2019 Hyundai Kona gains budget-priced Go variant

It’s now cheaper to buy into the Hyundai Kona range, with the Korean car maker adding a new entry-level Go variant that headlines the small-SUV’s first update.

Priced from $23,500, the Kona Go kicks off the 2019 range for $1500 cheaper than the 2018 line-up, while adding a new 8.0-inch navigation system with SUNA live traffic updates, and an eight-speaker Krell premium audio to the Active, Elite and Highlander variants.

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Available as the base 2.0-litre petrol FWD and 1.6-litre turbo-petrol AWD, each Go will be $2000 more affordable than their 2019 Active counterpart. Pricing has been trimmed by replacing the 16-inch alloy wheels with steel rims, and shedding kit such as rear parking sensors, second row fold-down armrest, fancier leather appointed steering wheel and the new sound system with 8.0-inch navigation.

But it’s still reasonably equipped, with a 7.0-inch infotainment unit including Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reversing camera, dusk-sensing headlights and hill-start assist.

Active safety such as autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and rear-cross traffic alert are also available as part of the $1500 Hyundai SmartSense package, which can also be added to the Kona Active (Elite and Highlander get this as standard).

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Other changes to the 2019 Kona range include an additional USB port in the centre console bin that’s accessible to rear-seat passengers. The Elite and Highlander score digital radio (DAB+), while the Highlander also gains a power-operated sunroof as standard.

All Kona variants come with a choice of powertrains; the 2.0-litre petrol, FWD with six-speed automatic transmission, and the gutsy 1.6-litre turbo-petrol AWD with seven-speed dual-clutch auto that attracts a $3500 premium.

The 2019 Hyundai Kona is now available at Hyundai dealerships around Australia.

2019 Hyundai Kona pricing

• Kona Go 2.0-litre, FWD - $23,500
• Kona Go 1.6-litre turbo, AWD - $27,000
• Kona Active 2.0-litre, FWD - $25,500
• Kona Active 1.6-litre turbo, AWD - $29,000
• Kona Elite 2.0-litre, FWD - $29,500
• Kona Elite 1.6-litre turbo, AWD - $33,000
• Kona Highlander 2.0-litre, FWD - $35,500
• Kona Highlander 1.6-litre turbo, AWD - $39,000

Options

• SmartSense package (Go and Active) - $1500
• Premium paint - $595

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