Hyundai Kona Explores 10 Volcanic Landscapes In 72 Hours And Survives

In an effort to showcase the versatility of the new Kona SUV and show ten of the most iconic volcanic landscapes across the UK to the world, Hyundai UK teamed up with professional adventure athlete Sophie Radcliffe for the recently completed Kona 10 challenge.

The driving challenge required Sophie to drive to ten volcanic landscapes across the UK and Ireland and climb each and every one of them in under 72 hours.

Hyundai worked with historian Dr Michael Scott to select the landscapes which comprised landscapes from Snowdon in North Wales, all the way to the Cuillin Ridge in the Isle of Skye, mapping an epic route that has pushed the endurance boundaries of both the car and the athlete.

The Hyundai Kona, which covered a total of 1,683 km in the 72 hours, did not go through any modifications. The unit used was powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 177 PS and 265 Nm, paired to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

It was also equipped with an all-wheel-drive system, new bush structure, as well as a ‘dual-arm’ multi-link suspension system to refine overall driving dynamics on different surface types.

Sophie, who quit her job in the city four years ago and now takes on adventure challenges all over the world said, “I’m exhausted but so thrilled that we’ve been able to complete the KONA 10. I knew we were well prepared, but you never know what the weather conditions will throw your way.

“We were lucky in some locations and not so lucky in others. I had a brilliant team behind me, from expert guides to support vehicles to help ensure this was a success. I can’t quite believe just 72 hours ago we were in Snowdon at the start of this epic challenge.”

Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai Motor UK’s President and CEO said, “This world first challenge is a perfect example of Hyundai’s ethos and the way we constantly look to push boundaries. The team were well prepared but had to endure some really tough conditions. What an amazing achievement to have accomplished this in under 72 hours – a challenge of which we are very proud.”