Review - 2023 Hyundai Kona N LINE PREMIUM

In its latest form, the Hyundai Kona range has been given a significant and very futuristic styling update, with more equipment as standard, and the option of a new hybrid powertrain.

Just how good is the top-of-the-range Hyundai Kona N Line Premium, then, and how well does it justify its flagship position in the lineup? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Hyundai Kona N-Line Premium Competition

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Hyundai N Line Premium range is priced from $42,500 for the entry-level 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol variant, with prices rising to $46,500 for the 1.6-litre hybrid, and the same $46,500 for the 1.6-litre turbocharged all-wheel drive variant.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change, and do not include on-road costs.

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Hyundai Kona - N LINE PREMIUM SRF (AWD) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Hyundai Kona car page.

What Features Does the Hyundai Kona N-Line Premium Have?

The Hyundai Kona N-Line Premium comes riding on a set of 19-inch alloys (18-inches for the hybrid), and receives a sportier styling kit with a black rear wing, chrome exhaust pipes, sports steering wheel with leather and Alcantara seat upholstery, black headliner with red contrast stitching and alloy pedals.

This is in addition to features like dual-projector LED head & tail lights, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor, a powered tailgate lift, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

For 2.0-litre variants, the N-Line Premium receives LED headlights and indicators, a powered tailgate, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Range Features:

• 19-inch alloys (18-inches for hybrid variants)

• Dual-projector LED headlights, LED tail lights

• Sporty styling kit with black rear wing, chrome exhaust pipes

• Leather & Alcantara upholstery

• Keyless entry

• Adaptive cruise control

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

• Surround-view monitor

• Hands-free tailgate lift

• Heated & ventilated front seats, heated rear seats

• 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Does the Latest Kona N-Line Premium Have a Hybrid Engine Option?

Hyundai has launched the all-new Kona SUV with a choice of three engine options for now, one of which is a hybrid, with another battery-electric Kona joining the range later in 2023.

The entry-level Kona comes powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder paired with a CVT automatic, while the Kona Hybrid receives a 1.6-litre four-cylinder paired with an electric motor and 1.32kWh battery pack producing a combined 104kW and 265Nm.

The flagship engine option for the Kona N-Line Premium range remains the 1.6-litre turbocharged unit that sends 146kW of power and 265Nm of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic.

Is the Hyundai Kona N-Line Premium Fuel Efficient?

If fuel efficiency is a priority, you’ll no doubt want to tick the box on the Kona N-Line Premium Hybrid, which offers extremely frugal consumption figures of just 3.9L per 100km on a combined cycle.

Other options like the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder return fuel economy figures of 6.6L/100km, while the range-topping 1.6-litre turbo is rated at 7.6L/100km on a combined cycle.

This means that the Kona Hybrid offers far more potential fuel savings than other members of the N-Line Premium range.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

With the latest Kona, Hyundai has tweaked the previous platform, which now measures 185mm longer and has a wheelbase spanning 60mm further than the previous generation, which makes it the most spacious Kona to hit the road.

The Kona already had an impressive amount of headroom for taller drivers, meaning the larger platform is even more accommodating for those standing more than six feet tall.

The redesigned cabin has seen the centre console’s design simplified, while a large 12.3-inch infotainment display stands atop the dash, which is paired with another 12.3-inch display for the driver.

The seats pick up a mix of leather and suede upholstery with red highlights for that added sporty aesthetic, with the cabin feeling much more refined than the previous version, all while offering more occupant space inside the cabin.

Storage options in the front of the cabin include a tray at the base of the dashboard, a pair of cup holders sitting inside a larger storage tray in the centre console, with more storage inside the folding armrest and door bins on either side of the cabin.

Those hoping for a full-sized SUV experience in the second row of the cabin will be slightly disappointed, though the Kona is far from the most cramped in the segment.

The second row offers a decent amount of legroom, though the sloping roofline design has eaten up some of the potential for more headroom in the rear, and is more suited to shorter passengers and children.

On that note, the Kona is fitted with a pair of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts, while boot space has grown to 374L, making it a more practical package than ever before.

Is it Safe?

The latest-generation Hyundai Kona is yet to be tested by ANCAP, though when the time comes, a five-star safety rating seems more than likely, considering its predecessor’s strong safety credentials.

As standard, the Hyundai Kona N-Line Premium comes fitted with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, reverse autonomous braking, lane-keep assistance, a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance.

Our Verdict: Is The 2023 Hyundai Kona N-Line Premium Worth it?

If you’re looking for a charming little SUV package packed to the brim with sporty touches and premium equipment, the Kona N-Line Premium will not disappoint, so long as it’s within your budget.

Otherwise, we recommend checking out some of the more affordable variants of the Kona lineup which, admittedly, miss out on some features, though it allows you to opt for the incredibly fuel-efficient hybrid engine at a more reasonable price.

If you’re checking out your best options in the wide world of compact SUVs, reach out to one of our car buying specialists who can help find you a great price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. 15,000km service intervals (2.0-litre petrol & Hybrid) drop to 10,000 in 1.6-turbo

3. Three engines available, including one hybrid engine option

4. Fuel economy figures between 3.9 - 7.6L/100km

5. 374L boot space