Whether it be a large, medium or small SUV, they are all there for the buyer to behold.

Hyundai has always been at the forefront in developing the 'car of the moment' and the compact Kona SUV fits into this niche well.

The test car was a top of the line Highlander.

It had the two-litre normally aspirated motor developing 110Kw (148bhp) driving the front wheels only, via a six-speed auto with a sequential change option (an AWD option is available with the 1.6 litre turbo and 7 speed DCT).

I travelled around 1,000 kilometres in the Kona and averaged fuel usage of (91ron) 6.5L/100km (41mpg).

Autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and driver attention alert are all part of Hyundai's SmartSense active safety package.

The Kona also had adaptive cruise control, air conditioning, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, plus cross-city traffic alert and headlights that turn on automatically when it's getting dark.

Front and rear wipers activate automatically in the rain.

You get a 7.0-inch touchscreen, from which you can control the six-speaker audio system and the excellent SATNAV.

An electric sunroof comes standard on the Highlander.

The electrically-operated heated and ventilated front seats are comfortable and snug fitting.

If your back gets a bit sore, flick on the three level heater for a few minutes. Instant relief.

Leg room in the rear is limited.

The Kona range all have a five star ANCAP safety rating.

Related:

This is a fun SUV to drive with lively performance and a very compliant and smooth automatic transmission.

Handling is predictable.

Ride and interior noise is more than acceptable.

Hyundai has a vehicle in the Kona that can compete very well with the likes of the Mazda CX3 and Toyota C-HR.

It should be on any buyers shortlist.

The Hyundai Kona Highlander (two-litre) retails for $35,500 plus on road coasts.

My rating 8/10.

Motoring news locally every Saturday at 5am on 101.5 Great Lakes FM and 10am on 106.5 Rhema FM.

Also Sunday 2pm on 103.3 2TLP and 2pm every Tuesday on 101.5 Great Lakes FM.

Road Ramblings can also be heard worldwide on the web by going to www.roadrambs.com.

You can now find and listen to Road Ramblings on Facebook. Have a look and give us a like.

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Great Lakes Advocate newsletter here.