AUTOMOBILE2025 Hyundai Kona Elite Set to Arrive Soon with Fresh Upgrades

The automotive landscape just got more interesting with Hyundai Australia’s addition of the new Elite trim level to the 2025 Kona lineup. This strategic move creates a compelling middle ground between the base model and Premium variants, giving families exactly what they’ve been asking for.

What Makes the Elite Special

The Elite trim addresses a common dilemma faced by car shoppers: wanting more features than the base model offers but not needing everything the Premium provides. Starting from $35,700 in petrol form and $39,700 for the hybrid version, the Elite slots perfectly between the carried-over base model and Premium variants.

2021 Hyundai Kona Elite V004589

Key Features That Matter

What sets the Elite apart isn’t just flashy gadgets—it’s practical upgrades that enhance daily driving. The headline features include 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear privacy glass, solar control windscreen and front windows, plus an open centre console.

These aren’t just nice-to-have features; they’re the kind of improvements that make every journey more comfortable. The heated seats become essential during cold mornings, while the power adjustment ensures you find that perfect driving position every time.

Technology That Works for Real Life

The dual 12.3-inch panoramic displays create a comprehensive driver experience, integrating instrument cluster, navigation, and Hyundai’s latest infotainment system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the lineup, ensuring your smartphone integrates seamlessly with the vehicle.

The shift-by-wire system relocates the electronic gear lever to the steering column, freeing up valuable centre console space for everyday essentials like phones, wallets, and coffee cups.

Performance Options That Suit Your Lifestyle

Engine Choices

The 2025 Kona Elite offers two powertrain options, each designed for different driving preferences. The 2.0-litre petrol engine delivers 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque through a CVT transmission, providing smooth and efficient operation for daily commuting.

For those prioritizing fuel efficiency, the hybrid option combines a 1.6-litre engine with electric assistance, producing 77kW of power and claiming just 3.9L/100km fuel consumption.

Practical Considerations

With an exterior length of 4,350mm, the Kona maximises interior space and offers 407L of cargo capacity, expanding to 1,241L with rear seats folded. The 1,300kg towing capacity means weekend adventures with bikes, boats, or small trailers remain possible.

Safety Credentials

The Hyundai Kona carries a four-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in June 2023. While not perfect, it scored well across key areas: 80% for adult occupant protection and 84% for child occupant protection.

The comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense suite includes advanced safety technologies that work quietly in the background, providing peace of mind for families.

Market Position and Value

What’s Changed for 2025

Hyundai has restructured the Kona lineup for 2025, creating 10 variants across three core grades and two powertrains. Notably, the N-Line’s 1.6-litre turbo-petrol all-wheel-drive option has been discontinued due to low demand, accounting for only 10% of sales.

The Premium variant has also received updates, now featuring a glass sunroof and powered sunshade as standard, justifying its $2,200 price increase.

Specifications at a Glance

Feature Details
Starting Price (Petrol) $35,700
Starting Price (Hybrid) $39,700
Engine (Petrol) 2.0L, 110kW/180Nm
Engine (Hybrid) 1.6L + Electric, 77kW
Transmission CVT (Petrol) / 6-speed DCT (Hybrid)
Fuel Consumption 3.9L/100km (Hybrid)
Cargo Space 407L – 1,241L
Towing Capacity 1,300kg (braked)
Safety Rating 4-star ANCAP
Wheel Size 18-inch alloy

The Elite represents Hyundai’s understanding of what Australian families actually want: quality features without paying for unnecessary extras. It’s positioned as the sensible choice for buyers who want leather seats, heated comfort, and modern technology without stretching their budget to Premium levels.

This strategic positioning makes the Elite likely to become the most popular variant in the Kona range, offering the right balance of features, price, and practicality that suits real-world needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Kona Elite available with all-wheel drive?

A: No, all Elite variants come with front-wheel drive only. The all-wheel drive option was discontinued for 2025.

Q: What’s the difference between Elite petrol and hybrid models?

A: The hybrid offers better fuel economy (3.9L/100km vs higher petrol consumption) and costs $4,000 more than the petrol Elite.

Q: Does the Elite include a sunroof?

A: No, the glass sunroof is exclusive to the Premium variant as part of its recent upgrades.

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