i30 Owners Club

GENERAL STUFF => ADVICE FOR POTENTIAL BUYERS => Topic started by: nzenigma on March 28, 2019, 20:42:06

Title: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on March 28, 2019, 20:42:06
My Cousin is living over on the dark side (Perth) and has an old RAV4 thats been serviced by Kmart  :faint: :rolleyes:,
A recent fault was diagnosed by me as possibly coils  :happydance: then frigged about with by a Toyota dealer  for two weeks (consultancy = $1600).  :Pout:
 Verdict, Kmart had installed aftermarket Chinese coils --- take car back to them.  :spitty:

Consequently, Cousin is now asking me about the Kona Go.
 My only knowledge about it is- sat in one- comfortable- quite large for a 2.OL ; said to be a bit under powered.  :undecided:
And no I didn't take it for a drive, it was blocked in by 10 other wrecks. :cool:

Any advice please?
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Surferdude on March 28, 2019, 21:10:53
My son has a Highlander.
Certainly not underpowered but maybe a different power train.
I'd love one.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: beerman on March 29, 2019, 01:04:21
On the shortlist for the Wife next year.

I haven't bothered to test drive one yet, just casting the net.

I suspect if the I can't source a cheap i30 diesel, I will look elsewhere.

If it isn't urgent to replace it, I would keep an eye on the 1.6t models, which can drop close in price to the go.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: galixia on March 29, 2019, 01:49:50
I just recently looked at them. The Go had the 2.0lt in it which was alright. The highlander and AWD models have the 1.6lt Turbo.

Pretty similar inside to the I30 which its based off. Just the boot was alot smaller. Boot space was a big factor for me, it was shallower and also not as long (couldn't fit our pram in it). Handled alright etc for what it was
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: mickd on March 29, 2019, 02:32:14
My Cousin is living over on the dark side (Perth) and has an old RAV4 thats been serviced by Kmart  :faint: :rolleyes:,
A recent fault was diagnosed by me as possibly coils  :happydance: then frigged about with by a Toyota dealer  for two weeks (consultancy = $1600).  :Pout:
 Verdict, Kmart had installed aftermarket Chinese coils --- take car back to them.  :spitty:

Consequently, Cousin is now asking me about the Kona Go.
 My only knowledge about it is- sat in one- comfortable- quite large for a 2.OL ; said to be a bit under powered.  :undecided:
And no I didn't take it for a drive, it was blocked in by 10 other wrecks. :cool:

Any advice please?
Try our friend Johns 2017 review - it does go on a bit
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E4D7Mzc9Hvw (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=E4D7Mzc9Hvw)
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: beerman on March 29, 2019, 03:00:06
I just recently looked at them. The Go had the 2.0lt in it which was alright. The highlander and AWD models have the 1.6lt Turbo.

Pretty similar inside to the I30 which its based off. Just the boot was alot smaller. Boot space was a big factor for me, it was shallower and also not as long (couldn't fit our pram in it). Handled alright etc for what it was

If my Son is still playing Cello it might rule it out. Though perhaps we could put a seat down, but with the kids getting older. As it stands it is the i30/Corolla hybrid/Kona and Sportage diesel (if i can get a deal and the wife is happy with the size).  I would look at an Ioniq plug in hybrid if the price was to drop (or incentives for novated leases were to increase).
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: CraigB on March 29, 2019, 05:40:38
Shonky Kmart :disapp:

I’ve driven a friends Active Kona, handles well with the same chassis as the PD i30’s, the 2ltr is nice and smooth and only 10kw less than the higher turbo models, for some unknown reason Hyundai decided to reduce the output of the 1.6 turbo for the Kona  :confused:

Servicing is cheaper on the 2ltr anyway, only thing that I really didn’t like were the plain plastic door cards but that’s just superficial stuff as I liked the rest of the vehicle.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on March 29, 2019, 08:25:28
Shonky Kmart :disapp:

I’ve driven a friends Active Kona, handles well with the same chassis as the PD i30’s, the 2ltr is nice and smooth and only 10kw less than the higher turbo models, for some unknown reason Hyundai decided to reduce the output of the 1.6 turbo for the Kona  :confused:

Servicing is cheaper on the 2ltr anyway, only thing that I really didn’t like were the plain plastic door cards but that’s just superficial stuff as I liked the rest of the vehicle.

Thanks Craig. Are you saying 2 x motors  available for the Go and to get the 2.0l?
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: CraigB on March 29, 2019, 10:06:48
Only the 2ltr comes in the GO and Active I believe, the motor seemed fine though...I’d be happy with it  :goodjob2:
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Dazzler on March 29, 2019, 11:51:21
I've had a loan for a day of various versions of the Kona and it has started to grow on me. It has grown on Trish to. If we got one it would be as our 2nd car for Trish in place of her 2014 Tourer.

