Automobiles Review

Tag: Kappa

  • Hyundai Kona and Kona N Line

    2021 Kona and Kona N Line1

    Hyundai UK has confirmed pricing and specifications for its comprehensively updated Kona sub-compact SUV, which now includes for the first time a sporty N Line trim, as well as a full hybrid option and 48-volt mild hybrid technology on all other variants.

    The Kona’s design has been enhanced inside and out. Revised suspension and new connectivity and in-car convenience features make it even more comfortable and enjoyable for driver and passengers alike.

    With the all-new N Line version the Kona wears its sporty dynamics on its sleeve, thanks to unique design features front and rear, bespoke diamond-cut wheel design, and comprehensive interior styling enhancements.

    The 2021 Kona range starts from £21,060 on-the-road for the Kona SE Connect 1.0 T-GDi 48-volt MHEV. The dynamic new N Line specification is available from £23,590 on-the-road.

    The Kona is equipped with Hyundai’s 1.0-litre T-GDi Smartstream petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT).

    Hybrid versions of the Kona are equipped with a Kappa 1.6-litre GDI petrol four-cylinder engine and an electric motor linked to a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack. Transmission is via a six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (6DCT).

    First seen in the new i30 and the all-new i20, the iMT’s clutch operates electronically, decoupling the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator, saving fuel by switching off the engine and activating ‘coasting’ mode. The engine restarts in the same gear as soon as the driver presses either the brake or the accelerator pedals, thanks to the power provided by the Mild Hybrid Starter Generator.

    Specification overview

    The Kona range starts with the SE Connect, priced from £21,060 on-the-road, offering a high level of standard equipment. Its exterior is distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, LED daytime running lights, roof rails and rear spoiler with integrated LED brake light.

    Inside there is manual air conditioning, 60/40 split-folding rear seats, electric windows front and rear, a 10.25-inch Driver’s Digital Supervision Instrument Cluster, USB port, automatic activation for the headlights, plus an 8-inch touchscreen Display Audio with rear-view camera and Smart Device Integration with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. New for the model is front passenger-seat height adjustment, allowing occupants to ensure a commanding view out.

    All models in the new Kona range are equipped with a range of new or enhanced safety and driving assist features for added peace of mind. For example, Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) alerts the driver if they do not react fast enough when the vehicle ahead of them starts moving. Another is Lane Following Assist (LFA), which automatically adjusts steering to assist the driver to keep in the centre of the lane. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection (FCA) is now standard. Rear Seat Alert (RSA) alerts the driver if someone or something is in the back seat when they go to exit the vehicle. In addition, all new Kona models are now available with eCall, a feature which automatically alerts emergency services if the airbags are deployed or the e-Call button is pushed.

    The sporty new Kona N Line trim starts at £23,590 (on-the-road), and features unique front- and rear-end styling and 18-inch alloy diamond-cut wheels. In contrast to other Kona models, the entire front bumper and the wheel-arch claddings are in body colour. Instead of a rugged front skid plate there is an N-style aerodynamic lip with corner fins to accentuate the car’s road-hugging stance. At the rear there are LED lights, and a large central aerodynamic diffusor in a contrast colour flanked by sharply creased lines and N-style fins that aid airflow.

    For the cabin, the new N Line Kona is equipped with unique detailing including distinctive red stitching, metal pedals, and N logos on the gear shift and on the seats – all contributing to a sportier look and feel.

    Compared to the entry-level SE Connect, the N Line boasts a range of additional comfort and convenience features. For example, in place of air conditioning there is climate control, and comfort is further boosted by an automatic dimming rear-view mirror, automatic windscreen wipers, USB ports for rear-seat occupants, rear parking sensors, and interior ambient lighting. The driver can also fold the door mirrors at the touch of a button.

