2021 Hyundai Kona Premium GDI HEV S-A 1.6L Hybrid electric · BN70 AVW

This 2021 Hyundai Kona Hybrid carries a generally unblemished MOT record, with two straightforward pass tests and no advisories logged across the recent history, though two minor presentable defects have surfaced that warrant practical attention from any prospective buyer. The most recent recorded test on 5 February 2026 shows a pass with no defects, but on that same date a failure was also recorded for the front windscreen wiper not clearing the screen effectively, classed as a major defect under section 3.4 (b) (ii). This is not a structural or mechanical concern but rather a serviceable item, likely a deteriorated wiper blade or a linkage issue, and would typically be rectified at minimal cost before the next test. An earlier failure on 29 January 2025 recorded both nearside and offside front headlamp aim defects, one too low and one too high, both classified as presentable rather than major. Headlamp aim irregularities on a Kona are most commonly linked to replacement bulbs, suspension sag, or minor bodywork damage affecting the mounting geometry. Aside from these two isolated incidents, the vehicle has demonstrated consistent roadworthiness with no advisories relating to corrosion, brake wear, suspension components, or exhaust integrity recorded at any test. With 40,339 miles recorded against an age of roughly five years, this Kona is accumulating mileage at approximately 8,000 miles per year, which sits squarely within typical usage parameters for a privately owned family crossover. There are no significant gaps in the testing history that would suggest prolonged standing, and the mileage progression between the recorded tests is consistent and gradual rather than displaying sudden jumps or suspiciously low annual figures. For a hybrid powertrain of this type, moderate annual mileage is generally favourable as it keeps the high-voltage battery cycled regularly and the combustion engine exercised, reducing the likelihood of degradation issues that can affect vehicles used predominantly for short trips or left idle for extended periods. The consistent usage pattern should also mean that consumable items such as brake pads, discs, and tyres have worn at a predictable rate, with no obvious signs of component neglect that might arise from irregular driving. Given the wiper defect flagged at the most recent test, any buyer should physically operate the front wipers across both intermittent and continuous settings to confirm effective clearing of the swept area, paying particular attention to the driver side where MOT testers typically focus their assessment. The wiper linkage should be checked for free movement without binding, and the blades themselves inspected for torn rubber, streaking, or hardened edges that would compromise contact with the glass. With regards to the headlamp aim defects recorded in 2025, both headlamp units should be examined for correct projection against a flat wall, ideally at dusk or in a garage, to verify even beam pattern and that neither unit is sitting significantly higher or lower than its counterpart. This can indicate worn suspension springs, a sagging rear axle, or simply that the aim adjusters have been disturbed since the last test. A test drive should also include a deliberate run over uneven road surfaces and speed humps at low speed, with the windows down and the audio switched off, to listen for any clonks, thuds, or creaks from the front suspension that might suggest worn anti-roll bar links, drop links, or top mount bearings, none of which have been flagged on record but are common wear items on a Kona of this age and could easily appear before the next MOT. The brakes should be tested from moderate speed with a firm application to detect any pedal judder or vibration through the steering wheel, which would indicate warped front discs. Finally, given this is a hybrid, the transition between electric and petrol propulsion should be observed for any unusual shunt, vibration, or extended engine running at standstill, and the dashboard should be checked for any hybrid system warning lights that would not form part of the standard MOT inspection but are critical to the drivetrain integrity of this particular model.