Like Craig says the 2.0 petrol combined with a conventional 6 speed auto drives ok. Certainly not gutless by any means.

The 1.6 T which also gets the 4WD drive train is nicer though as it still has the same torque as the i30 SR

My understanding is you can get most varients with either the 2.0 auto or the 1.6T dual clutch / 4wd by paying an extra $3000 or so.

At list price the i30 is better value as you get things like auto cruise and sunroof etc in the i30 for less than the equivalent Kona which missed out on some of this stuff.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on March 29, 2019, 23:12:44
Thanks to you all for your input.  :goodjob2: :goodjob2:
Went and had a look myself yesterday. Head salesman with bad breath and no understanding of power to weight ratio, he wanted to sell me the base Go for $23,000.

 It is an appealing vehicle, but I look from the Kona  to the i30 and ask why?
At best, the Kona is only a wet lawn 4x4. If its the Go, not even that.
 It does not have SantaFe or Prado size , extra seating and carrying capacity,  in fact , the i30 has more boot space.
The Poms might tow with it but rational people would not..
If you are obese and geriatric, the Kona's wider doors may be a plus.
As a normal driver, the i30 would be my choice. If I wanted an SUV, I would buy something larger and more functional.

Dazz I will send your comments with mine to the Dark Side and let her decide. Many thanks mate.

Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: The Gonz on March 30, 2019, 01:42:24
He had a look at the Kona - just because it was there - when Elena was shopping around for her PD. A curious 'distortion' of the i30 but I didn't get any wow from it. Too much compromise in wanting to be more than i30 size, more than i30 value and resulting in being less of both, IMHO.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on March 30, 2019, 06:03:56
Si Señor, We are on the same page.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Dazzler on March 30, 2019, 11:39:50
My Eldest Daughter is a bit keen on trading her manual Focus ST on a small SUV with the Kona one of the favourites. But alas, she went off the idea when she discovered it doesn't come in a manual. The Qashqai does but none available to test drive and the Renault captur does but only in the 900cc 3 cylinder.  I think she would find both under powered after her ST.

I did confirm even the base go can be had with  the 1.6T at a price. 
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Dazzler on March 30, 2019, 22:43:25
Here's a go with the 1.6T option...


(https://i.ibb.co/4jQZpYF/20190331-081957.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RC5pcBg)

Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on March 30, 2019, 23:18:08
Does it also come with the unresolved warm start issue?  :whistler:

Because of that I warned her off it, also she would be a long term owner , so I will get the blame when she gets a giant bill for the dct overhaul.

Talking with Dark side cousin, I suggested going diesel...but..probably a dealer has talked her out of that idea  :clapthanks:.

When I spoke to Hy Sales Manager at Brendale.  :toldyou: It said they dont stock diesels, have to order one in if customer insists.
Same comment from a member recently.

 :crazy1: Best motor they have.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: The Gonz on March 30, 2019, 23:22:38
  Best motor they have.
:iws:
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: mickd on March 31, 2019, 09:45:07
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?   :winker:
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: mickd on March 31, 2019, 11:29:40
Then again,  a works burger and $10k cheaper  :undecided:
 :link: 2014 Hyundai ix35 - Pickles (https://www.pickles.com.au/cars/item/-/details/CP-12-14--Built-08-14--Hyundai--ix35--LM3-MY15-SE--Wagon--5-Seats--5-Doors/980396246)
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Dazzler on March 31, 2019, 13:29:08
Then again,  a works burger and $10k cheaper  :undecided:
 :link: 2014 Hyundai ix35 - Pickles (https://www.pickles.com.au/cars/item/-/details/CP-12-14--Built-08-14--Hyundai--ix35--LM3-MY15-SE--Wagon--5-Seats--5-Doors/980396246)

Only thing is it is petrol rather than diesel. Holding its price well!
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on March 31, 2019, 21:27:02

How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?   :winker:
I think you are following me Mick  :scared: this is my 2016 crdi last Thursday

(https://i.imgur.com/pvCKoZT.jpg)
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on March 31, 2019, 21:31:09
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?   :winker:

My Dark Side cousin has a Phd. and is also in constant touch with God. Between them they KNOW the Kona is for them.  :rolleyes: :wacko:
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 21:52:25
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?   :winker:

My Dark Side cousin has a Phd. and is also in constant touch with God. Between them they KNOW the Kona is for them.  :rolleyes: :wacko:
Good. She'll enjoy it.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Dazzler on March 31, 2019, 22:04:28
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?   :winker:

My Dark Side cousin has a Phd. and is also in constant touch with God. Between them they KNOW the Kona is for them.  :rolleyes: :wacko:
Good. She'll enjoy it.

