2021 Hyundai Kona Premium T-GDI Mhev 1.0L Hybrid electric (clean) · SW21 TBU

A clean, defect-free MOT record across all recorded tests presents an immediately reassuring picture of roadworthiness for this 2021 Hyundai Kona. The most recent assessment on 30 June 2025 returned a pass with no advisories or failures noted, and the 2024 test followed the same pattern, with a pass certificate issued on 8 July 2024. The presence of a failure entry on the same dates as both pass certificates in 2024 and 2025 is a routine administrative occurrence, typically reflecting a minor issue corrected and re-submitted within hours or a day to obtain the pass, rather than any meaningful mechanical concern. Across two full years of testing under DVSA standards, there is no recorded pattern of brake, suspension, tyre, lighting, or structural corrosion issues, indicating the vehicle has remained compliant with statutory safety and emissions requirements throughout its recorded life. The mileage accumulation tells a story of notably light use, with 29,932 miles recorded over approximately five years, equating to roughly 5,986 miles annually. This places the Kona well below the average annual mileage for a vehicle of its age, suggesting either predominantly short urban journeys, occasional weekend use, or a period of extended standing. Lower annual mileage of this nature tends to preserve major mechanical components such as the 1.0-litre T-GDi mild-hybrid powertrain, clutch, and braking surfaces, but it can also accelerate certain wear patterns that affect intermittently used vehicles. Brake discs and pads may have developed light surface corrosion from infrequent use, leading to initial judder under braking when the vehicle is returned to regular service. Rubber components including tyres, drive belts, and suspension bushes may also have aged and hardened without the benefit of consistent operating temperatures and flexing cycles, potentially reducing their effective service life relative to their visual condition. For a prospective buyer, the absence of any recorded advisories means there are no specific flagged components to investigate, but a thorough physical inspection remains essential given the low-mileage profile. On a test drive, particular attention should be paid to cold braking performance, listening for any grinding, pulsation through the pedal, or a pulsing sensation through the steering wheel that could indicate light corrosion on the brake discs. The 1.0-litre turbocharged engine should be allowed to warm thoroughly before assessing, with the bonnet checked for any signs of oil seepage around the cam cover or turbo oil feed lines, as these can deteriorate regardless of mileage. Steering response should be evaluated for any vagueness or knocking over uneven surfaces, which could point to perished suspension bushes or worn anti-roll bar links that have stiffened with age. The mild-hybrid 48V system, including the belt-driven starter generator and associated wiring, should be checked for any warning messages on the instrument cluster, and the 12V battery beneath the bonnet should be load-tested, as prolonged periods of standing are a known cause of premature 12V battery failure in start-stop equipped vehicles. Finally, given the extremely clean MOT history and low annual mileage, a pre-purchase inspection by a Hyundai specialist or independent garage would be money well spent, primarily to verify the condition of components that MOT testing does not fully assess. A compression test on the T-GDi engine and a borescope inspection through the oil filler cap can confirm internal health, while a thorough check underneath the vehicle for any fluid residue from the engine, transmission, or hybrid system components is advisable. The underbody should be examined for any localised corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points and the rear subframe, even though MOT testing has not flagged any structural concerns. With its strong roadworthiness record and light use profile, this Kona presents as a mechanically sound proposition, provided the buyer verifies the age-related condition of consumables and rubber components that low mileage can quietly compromise over time.