    The centre console display increases from 8-inch to 10.25-inch and incorporates Touchscreen Satellite Navigation with Mapcare and LIVE Services. Also added is Hyundai’s Bluelink® (free-of-charge for the first five years) – a smartphone app-based connected car service that enables drivers to carry out a number of different functions whilst away from their vehicle, including remote central locking activation and vehicle parked location information. The sound system is upgraded to KRELL Premium Audio with eight speakers, external amplifier and subwoofer.

    The Kona Premium is available from £23,660 (on-the-road) and adds anthracite body garnish to the exterior and distinctive 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside there are heated front seats, electric parking brake and front parking sensors, and the active safety features are augmented with Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW).

    The top-of-the-range Kona Ultimate starts at £25,960 (on-the-road). In addition to all of the features available with Premium spec, Ultimate adds LED headlights, electric front seat adjustment, and an electric tilt and slide sunroof. Added to the active safety systems are Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), and the new Safe Exit Warning (SEW) system, which prevents passengers from exiting the vehicle if it is not yet safe to do so.

    Prices for the Kona Hybrid start from £23,750 (on-the-road). It is available in SE Connect, Premium or Ultimate trim. The Hybrid is available with two dedicated hybrid-only alloy wheels designs, 16-inch on the SE Connect and 18-inch on the Premium and Ultimate trims.

    Design and chassis upgrades

    Alongside the all-new N Line model which has its own unique styling, all Kona 2021 models benefit from extensive exterior enhancements, with updates front and rear and new wheel designs for an even more sleek, sophisticated appearance.

    The interior gains a rugged yet refined new look, with the console area now appearing to be disconnected from the instrument panel to stress the horizontal layout. The dashboard appears wide and airy to create a generous, spacious atmosphere.

    The new Kona has been subject to a series of tuning updates for a smoother ride compared to its predecessor. The suspension has been retuned in order to improve driving comfort, and the stabilizer bars are modified for better ride comfort and isolation.

    Ashley Andrew, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK, commented, “The new Kona has already received positive reviews for both its styling and dynamics, and it offers a range of standard-fit features and technologies to exceed customer expectations in the segment. The efficient hybrid system, as well as the new 48V mild hybrid powertrain, will deliver a strong balance between economy and performance, and the new N Line model creates a sense of added sporting character.”

    All new Kona models come with Hyundai’s industry-leading 5 Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Roadside Assistance package, 5 Year Annual Health Check, and 12 Year Anti Corrosion Warranty.

    The comprehensively enhanced Kona range goes on sale in the UK from 18 January 2021.

    2021 Kona and Kona N Line
    2021 Kona and Kona N Line
    2021 Kona and Kona N Line
    2021 Kona and Kona N Line
    2021 Kona and Kona N Line
    2021 Kona and Kona N Line
    2021 Kona and Kona N Line

  • Hyundai describes the new 2015 i20 in detail

    2015-Hyundai-i20_thumb2015-Hyundai-i20_651

    The new 2015 Hyundai i20 is nothing new nowadays as the car has been in the news for weeks but despite all the information online the car has not been described in detail. Well, this is something that we will do now thanks to abundance of information that comes straight from Hyundai.

    As shown before the new vehicle will come with numerous improvements and new features that are designed to make your life on the road more pleasurable and safer. The i20 delivers on all fronts when it comes to the car. Thus you can expect to find a sophisticated design, elegant lines and refined details, more internal space that makes the car a true five-seater, unique in-segment features and much more. Designed and developed in Europe, the new i20 tries to meet the demands and needs of European customers who are interested in class-leading interior space, high-technology, comfort-enhancing features and clean and refined design.

    The new car is longer, lower and wider than the previous model thanks to the inspiration received from the company’s Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. The wheelbase is extended by 45 millimeters to 2570 mm, which means there is more space for the occupants inside. The class-leading interior space of 1892 mm combined front and rear legroom makes the new i20 a true five-seater car, while the outstanding boot capacity of 326 liters heightens the vehicle’s versatility.