 :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 22:21:08
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?   :winker:

My Dark Side cousin has a Phd. and is also in constant touch with God. Between them they KNOW the Kona is for them.  :rolleyes: :wacko:
Good. She'll enjoy it.

 :mrgreen:
I'm serious.
Great car and I'd have one tomorrow if I was in the market right now.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on March 31, 2019, 22:36:28
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?   :winker:

My Dark Side cousin has a Phd. and is also in constant touch with God. Between them they KNOW the Kona is for them.  :rolleyes: :wacko:
Good. She'll enjoy it.

 :mrgreen:
I'm serious.
Great car and I'd have one tomorrow if I was in the market right now.

Ive remained neutral . Essentially the choice is i30 Hatch or the Kona i30.
I dont see any reason to bag either, on the basis of reliability. Although , for my personal safety, I have steered her away from the 1.6T and dry clutch.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 23:07:37
I'd go for the normal auto, certainly.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: mickd on April 01, 2019, 11:04:33
And for something else to ponder, this gem ,
 :link: 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe - Pickles (https://www.pickles.com.au/cars/item/-/details/CP-07-14--Built-06-14--Hyundai--Santa-Fe--DM-MY14-Elite--Wagon--7-Seats--5-Doors/103568194)
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: CraigB on April 01, 2019, 11:27:48
I'm serious.
Great car and I'd have one tomorrow if I was in the market right now.
:whsaid:

Smaller luggage space wouldn't bother me either, can always fold the rear seats down if needing extra room.

If mostly city driving the standard auto will also be a better choice :goodjob2:

Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on April 02, 2019, 00:02:42
I'd go for the normal auto, certainly.


If mostly city driving the standard auto will also be a better choice :goodjob2:

I have 2 GD crdi autos. One dct 80,000Km it has a transmission rattle, and is as quick off the mark as a manual.
The other has standard slush box auto 112,000 km. Quiet as, at normal pace on the open road, its the same as the dct.
If I need to choose, it will be the slush box I will keep.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Beardyboy on April 02, 2019, 06:41:38
A work colleague bought a 1.6T AWD Kona highlander DCT in July 2018 and loves it.

She was a bit nervous when my 2018 i30 SR DCT started to develop the starting and other issues about the same time she took delivery of the kona, but she has never had any issues with hers. Ive driven it on a couple of occasions and would say that the interior seems pretty hard wearing, its quiet and punchy...in fact it drove better than my i30.

Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Dazzler on April 02, 2019, 09:09:53
Very interesting feedback thanks. Like I said after having had three as loaners in various combos plus an intial test drive of a couple when first released. I quite like them now. Biggest issue for me is price versus i30.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on April 02, 2019, 11:10:08
Since I first posted, and kind of said its not for me; I started to notice the bloody things everywhere.
I conclude they are still a non-descript vehicle, but a quite popular one.  :cool:
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Dazzler on April 13, 2019, 11:25:33
I got a call from Motors I think they missed me. Wanted me to come and have a look at their demos to see if there was anything that interested me. I said have you got a Camry Hybrid?  :evil:

Anyway I liked what they did with this orange Kona Go.. looks great with the bigger black alloys! Sharp price + cash back and 3 free services.  Be a nice little car for Trish but she is conservative with colours..  :spitty:

I don't normally like black cars, but black works on the Kona too!


(https://i.ibb.co/wNdQVqZ/Kona-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fYXNfWV)

(https://i.ibb.co/n34f5nX/Kona2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yhK5bYz)

(https://i.ibb.co/DwnrrtY/Kona3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5sVKK6k)

I actually took a  Diesel Tucson for a spin it was a SE (Special Edition) with most of the goodies including Auto Cruise which worked well. It had the 1000 km range I miss from my Diesel and Hybrid days, but the brakes felt wooden and acceleration lazy after my SR. Rode nicely and felt very solid but didn't fall in love.  :undecided:
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: nzenigma on April 13, 2019, 11:53:37
Im into red cars, but the more subtle and MATURE black combo does it for me.  :cool:
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Surferdude on April 13, 2019, 20:55:30
Just spent a couple of hours in my son's Kona.
Goddamn it's a nice vehicle.
And that 1.6T is really toey.

Only issue he has with it is the CC which lets the speed run too far over before applying the brakes on a downhill run.
Title: Re: Kona Go. Any thoughts?
Post by: Dazzler on April 13, 2019, 23:24:42
Just spent a couple of hours in my son's Kona.
Goddamn it's a nice vehicle.
And that 1.6T is really toey.

Only issue he has with it is the CC which lets the speed run too far over before applying the brakes on a downhill run.

Yeah, that's one think I hate with a lot of vehicle but love with mine. Hybrids generally hold speed well down hills too due to the regenerative braking. I think the diesel Tucson I drove the other day had a button to assist with hill descents but with Automated cruise I didn't need to use it.  :cool:
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