מחשמלת בלי חשמל: כביש־שטח על מלא

Market Context (Late 2023)

In late 2023, the Israeli car market is described as being unusually shaped by the influx of popular Chinese off-road vehicles priced around 150–170 thousand shekels. The commentary argues these prices are “excessive,” noting that manufacturers still profit tens of thousands of shekels, while leasing companies receive discounts—creating strong pressure on local pricing.

Despite claims that Chinese vehicles dominate, the video emphasizes that new non-Chinese models are also arriving, most notably the next-generation Hyundai Kona.

Test Drive: Hyundai Kona Hybrid (1.6L)

The presenter, Tomer Hadar (Calcalist), tests the Kona in Israel, focusing on the 1.6-liter engine with a hybrid assist system. The purely electric version is not yet in Israel. Other Kona variants mentioned include:

• 1.6 turbo
• the hybrid-test version featured in the video

Key Findings

Overall maturity and refinement

Compared to the previous Kona, the car feels more mature, with a calmer, more settled character. Updates include:

• changes to platform components
• a revised cabin

Powertrain behavior

The 1.6L + hybrid system uses familiar Hyundai technology:

• no extreme horsepower or “crazy acceleration”
• described as smooth and quiet
• engine character is well-matched to the Kona
• the gearbox is also described as familiar and low-drama

Comfort and ride quality

The ride is considered solid for a relatively compact vehicle—tight, but not uncomfortable.

Noise and minor annoyances

Main downsides include:

• wind noise/whistling
• cabin noise leaking through (possibly related to factory tires)

Interior quality and usability

The cabin is praised for practicality and usability:

• driving position and control usability are well-designed

• the design is said to be more independent and functional than typical “single-screen” approaches (with logically distributed controls such as lights, climate, and charging)

• materials and rear-seat features are highlighted, including:

  • vents
  • USB-C ports

Ergonomic concerns noted:

• front seat support may not suit some drivers
• limited space for adult knees in the rear
• lack of detailed support/space information is mentioned

Practicality Issue: No Real Spare Wheel

The trunk is described as reasonable, but the video strongly criticizes that there appears to be no real spare wheel, only storage/inflation-type solutions.

The presenter argues that Israeli roads often cause punctures from debris, and an inflation kit is insufficient compared to having an actual spare.

Overall Conclusion: Positive, With a Major Price Reservation

The reviewer’s verdict is largely positive:

• The Kona is presented as a better car than Chinese-made options in its class, especially regarding:
  • refinement
  • hybrid integration
• However, the video suggests Chinese electric cars may still be competitive on overall “level.”
• The Kona is also described as having good road behavior, solid quality for its class, and practical comfort.

The reservation: price (~160k+ shekels)

Despite the praise, the presenter emphasizes a major issue: the price, around 160k+ shekels.

The commentary argues:

• importers price the Kona in line with competitors
• but Chinese cars may effectively include “free electricity”
• and charging time costs are not treated equivalently → making the Korean price feel “mismatched”

Even so, the presenter suggests that many buyers who aren’t ready to fully switch to Chinese cars could still find the Kona—especially the hybrid version—a worthwhile option, though not perfect.

Presenters / Contributors

• Tomer Hadar (Calcalist)