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Which one you prefer - the electric or the standard? I am 5.41 ft tall and went inside the electric one 2 weeks ago and had no problem adjusting the seat to my body. But we are all different. Do the test drive and decide - i mean your wife.
The new Toyota Corolla hatchback, sold as the Auris in Europe, will be the one to beat in this class. It'll be coming to the US in Summer and will have a 6 speed manual transmission. Sounds like a winner to me!
Finally today we had a test drive. Front-wheel drive Kona SEL with the non turbo 2.0 L and 6-speed automatic. The Chico dealer didn't have a Limited or Ultimate.
I'm comparing it to our 8 year old, 2010 Kia Soul.
The dimensions are almost the same. The engine, horsepower and torque are nearly identical. Suspension is similar, rear torsion bars. The Kona has a 6-speed against the Soul's 4-speed, both torque converter automatics.
Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised. Side by side, the Soul feels like a little old truck, while the Kona is like an overgrown Mini Cooper. Smoother, quicker, more fun. With three people aboard, me, my wife, and the sales man the car was peppy and responsive, but there isn't much of a chance for speeding in Chico with the low speed limits and narrow streets. I didn't desire for a stronger engine, then again, on an open freeway it would be different.
I am 180 lbs, 5'10, and I had the driver seat all the way back to be comfortable. The manual seat is much better in the Kona. After the test drive when the salesman got out I sat in the back and I was fine.
I missed that there are no AC vents for the rear passengers; the Soul doesn't have any either.
Compared to our 2015 Santa Fe Sport turbo, the Kona felt much more nimble and easier to drive in tight spots and parking lots. Definitely more sporty if someone likes that; I do. The rear camera display is bigger; the Soul doesn't have one, 2010 Kia.
I was concerned with the rear suspension, but it is more pleasant than the 8-year old Kia. The Koreans learned a lot since 2010.
I was in sport mode all the time, and used the snifter occasionally. No complaints.
My plan is to get the turbo if I can live with the DCT transmission; that will take a much longer test drive.
On the other hand, if the turbo wasn't calling my inner hoodlum, I'd take the Kona SEL in a minute and be happy with it.
The car looks better than the pictures, with most cars the opposite is true.
On the SEL the AC and radio controls were super easy, I think the Limited might be more complex.
In summary, I think the Kona is a perfect vehicle for two people with a small child or with a dog.
The 2018 Soul now offers the base model with the ability to purchase more options than before. Makes a difference to those of us who like a stick shift in a car but also want a couple of the newer options like rear view camera, larger infotainment screen etc.
The 2018 Soul now offers the base model with the ability to purchase more options than before. Makes a difference to those of us who like a stick shift in a car but also want a couple of the newer options like rear view camera, larger infotainment screen etc.
That’s one of the nicely surprising things about Kia. These days it is one of the few manufacturers where you can get the top trim model with a manual.
If anyone is still reading this thread, we bought a Kona Limited, front wheel drive. Paid $ 26,300 out the door, or $ 24,000 plus tax and DMV. $ 1,800 below MSRP.
The Kona with the turbo and DCT is a fun, quick, nimble car. Much better handling than the Kia Soul or the Santa FE Sport. My old Kia Soul and the current 2015 Santa Fe Sport turbo both feel like driving a bus when comparing them to the Kona.
The only car I liked so much (or better) was the 2007 VW GTI.
Our combined gas mileage is 35 mpg by the computer, I assume the real figure is probably 2-3 mpg less.
Inside space is about 15% less than the Soul. We can carry another couple on a day trip and they'll be relatively comfortable, albeit with only a limited amount of luggage.
Here is a brief update on the 2018 Kona Limited FWD, 1.6 turbo engine and 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.
After 10 weeks I really enjoy driving the Kona. Not a single problem so far. My only wish is that the gear ratios would be better, for example, going downhill at 60 mph in top gear, the engine rpm is 1,800. I think, at that speed, 1,300 or 1,500 rpm would work, the engine has plenty of torque.
Our computer shows 33.3 overall mpg. After several fill ups, my calculated (true mpg ) is 30. This means the computer is 10% over the real thing.
We live in a small mountain town with no traffic. About half of our trips are 30-35 miles round trip. The other half is 4-7 miles round trip. I believe with more long drives our mileage would be better.
Some owners on the dedicated Kona forum report gas mileage in the upper thirties.
Then again, your mileage might vary.
We have a Kona Limited FWD and it runs circles around the other two.
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