Category Archives: Hyundai

Crossover, Electric/hybrid, Hyundai, Manufacturer

Hyundai powers ahead

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Hyundai Kona Hybrid

By Bill McCarthy

HYUNDAI’S funky compact crossover is an eye-catcher in many ways, not least with the manufacturer’s move to electric power.

It has a bold, wide stance, cascading grille, full LED light cluster set-up, high ground clearance and wheel arch cladding protecting this model’s 18-inch alloy wheels, plus rear privacy glass and integrated roof bars.

There is a choice of petrol, full electric and now this hybrid as the firm charges towards full electrifcation. No longer bargain basement, but still excellent value for money, despite the still relatively high cost of electrified cars, with this model setting you back more than £27k. But it is lavishly kitted out. 

Power comes from a 1.6-litre GDI direct injection petrol engine and electric motor producing a maximum of 141PS. This combined with the 1.56kWh lithium battery provides the urge for a motor clearly designed for economy rather than performance. 

The key though is economy with a huge, claimed 72mpg, via the petrol/electric combination. It was difficult to judge accurately, but I reckon real world economy was nearer 60mpg. 

To supplement this, the ECO-Driving Assist System (ECO-DAS) aims to reduce fuel consumption and minimise brake usage by charging and discharging the battery in uphill and downhill situations.

The hybrid also offers technological enhancements including the clever Bluelink app, a system which connects drivers to their cars through their smartphones.

Drivers can check the status of their vehicle, as well as offering a control mode function to make it easy for them to keep track of their car and send remote commands anytime, from anywhere. The app also allows users to lock and unlock car doors remotely.

They will also receive a push notification on their smartphone if they forget to lock the car. It can also switch on the car’s climate control before setting off on a trip to heat or cool the interior of their car on hot or cold days. 

The system is built into the centrepiece on this model, the 10.25-inch split touch, multifunction screen. Smartphones can be displayed on screen via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also controls navigation, connectivity and and an excellent KRELL audio system with eight speakers, 

Hyundai cars are no longer bargain basement, but still offer excellent value for money and quality

In addition, a 4.2-inch cluster screen highlights dedicated hybrid-specific graphics for customers.

The interior is of high quality and spacious enough with part leather seats on this model, glossy black accents on the door handles, but soft touch finish is largely absent with sturdy plastic finish more prevalent. 

Head and legroom are decent for a compact SUV and practicality is also excellent with boot space offers 334 litres with the seats in place, which increases to 1,116 litres with the seats folded. There are plenty of other useful little cubbyholes, drinks holders and side pockets for extra practicality.

This range topping model includes just about every gizmo, bell and whistle, including heated steering wheel, power front seats with heating and ventilation, climate control, steering wheel audio, automatic dimming mirror, USB connectivity and automatic headlights with dusk sensor

On the road the car performs well enough, I commented to the other half that is is one of the easiest of cars to drive, despite a slightly hesitant six-speed dual clutch transmission.

For a more engaging drive, you can switch to sport mode and engage the steering wheel paddles, which sharpens responsdes up. It does feel well planted on corners and the ride is extremely comfortable with little body roll.

Safety kit is  comprehensive with the firm’s driver assistance system constantly monitoring the environment around the vehicle. The safety package can add the collision warning and avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection ability. In addition, customers can also choose the optional smart cruise control.

 This goes further than standard cruise control by incorporating advanced safety features such as automatic braking. It uses a front radar sensor to maintain a constant speed and distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically accelerating and braking.

Hyundai is firmly on the road to electrification with the hybrid still a compromise for those who are still unsure about making the leap to full electric. Add the Hyundai five-year/unlimited miles warranty and the Kona is a fine option.

Factfile

Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium SE

Price: £27,195

Mechanical: 141PS, 1,580cc, 4-cyl petrol engine and electric motor driving front wheels via six DCT  transmission

Max Speed: 99mph

0-62mph: 11.6 seconds

Combined MPG: 72

Insurance Group: 10E

C02 emissions: 99g/km

Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles

Hyundai, Manufacturer, Motor reviews, Sports saloon and hatches, Vehicle type

Red hot star performer

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Hyundai i30 T-GD-i N Performance

By Bill McCarthy

IT’S been quite a journey for Korean brands in this country, particularly Hyundai. From very much sideshow in the 1990s with some, shall we say, quirky models like the Pony, Atos, Matrix and Coupe.

They were rock bottom priced and offered cheap motoring with excellent warranties.

That all changed with financial crash and the scrappage scheme which made these cars even more affordable, but also ushered in a new era of motors starting to match the traditional brands.

The i30 is an excellent example, with contemporary styling, (hide the badge and it could be any mainstream  hatchback), smart looking, high quality interiors, a fine range of engines and of course retaining what was the ground-breaking five year, unlimited miles warranty.

The brand is right there at the forefront of electric vehicle development as well.

It was only a matter of time for the boffins got to work on the standard models, to produce hot versions and the N brand has taken up the challenge.

The i30N is a superb small car, a blinged up version of the latest 130 model. It features all the bits and pieces you would expect on a hot hatch, with lowered suspension, low profile tyres on smart alloy wheels and coloured brake callipers.

The design, says Hyundai, is based on true high-performance vehicles and includes the firm’s cascading grille at the front, front and rear bumpers, and a new rear spoiler, together with other specialist badging and trim bits to signify a hot motor.

The pace comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivers up to 275ps and 353Nm torque. It features front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, and, unlike a Premier League defender, loves corners according to Hyundai.

A handling claim that is more than justified. The lowered body is rigid and in combination with the Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS) reduces roll and enhances cornering speed. 

The Electronic Limited Slip Differential enhances grip and delivers maximum power to the road. If you think you can handle it, switch of the stability programme and hold on tight.

The exterior is impressive and so is the interior, with a host of hi-tech gadgetry which even features such gimmicks as a G-Force monitor, you know, for when you are cornering without the stability control. Additionally, the driver can select the rev-matching button on the steering wheel to increase the revs on the engine when shifting from a higher to a lower gear, while the car’s Launch Control rockets the car away from a standing start.

It’s not all about bonkers  performance, and given the drive mode, it a perfectly capable family motor suitable for commuting.

Drive modes are Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom selected by using two dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. 

The interior is pretty much a match for anything in its segment, with good quality soft-touch trim, and a well screwed together feeling throughout.

The centrepieces are the smart and sport multi function steering wheel and  the eight-inch touch which controls major functions like navigation, connectivity for smartphone and infotainment. The cabin comfortably accommodates four adults with the front passengers kept in place with figurehugging sports seats.

It’s a hatch, so it has to be practical and boot capacity is good with 450 litres available, which  can be expanded with the rear seats folded to a maximum of 1,351 litres.

On the road the two-litre engine is a delight, providing instant acceleration via the launch control. the standard engine delivers 250ps, while the Performance Package on this model boosts maximum power to 275ps and powers the car to 60mph in just six seconds, through the close ratio and slick shifting six-speed manual gearbox. A firm ride, its assured handling and direct steering make it an excellent drive.

A new kid on the GTi block it may be but no less fun for being so. And still a practical motor. What’s not to like?

Factfile

Price: £28,585

Mechanical: 275ps, 1,998cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 155mph

0-62mph: 6.1 seconds

Combined mpg: 36.2

Insurance group: 28

CO2 emissions: 178g/km

Warranty: 5yrs/unlimited miles