by $1000, to $23,500 plus on-road costs.

However, with raised specification across the range, pricing is up for the remaining Active, Elite and Highlander model grades by up to $3000.

From bottom to top, the Kona ranges between $23,500 and $39,900, and is offered with a 110kW/180Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder or a 130kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

The former makes use of a six-speed automatic transmission and a front-wheel drive system, whereas the latter is combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive.

Pricing for the Active and Elite are up $1000 in all cases, and the range-topping Highlander has been raised by $2,500 for the 2.0-litre and $3000 for the 1.6-litre turbo.

The Highlander comes with an 'Auto Link Premium' (SIM) subscription, which gives remote control of the vehicle from a smartphone, like engine start and climate control.

A new 8.0-inch multimedia system with satellite navigation and a Krell eight-speaker premium audio system is standard in all but the range-opening Go, though all grades have been given an additional charging port.

Exclusive to the Highlander, the refreshed Kona has also been treated to a power-operated glass sunroof.

The Go variant, which was recently added to Hyundai's new Tucson medium SUV and i30 small hatch ranges, has a more bare-bones equipment list to keep the price down.

Standard kit includes dusk-sensing headlights, LED daytime running lights, a reversing camera, cruise control, power windows and a 7.0-inch multimedia system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On the outside, the Go sports an all-black mesh grille, 16-inch steel wheels, roof rails and a rear spoiler.

Safety tech out of the box includes electronic stability control (ESC), emergency stop signal (ESS) and tyre pressure monitoring.

However, a $1500 safety pack option is available for the Go, which adds a number of advanced safety features including driver attention warning, blind-spot collision warning, forward collision with avoidance assist, lane-keep assist and rear-cross traffic warning with avoidance assist.

As before, the updated Active adds 16-inch alloy wheels, rear-park assist, a leather-appointed steering wheel and gear knob, and a fold-down arm rest with integrated cupholders in the rear row.

2018 Hyundai Kona. (Highlander variant shown)

Moving up to the Elite, and the Kona gains 17-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, a carbon grey grille, leather-appointed seats, tinted windows, push-button start, power folding mirrors, climate control, rain-sensing wipers and a “one-touch” up/down drivers window.

Finally, the top-spec Highlander affords customers 18-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, an electronic interior mirror, LED headlights and front indicators, LED tail-lights, front park assist, high beam assist, power-adjustable and heated front seats, wireless charging, a glass sunroof and a 4.2-inch TFT cluster.

The Highlander also comes with an 'Auto Link Premium' (SIM) subscription, which gives remote control of the vehicle from a smartphone, like engine start and climate control. Auto Link Premium also sets geo-fencing alerts and will send emergency alert messages in the event of an accident.

“With the addition of a sat-nav multimedia system and premium audio from Kona Active upwards, and an accessible new Go range-opener, the refreshed 2019 Kona builds on the model’s terrific value and appeal for active urban buyers,” said HMCA chief operating officer Scott Grant.

2018 Hyundai Kona list pricing

Hyundai Kona Go 2.0 MPi 2WD – automatic – $23,500
Hyundai Kona Go 1.6 T-GDi AWD – automatic – $27,000
Hyundai Kona Active 2.0 MPi 2WD – automatic – $25,500
Hyundai Kona Active 1.6 T-GDi AWD – automatic – $29,000
Hyundai Kona Elite 2.0 MPi 2WD – automatic – $29,500
Hyundai Kona Elite 1.6 T-GDi AWD – automatic – $33,000
Hyundai Kona Highlander 2.0 MPi 2WD – automatic – $35,500
Hyundai Kona Highlander 1.6 T-GDi AWD – automatic – $39,900

Does the added interior equipment justify the price rise in high-spec Kona variants? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below.