2022 Hyundai Kona Ultimate GDI HEV S-A 1.6L Hybrid electric (clean) · ML72 XAT

The most recent DVSA MOT test for this 2022 Hyundai Kona Ultimate GDI Hybrid S-Auto was conducted on 13 June 2025, resulting in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded. A prior test on 30 April 2025 also returned a pass with no defects noted, indicating a consistent and stable maintenance pattern with no emerging advisories, component failures, or emissions concerns flagged by the examiner. The absence of any recorded advisories across both examinations suggests that the brake friction materials, tyres, suspension, exhaust system, and structural components were all found to be within legal limits and serviceable condition at the time of testing. Given the very short interval between the two tests, it is worth verifying with the seller whether the April test was a voluntary early check or a retest following a refusal, though the clean outcome in either scenario is reassuring. With 16,945 miles recorded over approximately four years, this Kona has covered around 4,236 miles annually, a notably low usage profile for a vehicle of its age. Such low annual mileage typically indicates either predominantly short-trip urban driving, extended periods of standing, or a combination of both. Mechanical implications of this usage pattern are significant; while engine wear on internal components will be minimal due to the low overall mileage, prolonged standing periods can lead to their own distinct issues such as moisture accumulation in the engine oil, brake disc surface corrosion from lack of regular use, potential binding of brake calipers, and premature degradation of rubber components including tyres, hoses, and bushes. Any extended periods where the vehicle was laid up should be identified through gaps in MOT records or service history. A prospective buyer should conduct a thorough physical inspection focused on the consequences of low-mileage and standing use. Tyres are a priority check; despite potentially showing minimal tread wear, a four-year-old set of tyres should be examined for sidewall perishing, cracking between the tread blocks, and visible dry rot, as rubber compounds degrade through age regardless of mileage. Brake discs should be visually inspected for surface rust and corrosion pitting, particularly around the outer edges, and a test drive should include several firm brake applications to confirm that the calipers release cleanly and the brakes do not bind or judder. The 12-volt auxiliary battery and the high-voltage hybrid system battery should both be assessed; the 12V battery in particular suffers from sulphation during long periods of inactivity and may require replacement. Listen during the test drive for any clonks or knocks from the suspension, which can indicate seized or perished suspension bushes, and check the operation of all electrical systems including infotainment, climate control, and hybrid system readouts for any warning messages. Service history verification is particularly important for a hybrid vehicle of this age and mileage. Confirm that oil and filter changes have been performed at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, as the low annual mileage can encourage owners to neglect time-based servicing rather than mileage-based schedules, potentially leading to degraded engine oil and increased wear on hybrid drivetrain components. Brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid for the hybrid system all have calendar-based replacement intervals that should be adhered to regardless of low mileage, and evidence of these services being carried out should be present in the service book. Inspect the underside of the vehicle for any fluid leaks, paying particular attention to the hybrid battery cooling system and the underbonnet area for signs of rodent damage to wiring if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods. A final consideration is the operation of the hybrid transition between electric and petrol power, which should be seamless during a test drive, with no warning lights displayed on the instrument cluster indicating system faults.