With wait instances of upwards of 9 months, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid is maybe one of the vital in-demand electrified small SUVs in Australia proper now.
The brand new-generation Kona Hybrid has been lauded for its environment friendly electrified powertrain, which is a part of the explanation why there’s such a protracted queue to get one – together with its price ticket of $36,000 to $46,500 earlier than on-road prices.
When you’ve acquired itchy ft and may’t wait that lengthy, there are a number of options in Australia at across the identical value and dimension.
Listed here are the CarExpert staff’s picks on what you need to contemplate shopping for when you don’t wish to maintain out for a Hyundai Kona Hybrid.
MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Kona
James Wong: Kia Niro HEV ($44,930 to $50,580 earlier than on-road prices)
When you’re set on a Kona Hybrid (HEV) however can’t anticipate a brand new one, then the Kia Niro Hybrid is successfully the identical automobile from one other showroom.
Compact Toyota hybrids are likewise in sizzling demand, and Kia’s boxy electrified crossover tends to be ignored – largely as a consequence of its premium RRP positioning.
The Niro could also be a little bit dearer, however store round and also you would possibly end up a deal. It gives related ranges of area and tech to the Kona in GT-Line trim, and arguably has extra premium finishes.
My important gripe in regards to the Kia, nonetheless, is the lofty service prices. In any other case, it’s a cool and environment friendly crossover that’s properly sized for metropolis use and succesful on the open street.
MORE: Purchase a Kia Niro
Jordan Mulach: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid ($36,480 to $50,030 earlier than on-road prices)
In each dimension and functionality, one of many Hyundai’s rivals needs to be the Corolla Cross, given the best-selling RAV4 is barely too giant for a direct comparability.
Hyundai has properly and actually closed the hole to Toyota when it comes to how environment friendly its hybrid techniques might be, mirrored within the gasoline consumption claims between the Kona and Corolla Cross hybrids that are cut up by simply tenths of a litre per 100km.
Whereas Toyota’s cabins can generally really feel a bit outdated, the Corolla Cross is considered one of its latest fashions on sale, and gives options to rival the Hyundai in its flagship Atmos AWD guise.
Maybe one factor to think about is that this grade slots between the RAV4 Cruiser AWD Hybrid and Edge AWD Hybrid in value, which each provide extra space.
MORE: Purchase a Toyota Corolla Cross
Scott Collie: Honda ZR-V e:HEV ($54,900 drive-away)
Australians have an attachment to the Honda HR-V, and the CR-V. However what in regards to the ZR-V?
This in-between SUV is neither as small because the four-seat HR-V, nor as chunky because the CR-V. As an alternative, it’s aimed toward filling the Goldilocks zone in between.
With ample inside area, it’s nonetheless a sensible possibility for small households. But it surely’s not tough to park in tight areas, and drives even higher than the already nimble CR-V.
Throw in a punchy, environment friendly hybrid drivetrain that’s extra enjoyable than what Toyota, Hyundai, or Kia has to supply, and also you’re onto a winner.
MORE: Purchase a Honda ZR-V
William Stopford: Honda HR-V ($43,900 drive-away)
rivals to the Kona Hybrid, I’m reminded simply how compelling a bundle the Hyundai is.
Toyota’s C-HR has equally funky styling to the Kona however can also be fairly a bit dearer, whereas the Nissan Qashqai e-Energy is unfortunately obtainable solely in top-spec Ti trim.
The good cash is on the Toyota Corolla Cross, however I’d counsel trying out the Honda HR-V as properly.
It’s irritating that it has solely 4 seats, as a result of in any other case that is one sweetly packaged car – spacious and versatile, but with a small exterior footprint. The hybrid powertrain can also be good, although it does really feel a little bit out of breath on steeper grades.
MORE: Purchase a Honda HR-V
Max Davies: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid ($36,480 to $50,030 earlier than on-road prices)
At just about the identical value level, the Toyota is unquestionably value a glance as a Kona different.
It has extra energy (albeit a barely worse claimed gasoline effectivity), a spacious inside, stable driving dynamics, easy acceleration, and a way of familiarity which means you’ll know what to anticipate while you get in – even when it’s a hybrid.
The Corolla Cross’ improved GXL variant nonetheless matches the higher-spec N-Line hybrid for value, however not like Hyundai, Toyota does provide an all-wheel drive hybrid in case it is advisable to do a spot of sunshine off-roading. All for lower than $45,000 earlier than on-roads, too.
