We tried the milder crossover, which is good enough for many Slovaks

When the Hyundai Kona compact crossover was first presented to the world in 2017, it caused quite a stir. It was not so much the fact that the Korean automaker brought its representative to the extremely popular B-SUV segment, but rather the design. The first generation was characterized by a relatively aggressive front, complemented by fenders with a pronounced plastic lining and headlights divided into several levels (front and rear).

However, this design brought quite a lot of shape combinations to many people, and it worked, and the Kona is often seen on Slovak roads. Due to its size, it offers good conditions for use for small families, relatively rich equipment and a good choice of engines. Later, hybrid or fully electric versions were added, and to make matters worse, in 2021 we also see the first sharp crossover produced by the brand – the excellent Kona N model.

However, after the Kona was revamped in 2020, it’s time for a well-deserved generation change at the end of 2022. As a result, this successful Korean crossover has received a second-generation successor with a more stylish design, and now we test it in a more plain family trim (the second lowest), equipped with a three-cylinder engine and manual transmission.

Stylish and simple

Whether the novelty is more attractive than its predecessor, we will leave the answer to you. After a first generation that seemed a bit over-assembled for some drivers, the second generation follows a clear minimalist path. At least compared to its predecessor. However, there are still some elements that give it robustness while seeming a bit unnecessary and weakening its ferocity. The Korean brand applies its new design language to the Kona, which we can also see on another model – a smaller brother called Bayon.