Success? No doubt. Since its launch in 2017, the Hyundai Kauai it has already won over 228,000 European customers and has become the SUV/Crossover in the segment with one of the most diversified ranges of engines. There seems to be options for all tastes: gasoline, diesel, hybrids and even 100% electric — in the renovated Hyundai Kauai it will be no different.
Mild-hybrid and transmissions… smart
Mechanical diversity is to maintain and even grow. The electrification of the model now expands to its most popular engines, with the adoption of mild-hybrid 48 V systems, both for the 1.0 T-GDI with 120 hp and for the 1.6 CRDi with 136 hp.
In addition to the mild-hybrid system, the 1.0 T-GDI 48V comes equipped with a new iMT (intelligent manual transmission) six-speed. Transmission that we also find in the 1.6 CRDi 48 V, but here we can still opt for the 7DCT (double clutch and seven speeds). When equipped with the 7DCT, we can even associate the 1.6 CRDi 48 V with four-wheel drive.
For those not interested in these smoothly electrified options, the 1.0 T-GDI (120 hp) purely combustion remains in the catalog, associated either with a six-speed manual gearbox or the 7DCT.
Pure combustion continues to be the 1.6 T-GDI that received additional muscle, seeing the power rise from 177 hp to 198 hp, exclusively associated with the 7DCT and with two or four drive wheels.
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For those looking for an additional dose of electrons, the Kauai Hybrid sees its hybrid powertrain transit without changes — 141 hp in total, the result of the combination of a naturally aspirated 1.6 and an electric motor —, and the renewed Kauai Electric remains to be seen, but the Korean brand has already stated that there will be no changes in its kinematic chain.
It remains to be seen, among all these options, the ones that we will see arriving in Portugal.
Style, style and more style
If there is important news in the mechanical chapter, it is the restyled appearance of the renewed Hyundai Kauai that gains prominence. It's not subtle, as is the case with restyling on other models, with the edges of the small South Korean SUV being distinct from those we used to know.
At the front, the split optics are maintained, but the headlights are now more “torn” and stylized, moving away from the SUV visual universe. New is also the grille, much lower and wider, reflected by a lower air intake that rivals in size.
The front of the Kauai becomes sharper and sportier in appearance, which is complemented by a rear that received equal treatment. Visible in the most “torn” and stylized optics, and also in the bumper, which integrates an element that looks like a combination of a diffuser and a protection plate, which extends almost the entire width.
The new edges have caused the revamped Hyundai Kauai to add 40mm to its overall length.
N Line, sportier… looking
If Kauai's appearance is now more dynamic and sporty, what about the all-new N Line variant? The new Hyundai Kauai N Line receives specific front and rear bumpers (with a huge diffuser) that accentuate its sportiness/visual aggressiveness.
The protections around the wheel arches are now painted in the body color and the 18″ wheels are specific. The interior also features an exclusive chromatic combination, specific coatings, metalized pedals, red stitching, and the presence of the “N” on the gearbox knob and on the sports seats.
What remains to be seen is whether the N Line is more than just an appearance, that is, if it also comes with a specific suspension setting, as in the i30 N Line. The only announced difference resides in the N Line steering correctness, but only and only when associated with the more powerful 1.6 T-GDI 4WD.
And yet nothing about the promising Kauai N.
Speaking of dynamics…
… the Hyundai Kauai is, even today, one of the most interesting SUV/crossovers in the driving segment. The Korean brand announces, however, a series of revisions in terms of steering and suspension for the renewed model. Should we be worried?
Hyundai's goal is that these revisions ensure a smoother tread and increased levels of comfort, but that, nevertheless, the “sporting character of the Kauai does not degrade” — hopefully so…
Springs, shock absorbers, stabilizer bars were all modified to better fit the new Continental Conti Premium Contact 6 (replace the Conti Sport Contact 5) that equip the models with 18″ wheels — the only wheel size available on Kauai in Portugal, except Electric — and to increase levels of comfort and isolation.
Vehicle refinement — NVH or Noise, Vibration and Harsh — has also been improved. It's one of the most criticized points on pure combustion Kauai, in contrast to the refined Kauai Hybrid and Electric.
Inside
Inside the revamped Hyundai Kauai, we see a new 10.25″ digital instrument panel, the same as seen on the new i20. Also new is the optional 10.25″ display for the (also new) infotainment system.
Kauai N Line
The new system allows for new and diverse functionalities such as multiple Bluetooth connections, screen division and also comes with the latest Bluelink update, which gives access to a series of connected services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, but now wirelessly.
Furthermore, there is a redesigned center console, the handbrake is now electric, we have new ambient lighting, as well as new colors and materials available. The rings around the vents and loudspeakers are now finished in aluminum.
Finally, driving assistance systems were also strengthened. The Smart Cruise Control now has the stop & go function, and the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist allows, as an option, to detect cyclists.
There are new assistants. These include Lane Following Assist, which automatically adjusts steering to help us stay focused on our lane; or the Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, associated with the 7DCT, which tries to avoid collisions in reverse gear if it detects a vehicle.
When arrives?
The revamped Hyundai Kauai and the new Kauai N Line start to hit the various markets towards the end of the year, with the Kauai Hybrid to appear in the beginning of 2021. In relation to the Kauai Electric it will be necessary to wait a little longer, but its revelation is coming soon.