Thanks to a liberal import regime, a wide range of cars can enter Russia with fewer hurdles, making models like the Kona a realistic option alongside the Creta. An automotive expert compared the Kona to the Creta, noting it as a viable alternative to the latest Creta. The key question remains: is it a smart purchase?
The Kona stands as the closest competitor to the Creta’s current generation and comes in at a similar price. Priced around 1.7 million rubles, it offers a 1.6-liter turbo engine, an automated manual transmission or a comparable automatic, and all-wheel drive. Claimed mileage sits near 40,000 kilometers. Yet there are trade-offs to weigh.
1. Interior materials
The cabin remains quieter than the Creta, but the Kona relies on comparatively inexpensive materials. Long-term durability is an open question; after roughly three years of use, a steering wheel may show visible wear marks.
2. Space and practicality
No offense to the designers, but the rear seats feel surprisingly tight. Trunk space stays on par with the Creta, and if the Kona is intended as a family vehicle, it might not be ideal for a full household. That said, for families with fewer children, it still warrants consideration.
3. Repair and spares
Locating Kona body parts in Russia can be difficult since the car has never been officially distributed there. In a collision, fenders, doors, and bumpers may need to be sourced from the United States or Korea, which adds both cost and downtime. This is a real factor for owners focused on minimizing repair delays.
A noteworthy strength of the Kona
On the flip side, other spare parts in Russia are readily available. The engine, transmission, and suspension are well understood and share commonality with those used on the Kia Seltos. Both genuine and aftermarket parts can be obtained. This accessibility can make the Kona a sensible alternative to the Creta and other subcompact crossovers, provided the vehicle avoids major accidents.
For readers seeking a deeper understanding of the Kona’s capabilities, additional insights can be found in a February issue of a well-known automotive magazine, which features a comparison of the Kona in relation to the Creta. The commentary positions the Kona as a practical subcompact when paired with typical family needs and daily driving scenarios.
The analysis stems from a broader examination of the Kona and its comparison to the Creta, as discussed in a published article on the topic. This discussion emphasizes practical ownership considerations, including maintenance, parts availability, and overall value within the Russian automotive landscape.