Hyundai’s New Kona Set to Take Over as the Default Small Car for Australian Customers

Will the new Kona be able to dethrone the i30 as Hyundai’s bestselling small car in Australia?

Hyundai Australia has announced that the new-generation Kona will replace the i30 as the go-to small car in their lineup. However, this doesn’t mean the i30 is going away completely. The Kona is simply expected to appeal to more customers due to changes in market demand.

According to Chris Saltipidas, Hyundai Australia’s product planning manager, the new-generation Kona will take advantage of the growing SUV market in Australia and become the preferred small car for Hyundai customers. With its larger dimensions, advanced technology, and options for both conventional and electrified powertrains, the Kona is ready to fill the shoes of the i30.

Since its initial launch in 2017, the existing Kona has been a success, selling over 68,000 cars in various petrol, electric, and high-performance versions. The small SUV market has experienced significant growth of over 60% since the Kona’s release.

Despite the success of the Kona, the i30 still has a place in Hyundai’s lineup. Jonathan Lam, product planning senior manager, confirmed that there are no plans to reduce the i30 range in the foreseeable future.

The second-generation Kona range introduces hybrid powertrains for the first time, providing additional competition against rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and GWM Haval Jolion, which also offer hybrid options. Hyundai expects hybrid sales to account for a significant portion of Kona’s sales, although this may not be reflected in this year’s numbers due to the delayed arrival of electrified variants.

The hybrid-powered Kona will have an attractive starting price of $36,000 before on-road costs, with the higher-spec Kona Premium priced at $40,000 + ORC.

• The new-generation Kona will become Hyundai’s default small car
• The i30 hatch and sedan will still be available in the lineup
• Hybrid powertrains are being introduced for the first time
• Hybrid variants expected to make up 40-50% of Kona sales

With the new-generation Kona, Hyundai aims to cater to the changing demands of Australian car buyers, capitalizing on the popularity of SUVs. While the i30 will still be available, the Kona is expected to become the top choice for Hyundai customers looking for a small car. The introduction of hybrid powertrains further enhances the Kona’s appeal and allows it to better compete with its rivals. Hyundai has high hopes for hybrid sales and expects them to make up a significant portion of Kona’s sales in the near future.