An enhanced powertrain line-up provides both sporty and eco-friendly options to suit a wide variety of buyers. According to Hyundai, upgraded convenience features make for an even more satisfying ownership experience.
Sleek Design Upgrades
Design updates on the front and rear give the new Kona a sleeker look, which adds to the quirky design of the original model that was launched in 2018. The front end design stands out with protective cladding panels. At the top, the stretched bonnet ends sharply over the centre grille with a wide, distinctive shape and enhanced LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) provide a narrow, piercing look to the road ahead. Lower down, the main bumper fascia connects smoothly to the wheel arch claddings.
Interior Design Updates, Connectivity and Convenience
The interior of the new Kona has been designed to express a more sophisticated and progressive appearance, according to Hyundai. Additional several new convenience features allow for a more comfortable ride, including a second-row USB port for backseat passengers. As standard, the new Kona has also been upgraded with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A wireless cell phone charging pad in the centre console is also standard across the range.
Safety and Assistance
The new Kona N Line has been equipped with a range of Hyundai’s SmartSense safety and driving assist features for added peace of mind. They include Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Collision-avoidance Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-avoidance Assist, Forward Collision-avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Assist and a Fatigue Detection/Driver Attention Warning. All Kona derivatives are also equipped with an Electronic Stability Programme and Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Downhill Brake Control and Hill Start Assist Control.
The Hyundai Kona has received a full 5-star safety rating in the European New Car Assessment Programme.
Powerful Engines
The powertrain line-up for the new Kona reaches new heights in terms of performance. At the top of the line-up is an enhanced Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine linked to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), which brings 148kW maximum power and 265Nm maximum torque to the table. This drivetrain is found in the 1.6 T-GDi Executive and 1.6 T-GDi N-Line derivatives.
A Smartstream 2.0 Nu Atkinson naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 110kW maximum power and 179Nm peak torque, is used in the Kona 2.0 Executive where it is linked with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Hyundai’s Smartstream refers to the “Smart” technological objectives of saving fuel, improving performance, and reducing gas emissions.
Hyundai’s Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) engine technology, which Hyundai took nine years to develop and made its debut in 2019, works by altering the way the valves operate to boost both engine power and efficiency. Typical variable valve control technologies manage the timing of the valve’s opening and closing or control the volume of air admitted by adjusting the depth of the opening.
Ride and Handling upgraded
The new Kona has been subjected to a series of tuning updates for a smoother ride compared to its predecessor. The suspension has been re-tuned to improve driving comfort without degrading the Kona’s sporty character. The rear bump stop was also modified, bringing benefits for primary ride and lateral body control.
All models come with a seven-year/200 000km manufacturer’s warranty and a five-year/75 000km service plan. Roadside assistance for seven years or 150 000km is also thrown in.
75 years of the MV Agusta
Earlier this year, MV Agusta updated its motorcycle lineup to meet the Euro 5 norms and in May the Italian exotic motorcycle maker unveiled the 2021 MV Agusta F3 Rosso. The Italian exotic motorcycle maker has now gone ahead and showcased the more aggressive, hi-tech, and up-to-date 2022 F3 RR.
According to the Italian exotic motorcycle maker, the very first thing to notice on the 2022 MV Agusta F3 RR is the aerodynamic kit featuring air ducts on both sides that help the motorcycle to produce a total of 8kgs downforce at (top speed) 240km/h whilst the chiseled mudguard helps in directing air towards the radiator.
MV Agusta further claims that the overall fairing is designed to be more slippery, resulting in reduced wind drag. To improve torsional and lateral rigidity, the chassis was also updated as seen in the stiffened engine mounting points and side plates near the swingarm pivot area. MV Agusta also offers anti-slip material on the rider’s foot pegs together with the seven percent lighter wheels.
The 798cc inline-three heart of the F3 has been heavily worked. The 2022 F3 RR packs all-new fuel injectors, a clutch assembly, an improved two-way quick-shifter unit, and a reworked exhaust system. Needless to say, the motorcycle complies with the Euro 5 norms. The engine produces 145bhp at 13,000rpm and 88Nm of peak torque at 10,100rpm. It is a similar power output as that of the previously-showcased F3 Rosso but the up-to-date internals will make sure that there are very limited drivetrain losses. The improved aerodynamics of the RR will also help it put the power down better, which will also improve its lap times.
MV Agusta also offers a race kit with the 2022 F3 RR, which bumps up its power output up to 151bhp at 13,250rpm. The higher power output is achieved by reflashing the ECU. The kit includes an Akrapovic end-can, CNC brake, and clutch levers.
The electronics on the F3 RR are IMU-based traction control, wheelie control, and cornering ABS. This electronic package is all-new for the F3 RR and has been supplied by e-Novia. There is a 5.5-inch instrument cluster, which comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity as well.
Mercedes-AMG GT 63s E performance is packed with 620kw
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance has been revealed as the division’s first plug-in hybrid model and most powerful creation yet. Performance figures translate into 620kW and 1400Nm, which is enough to make the brutal Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series feel a little down on power with its 537kW output. A claimed 0-100km/h time coming in at 2.9 seconds and pinnacle speed is quoted at316km/h.
Beneath the skin of the new Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance you will find a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that pairs with a MCT 9-speed transmission and a 150kW electric motor. The electric drive unit is mounted on the rear axle and includes a 2-speed transmission and limited slip differential.
The fully-variable all-wheel drive system also allows the electric motor to transfer power to the front wheels when additional traction is needed. The vehicle is fitted as standard with AMG Ride Control + multi-chamber air suspension with automatic level control. This is combined with a new adaptive damping system featuring ‘pressure release’ valves. These continuously variable control valves allow the damping force to be adjusted even more precisely to different driving conditions and driving modes.
Bringing the vehicle to a stop is an AMG ceramic composite braking system with bronze-coloured 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and 1-piston floating callipers at the rear. Inside, the MBUX multimedia system comes with hybrid-specific displays and functions, showing things like electric range, power consumption, outputs and battery temperature. The vehicle’s seven driving modes (Electric, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Race, Slippery and Individual) have been precisely configured for the new hybrid drive technology.
A Jeep Grand Cherokee with advanced technology
The fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee L, which was unveiled earlier this year and built around a brand new architecture, brings new technologies to the fold, including a plug-in hybrid powertrain option. But although it is more luxurious than before, Jeep says it is still something of a trail master. Buyers will be spoilt for choice with a choice of three 4×4 systems, namely Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II, all equipped with an active transfer case. Another boasting point is the sway bar disconnect that delivers improved articulation and traction over rocks and other rough terrain. Furthermore, the Trailhawk model comes with a Selec-Speed Control system for managing vehicle speed in low-range. The new Jeep Grand Cherokee features a revised Quadra-Lift air suspension system.
Beneath the bonnet, Jeep offers three powertrain options, headlined by a new plug-in hybrid variant that pairs a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine with two electric motors for system outputs of 280kW and 637Nm. According to Jeep, this 4xe model can travel around 40km on electric power only and also has all the 4×4 gear that you would expect from Jeep.
Those seeking a more conventional powertrain can opt for the familiar 3.6-litre normally aspirated Pentastar V6, with 218kW and 352Nm, or a 5.7-litre V8 that offers 266kW. The latter boasts a “class leading” towing capacity of up to 3265kg. Inside the completely redesigned cabin you’ll find the flagship Uconnect 5 infotainment system, including a segment-exclusive front passenger screen.
