Kona Go. Any thoughts?

nzenigma · **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

,
A recent fault was diagnosed by me as possibly coils

then frigged about with by a Toyota dealer for two weeks (consultancy = $1600).

Verdict, Kmart had installed aftermarket Chinese coils --- take car back to them.

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.

And no I didn't take it for a drive, it was blocked in by 10 other wrecks.

Any advice please?

Surferdude · **Reply #1: March 28, 2019, 21:10:53**

My son has a Highlander.
Certainly not underpowered but maybe a different power train.
I'd love one.

beerman · **Reply #2: 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.

galixia · **Reply #3: 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

mickd · **Reply #4: March 29, 2019, 02:32:14**

Quote from: 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 ,
A recent fault was diagnosed by me as possibly coils then frigged about with by a Toyota dealer for two weeks (consultancy = $1600).
Verdict, Kmart had installed aftermarket Chinese coils --- take car back to them.

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.
And no I didn't take it for a drive, it was blocked in by 10 other wrecks.

Any advice please?

Try our friend Johns 2017 review - it does go on a bit

beerman · **Reply #5: March 29, 2019, 03:00:06**

Quote from: 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

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).

CraigB · **Reply #6: March 29, 2019, 05:40:38**

Shonky Kmart

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

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.

nzenigma · **Reply #7: March 29, 2019, 08:25:28**

Quote from: CraigB on March 29, 2019, 05:40:38

Shonky Kmart

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

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?

CraigB · **Reply #8: 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

Dazzler · **Reply #9: 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.

nzenigma · **Reply #10: March 29, 2019, 23:12:44**

Thanks to you all for your input.

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.

The Gonz · **Reply #11: 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.

nzenigma · **Reply #12: March 30, 2019, 06:03:56**

Si Señor, We are on the same page.

Dazzler · **Reply #13: 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.

Dazzler · **Reply #14: March 30, 2019, 22:43:25**

Here's a go with the 1.6T option...

nzenigma · **Reply #15: March 30, 2019, 23:18:08**

Does it also come with the unresolved warm start issue?

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

.

When I spoke to Hy Sales Manager at Brendale.

It said they dont stock diesels, have to order one in if customer insists.
Same comment from a member recently.

Best motor they have.

The Gonz · **Reply #16: March 30, 2019, 23:22:38**

Quote from: nzenigma on March 30, 2019, 23:18:08

Best motor they have.

mickd · **Reply #17: March 31, 2019, 09:45:07**

Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?

mickd · **Reply #18: March 31, 2019, 11:29:40**

Then again, a works burger and $10k cheaper

2014 Hyundai ix35 - Pickles

Dazzler · **Reply #19: March 31, 2019, 13:29:08**

Quote from: mickd on March 31, 2019, 11:29:40

Then again, a works burger and $10k cheaper
2014 Hyundai ix35 - Pickles

Only thing is it is petrol rather than diesel. Holding its price well!

nzenigma · **Reply #20: March 31, 2019, 21:27:02**

Quote from: mickd on March 31, 2019, 09:45:07

How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?

I think you are following me Mick

this is my 2016 crdi last Thursday

nzenigma · **Reply #21: March 31, 2019, 21:31:09**

Quote from: mickd on March 31, 2019, 09:45:07

Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?

My Dark Side cousin has a Phd. and is also in constant touch with God. Between them they KNOW the Kona is for them.

Surferdude · **Reply #22: March 31, 2019, 21:52:25**

Quote from: nzenigma on March 31, 2019, 21:31:09

Quote from: mickd on March 31, 2019, 09:45:07
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?

My Dark Side cousin has a Phd. and is also in constant touch with God. Between them they KNOW the Kona is for them.

Good. She'll enjoy it.

Dazzler · **Reply #23: March 31, 2019, 22:04:28**

Quote from: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 21:52:25

Quote from: nzenigma on March 31, 2019, 21:31:09
Quote from: mickd on March 31, 2019, 09:45:07
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?

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

Surferdude · **Reply #24: March 31, 2019, 22:21:08**

Quote from: Dazzler on March 31, 2019, 22:04:28

Quote from: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 21:52:25
Quote from: nzenigma on March 31, 2019, 21:31:09
Quote from: mickd on March 31, 2019, 09:45:07
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?

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

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

nzenigma · **Reply #25: March 31, 2019, 22:36:28**

Quote from: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 22:21:08

Quote from: Dazzler on March 31, 2019, 22:04:28
Quote from: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 21:52:25
Quote from: nzenigma on March 31, 2019, 21:31:09
Quote from: mickd on March 31, 2019, 09:45:07
Kona doesn't seem to be ringing many positive bells.
How about "up-sizing" to Tucson?

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

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.

Surferdude · **Reply #26: March 31, 2019, 23:07:37**

I'd go for the normal auto, certainly.

mickd · **Reply #27: April 01, 2019, 11:04:33**

And for something else to ponder, this gem ,

2014 Hyundai Santa Fe - Pickles

CraigB · **Reply #28: April 01, 2019, 11:27:48**

Quote from: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 22:21:08

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

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

nzenigma · **Reply #29: April 02, 2019, 00:02:42**

Quote from: Surferdude on March 31, 2019, 23:07:37

I'd go for the normal auto, certainly.

Quote from: CraigB on April 01, 2019, 11:27:48

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

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.