Hyundai Kona 2020 pricing and spec confirmed: SmartSense safety now standard

Hyundai has refreshed its Kona small SUV line-up for 2020, adding the brand’s SmartSense safety technology suite as standard across all variants.

As such, forward collision-avoidance assist, forward collision warning, lane keep assist and driver attention warning are featured from the base Go grade up to the top-shelf Highlander.

However, the lower Go and Active grades will be fitted with the ‘City/Urban’ forward collision avoidance, which utilises a camera and works at speeds between 8-80km/h.

The higher-tier Elite and Active feature an upgraded version with camera and radar inputs, enabling  pedestrian detection and operation speeds between 8-160km/h.

Pricing has also lifted by $500 to reflect the added equipment, with the Kona range now kicking off at $24,000 before on-road costs for the 110kW/180Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder-powered front-drive Go, which is matched to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Opting for the 130kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drivetrain combination rises to $27,500 in Go form.

The Active grade though, doesn’t move in price ($25,500 for the FWD 2.0 litre and $29,000 for the AWD 1.6 litre), as the second-to-the-bottom variant loses its 8.0-inch multimedia system with satellite navigation, digital radio and eight-speaker premium audio.

Elite and Highlander grades are all also up $500 in price ($30,000/$33,500 and $36,000/$39,500 for FWD 2.0-litre and AWD 1.6-litre engines respectively), though both gain adaptive cruise control as standard.

Standard equipment includes a 7.0-inch multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, 3.5-inch driver display, cruise control, 16-inch wheels and roof rails.

Stepping up to the Active nets buyers rear parking sensors, a leather-appointed steering wheel and shifter, and a fold down armrest for the second row seats.

The Elite adds blind-spot warning, 8.0-inch multimedia system, eight-speaker sound system, 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, push-button start, front fold lights, power-folding and heated side mirrors, and carbon grey exterior highlights.

Finally, the top-spec Highlander gains 18-inch wheels, front parking sensors, LED head- and tail-lights, glass sunroof, head-up display, heated and cooled front seats, 4.2-inch driver display, wireless smartphone charger and the no-cost option of a two-tone roof.

Hyundai’s Kona is also available in pure electric form priced at $59,990 for the Elite and $64,490 for the Highlander.

The South Korean brand will also bolster its small SUV range next month with the introduction of the new Venue, which is expected to sit below the Kona in price and specification.

2020 Hyundai Kona pricing before on-road costs: