THEY say it's wise to cover all the bases - and that's exactly what Hyundai has done with the launch of the latest Kona.

So there's an all-electric version, as well as a hybrid and a petrol model. Only a diesel option is missing - but that's surely a sign of the times.

For many, it's the petrol hybrid that holds the most appeal as we transition to full-on battery power. And it's this version we review today.

The latest Kona is a strikingly futuristic design with gentle, flowing curves and a rear that cleverly mirrors the car's graceful nose.

It's a marked departure from the previous model which very much followed the tradition SUV style of straight lines and squared-off angles.

Despite the fashionable looks, there's no shortage of practicality.

Space within the cabin is a good match for rival with ample leg and headroom front and rear, and the regular shaped boot easily swallows up 466 litres of luggage when the floor is dropped to its lowest setting.

We opted for the Ultimate Hybrid version with Lux Pack which means you get all the bells and whistles for your £35,090 ticket price.

That includes electric seat operation, heated seats all round, sliding glass panoramic roof, heated steering wheel and leather upholstery - altogether a civilised, and well-equipped package.

The 1.6-litre, four cylinder engine is battery assisted which explains the frugal fuel consumption and low CO2 of 101 g/km.

Acceleration - at least in bare statistical form - looks quite leisurely at 12 seconds to 62mph, but in practice the immediacy of electric propulsion means getaways are spritely enough.

The automatic gearbox complements the power well enough in providing smooth, if not exactly exciting progress alongside low noise levels.

The ride is on the soft side, but it manages to supress most dips and troughs in the road.

There's some body-lean but providing it is treated as the family car that it's meant to be, it handles safely and respectably.

Don't be fooled by the racy looks and flashy design - this is very much everyday transport that majors on ease of driving and comfort rather than thrills.

A light right foot pays dividends on its thirst. We regularly topped the 55mpg mark on gentle country running, with a worst result of 41mpg when pressing on and being caught in heavy stop-start traffic.

The cabin is smart and well built and the infotainment screen and fascia is easy to use with simple knobs and buttons to control the air con which is easier than going through the touchscreen.

Special mention is worth making of the excellent front seats which grip exactly where it's needed and support well over long distances.

Noise levels within the cabin remain subdued, although it becomes somewhat more audible under full acceleration when the engine is being worked hard. Both wind noise and tyre intrusion is kept to a minimum.

Choose the Kona Hybrid for its ease of driving, general competence and excellent economy rather than any athletic dynamism and most buyers will be more than satisfied. And the bonus is a five-year warranty.

£35,090

1.6-litre, 127bhp, 4 cyl petrol hybrid engine driving front wheels via automatic gearbox

103mph

12.0sec

62.8

18

101g/km

26%

5yrs/100,000 miles

4.4