2022 Hyundai Kona Ultimate GDI HEV S-A 1.6L Hybrid electric · WM22 DYY

The most recent DVSA examination on 18 August 2026 produced a PASS, however this was achieved only after a prior failure on the same date for headlamp aim issues recorded as Prescriptive defects on both the nearside and offside units. The headlights were found to be aimed too high and too far to the right, which constitutes a dangerous condition as it can dazzle oncoming traffic and compromise forward visibility. These items were presumably rectified immediately to allow the subsequent pass, but it remains prudent for the buyer to confirm the headlamp alignment is correct at the time of collection. Aside from this, the only items recorded on the latest test were advisories relating to slight cracking in the treads of all four tyres, an indicator of rubber perishing consistent with calendar age rather than mileage wear. Looking at the broader pattern, the 2025 test was a clean pass with no advisories, so the appearance of headlamp defects and tyre cracking advisories within twelve months suggests that attention to peripheral items has lapsed slightly, although there is no evidence of deeper mechanical deterioration at this stage. With 25,682 miles recorded over a four-year period, this Kona has covered approximately 6,420 miles annually, which is broadly in line with average UK private car usage and sits comfortably within the parameters expected for a hybrid vehicle of its age. There is no evidence in the records of extended standing periods or unusually low annual mileage, so the typical concerns surrounding seized brake calipers, oxidised brake disc surfaces, perished coolant hoses, and 12V battery degradation from infrequent use are less of a concern here than they would be for a lower mileage example. Equally, the mileage is not high enough to suggest imminent wear on major drivetrain components such as the hybrid transaxle, inverter, or high-voltage battery, although a four-year-old hybrid powertrain should still be considered for a specialist health check if no Hyundai main dealer service history is available to confirm HV battery state of charge and balancing. Turning to the advisory items recorded on the most recent test, the cracking noted across all four tyres warrants close physical inspection at the point of purchase. Tyre cracking in the tread blocks, as opposed to sidewall perishing, often reflects the age of the rubber compound and exposure to UV light and temperature cycles, and it tends to progress regardless of remaining tread depth. The buyer should therefore measure tread depth across the full width of each tyre, paying particular attention to the inner and outer shoulders where cracking typically initiates, and should expect to budget for a full set of replacements if the cracking extends across multiple tread blocks or appears to reach the structural ply cords. It is also worth inspecting the sidewalls carefully for any bulging, ozone cracking, or signs of age-related deterioration, as the same age-related compounds are at work there even where no advisory was issued. On a test drive, listen for any increase in road noise which can indicate hardening of the compound, and verify that the vehicle tracks straight without pulling, as uneven cracking can sometimes develop into a feathered wear pattern affecting steering stability. Beyond the items recorded by DVSA, the prospective buyer should satisfy themselves on several age and mileage-appropriate mechanical points. The headlamp aim failure recorded on the same day as the pass suggests that either a manual adjustment was required or that suspension settlement had shifted the beam pattern, so it would be sensible to check that all four headlamp and tail lamp units are secure in their mounting brackets and that no condensation is present within the housings. Brake discs and calipers should be examined for any signs of corrosion pitting on the disc faces, particularly on a hybrid which uses regenerative braking and therefore places less friction demand on the rear calipers, occasionally leading to surface rust accumulation that can cause judder on first application. Verify the service history in full, confirming that engine oil, hybrid transaxle fluid checks, brake fluid replacement, and the official Hyundai HV battery health inspection have been conducted at the manufacturer-recommended intervals, as the 12V auxiliary battery and brake fluid are both subject to calendar-based degradation regardless of mileage. Finally, inspect the underside for any fluid leaks from the hybrid cooling system, exhaust corrosion around the heat shields, and the condition of the suspension bushes and coil springs, all of which can deteriorate over four years of road exposure even at moderate mileages.