    The vehicle has also been fitted with a number of new technologies that provide levels of comfort and convenience normally associated with large-vehicle segments. For example, the inclusion of front and rear parking assist, heated steering wheel, static bending headlamps and automatic defog system are firsts for a Hyundai B-segment vehicle. Additionally, the lane departure warning system is another innovative feature, normally found in higher segments. The unique-in-class panoramic sunroof, able to both tilt and fully open, enhances the comfort and the sense of space for occupants, filling the cabin with natural light and fresh air. The extensive use of lightweight high-strength steel in the platform and bodyshell has yielded a reduction in the core weight of the vehicle, as well as a significant improvement in torsional rigidity, reducing vibrations when on the move and aiding handling performance. The car looks great on the outside – it features nine exterior colors to choose from that include two solid (Baby Elephant and Polar White), four metallic (Mandarine Orange, Iced Coffee, Sleek Silver and Star Dust) and three pearl (Aqua Sparkling, Phantom Black and Red Passion) colors. Inside customers can choose among four colors: Comfort Grey, Elegant Beige, Cappuccino and Blue Grey, while the leather seats are black, featuring distinctive color stitching.

    As to the engines provided the new 2015 i20 features a choice between two Hyundai “Kappa” gasoline engines and two “U-II” diesel units. The gasoline engines feature displacement of 1.25 liters and 1.4 liters with the first engine being available in two models. Thus you can get a 1.25-liter low power unit that delivers 75 HP (55 kW) at 5,500 rpm and 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm and a high-powered 1.25-liter engine that gives out 84 HP (62 kW) at 6,000 rpm and the same 122 Nm (90 lb-ft) at 4,000 rpm. The 1.4-liter unit is the most powerful of all i20 gasoline engines – it has 100 HP (74 kW) under the hood at 6,000 rpm and 134 Nm (99 lb-ft) of torque at 3,500 rpm. The outstanding features of the Kappa engine’s modern architecture include dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), a very stiff cast aluminum block with cast iron liners, aluminum cylinder head, lighter connecting rods and maintenance-free long-life timing chain.

    The diesel family of engines includes two units – a 1.1-liter powerhouse that has 75 HP (55 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 180 Nm (133 lb-ft) of torque at 1,750-2,500 rpm and a 1.4-liter unit that delivers 90 HP (66 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque at 1,500-2,500 rpm. There’s also a choice between five-speed and six-speed manual transmissions and a four-speed automatic transmission.

    The new car delivers a lot when it comes to safety too. Occupant and pedestrian safety are a key priority for Hyundai and this is why the car comes with numerous active and passive safety systems. There are six airbags in the car that sit up front, to the side and in the curtains. The stronger body shell and chassis of the car means there will be fewer injuries in case of an accident. In addition to that the vehicle comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), which work in combination to reduce wheel spin or loss of vehicle control on low-friction road surfaces. The ESC has been carefully tuned to be as unobtrusive as possible during driving, creating a natural and comfortable driving experience. The implemented Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) system, which activates the hazard warning lights if a driver suddenly brakes heavily, warns drivers of following vehicles of the car’s rapid deceleration. Finally there’s a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) that alerts drivers if they are veering off course without signaling their intention to change lane during motorway driving.

    The new 2015 Hyundai i20 will be 100 per cent built in the company’s plant in Turkey. The plant has a capacity for 200,000 cars per year so market demand, at least in Europe, should be easily met.

    2015 Hyundai i20
    2015 Hyundai i20
    2015 Hyundai i20

    Source: Hyundai Motor Company

  • Hyundai Reveals Three-Door I20

    Hyundai has revealed the first picture of the new i20 three-door, ahead of its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show on March 3rd.

    Building on the success of the recently launched Hyundai i20 five-door, the new body style will broaden the i20’s appeal to the fastest-growing sector of the car market in Europe. (more…)

  • Hyundai Develops New Fuel-Saving Kappa Engine

    In an era of soaring gasoline prices, Hyundai Motor Co. is helping frugal-minded drivers meet the challenge of affordable transportation with its newly developed Kappa engine. (more…)