This is the new Hyundai Kona. It's distinctive, isn't it? Beneath that striking body it has a bigger interior, because it's a bigger car now. Not by a vast amount, but enough to consider it quite an improvement.
There are three key choices when picking a Kona. Petrol, hybrid, or electric. I've been testing the hybrid for a week, and it's fair to say it's an improvement over the predecessor.
Not that there was a lot wrong with the last Kona, and it's certainly been popular, but the new one feels more spacious and practical, with a decent row of three-way folding rear seats and a 466-litre boot with underfloor storage across the range.
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The styling of the interior, in particular the dashboard layout, almost feels at odds with the exterior styling. It's quite unremarkable by comparison, but it is well laid out.
There's a very healthy crop of physical buttons, which is nice to see in a new car, and the equipment level, even in the base models is as impressive as we've come to expect from Hyundai. And with prices starting at just over £25,000 it's pretty good value too.
The price leaps up fairly sharply if you go for the hybrid version. The "Ultimate" model I've been testing, for example, takes you nearer to £35,000 but you really do get a huge amount of equipment for that money.
On the road, the Kona feels exactly as it should to drive. Handling is safe and predictable, ride comfort and refinement aren't strong suits with a noisy little engine buzzing away, but in hybrid spec the efficiency is, obviously, a big leap over the standard petrol engine. Achieving more than 50mpg consistently won't be a big stretch, even on motorway runs.
The Kona does have some stiff competition, it's fair to say. The Japanese highlight is perhaps the CH-R, while Kia offers a pretty good Niro. And Skoda has a few highlights at this price point that will give the Kona a run for its money.
But in none of these cases will you get quite such a well-equipped car. And practicality is often sacrificed, while the new Kona plays that as its trump card.
As a family car then, it's a really good option. I'm not convinced the hybrid is the sweet spot, if only for that groany engine, but the electric version promises to be excellent, and the base one-litre engine has always been a solid performer.
In short, the Kona is the perfect car for families who like a bit of tech to play with and need some room from their small SUV.
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