Hyundai Kona HYBRID arrives to expand Hyundai's Kona offerings

Hyundai Kona HYBRID arrives

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid arrives as Hyundai add a hybrid version to the Kona range promising 70mpg. On sale in the UK August 2019.

We’ve been half expecting a plug-in hybrid version of the Hyundai Kona to arrive as Hyundai continues to expand its electrified offerings, but instead we’re getting a regular Hyundai Kona Hybrid – without the plug-in bit.

The Hyundai Kona borrows it hybrid powertrain from the Kia Niro, which means a 1.6 litre petrol engine with 104bhp mated to a 43bhp electric motor, both sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

There’s actually 139bhp and 195lb/ft of usable power on offer, enough to get to 62mph in 11.2 seconds, promising 72mpg if you go for pauper’s wheels, but 66mpg if you want a nice set of 18″ alloys.

Power for the modest 1.56kWh lithium ion battery comes from braking and coasting, enough to help performance and fill in gaps, but don’t expect to drive to work in EV mode.

The Kona Hybrid comes with added bits like the Blue Link App and bigger display for hybrid-specific information, and if you opt for the bigger 10.3″ infotainment you also get a Eco-Driving assist function too.

There are also new alloys and a fetching shade of Blue Lagoon for the launch car (above), and it’s due to go on sale in the UK in August.

So far, Hyundai hasn’t got their abacus out to work out a price for the Kona Hybrid.