So a review, 1000 miles in!
Firstly the negatives: (some of these are really nitpicky)
It’s a little small, if motability truly want to get a 100% electric uptake they need to sort out a ‘large’ EV. Whether this is the IX, I5, Ariya, Etron, or even EQC it doesn’t matter. Many motability customers need a larger car. As for the kona itself, if they made an extended wheelbase version by even 30cm I think it’d be hugely popular.
The headlights need adjusted by the dealer. They are facing too upwards and bright at night meaning you get flashed a lot as people think you have main beams on. Not a huge deal but definitely something that needs done. Check this if you haven’t done a lot of night driving yet as you don’t want everybody flashing you! As an interim measure, setting the knob (to the right of the steering wheel) to ‘3’ helps.
The ride is a little bumpy and could be more composed. Motorway speeds are rather noisy. I may have to add some insulation after all.
The beepy screeches and whines take time to get used to. At first when you don’t know what they mean you panic. (eg indicator on and suddenly she shouts at you, or a speed camera alert)
I’m struggling to get a perfect position to naturally view all of the HUD, and it doesn’t seem adjustable.
Android auto has no ‘back to the main menu’ button, and you can’t seem to split it.
Economy on the motorway isn’t THAT amazing, even travelling at 67 with the AC off etc. I eventually managed to get up to 4.6 yesterday, but it was around 4 for quite a while. Still, I did a 250 mile trip and had 20% battery remaining so it was fine.
I don’t like the gear selector thingy. I think for a very low cost they could have significantly improved the interior, but they chose not to because they didn’t want the Kona to be ‘too good’ and outselling their other models at this low price point.
Now the positives!
The tech is fantastic, automatic steering and smart cruise control make it a breeze on motorways. The most taxing thing you have to do is ‘put your hands on the steering wheel’ (meaning the upper part, as apparently a hand on the lower bit doesnt count). It’s confidence inspiring once you get used to it.
The HUD is amazing. I barely have to look at the instrument cluster as it’s all there.
I love the way it looks, and in sports mode its actually seriously fun to drive. We went to look at and test drive a Taycan (lovely car!) the other day and the salesman commented ‘oh you already have the baby version’ – Apparently it’s a popular car for Porsche salesmen who can’t afford a Taycan. I’ve managed to make it wheelspin in the wet too lol.
Range is accurate enough to give you confidence that you can go where you want to go! Everything works as it should, the sound system is good, I like the sunroof, and the ‘misty jungle’ is a great colour. Seats are also very comfy even for somebody as tall as me. Bluelink app is excellent and I use it all the time.
Finally 2 not ‘kona’ related things. Podpoint app is fantastic, and if anybody wears glasses I can strongly recommend the ‘Zeiss Drivesafe Lenses’ upgrade. It’s expensive but thoroughly worth it.