A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Includes a historical vehicle
Current, upcoming and historical vehicles can be compared side by side. Historical records keep their verified specifications, while price labels show last-listed context rather than current new-car availability.
1.0T DCT ExecutivePetrol7-Speed DCTDiscontinued model
ZAR 565,900last listed
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 88 kW🔧 172 Nm⛽ 15.5 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
Decision summary
Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Hyundai Kona: the short answer
GLA and Kona are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Recorded price context
GLA:
current from
ZAR 901,887
·
Kona:
last listed from
ZAR 459,900
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
GLA
Kona
Maximum Power
GLA120 kW
Kona88 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
GLA270 Nm
Kona172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Engine Size
GLA1332 cc
Kona998 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
GLA15.2 km/l
Kona15.5 km/l
Ground Clearance
GLA143 mm
Kona165 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
GLA 200
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
GLA
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
Kona
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
GLA
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Kona
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
GLA
Kona
Model Introduced Year
2026
2018
Generation
Current South African GLA generation represented by derivative GLA 200
Second generation Kona on Hyundai's K2 GEN platform; the design is more conservative than the first gen but better resolved
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
Second generation launched globally in 2023 and brought to SA; softened styling compared to the sharper first gen, improved interior quality and tech
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
2023
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not confirmed
Body Style
Suv
SUV
Model Year
2026
Not confirmed
Production Status
Current South African retail range
discontinued
Segment
Premium SUV
SUV
Vehicle Type
SUV
SUV
Tare Mass Kg
-
1460 kg
Spec
GLA
Kona
Length
4412 mm
4355 mm
Width
1834 mm
1825 mm
Height
1616 mm
1570 mm
Wheelbase
2729 mm
2660 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
143 mm
165 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
220 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
50 l
Boot/Cargo Space
435 l
466 l
Kerb Weight
1650 kg
1460 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Payload Capacity
550 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.7 m
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Headroom
960 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
960 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
900 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
900 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
GLA
Kona
Engine
1332/L4
1-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
M282
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Type
Petrol Mild Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1332 cc
998 cc
Cylinders
4
3
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Direct injection
Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
10.6:1
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
72.2 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
81.4 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
120 kW
88 kW @ 5500 rpm
Maximum Torque
270 Nm
172 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Combined Power
120 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
270 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
8-Speed DCT
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
210 km/h
185 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.9 sec
10.5 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Eco, Normal
Launch Control
No
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
6500 rpm
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
60.3 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
117.8 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
No
Not Applicable
Spec
GLA
Kona
Gearbox
8-Speed DCT
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
FWD
LSD Available
No
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
8
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Type
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dual-clutch
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Not Officially Disclosed
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
No
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
0
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
No
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox Type
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
Not Applicable
Low Range
0
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: FWD
FWD
Rear Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Transmission Speeds
8
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Position
-
Front
Spec
GLA
Kona
Claimed Mileage
15.2 km/l
15.5 km/l
City Mileage
15.2 km/l
12.5 km/l
Highway Mileage
15.2 km/l
19.0 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
50 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
15.2 km/l
15.5 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
50
Combined Driving Range
0
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
Not Applicable
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
Not Applicable
Distance To Empty
-
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
-
Yes
Spec
GLA
Kona
Airbags
7
6
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
No
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Officially Disclosed
Side Airbags
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
-
Yes
Speed Alert System
-
Yes
Safety Rating
-
Not Rated (SA)
Spec
GLA
Kona
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Not Officially Disclosed
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Officially Disclosed
Auto Lights
-
Yes
Eco Mode
-
Yes
EV Mode
-
No
Sport Mode
-
No
Spec
GLA
Kona
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
Front
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
Front
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Not Officially Disclosed
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Not Officially Disclosed
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Not Officially Disclosed
Seat Adjustment
-
Power Driver
Steering Type
-
Electric
Steering Adjustment
-
Tilt & Telescopic
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Rear Armrest
-
No
Cup Holders
-
4
Instrument Cluster Type
-
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
-
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
-
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
-
Manual
Cooled Seats
-
No
Fabric Seats
-
Yes
Front Headrest
-
Yes
Leather Seats
-
No
Memory Seats
-
No
Rear Headrest
-
Yes
Spec
GLA
Kona
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
Yes
All
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
Yes
Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
No
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Load Bed Length
-
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
-
Not Applicable
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
No
Rear Window Defroster
-
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
-
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
-
12V
Boot Opener
-
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
-
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
-
Yes
Engine Check Warning
-
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
-
Yes
Front Power Outlet
-
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
-
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
-
Manual
Headlamp Washer
-
No
Power Mirrors
-
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
-
Yes
Service Reminder
-
Yes
Spare Wheel
20-inch alloy wheels
Steel
Tachometer
-
Yes
Telescopic Steering
-
No
Tilt Steering
-
Yes
Trip Computer
-
Yes
Vanity Mirror
-
Yes
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Loadbox Length Mm
-
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
-
Not Applicable
Rim Size
20
18-inch Alloy
Sound System
13
8 Bose Premium
Unlocking
KEYLESS-GO
Yes
Wireless Charger
Yes
Yes
Spec
GLA
Kona
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
8 Bose Premium
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
USB-C ports
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
Not Officially Disclosed
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
Not Officially Disclosed
Navigation System
-
Yes
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
FM Radio
-
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
-
Yes
Voice Recognition
-
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
-
Yes
Infotainment Display
-
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
-
Yes
Audio Speakers
13
8 Bose Premium
Spec
GLA
Kona
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
LED
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
Not Officially Disclosed
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Not Officially Disclosed
Alloy Wheel Design
-
18-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
-
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
-
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
-
Yes
Door Handle Finish
-
Body Coloured
Body Type
-
SUV
DRL
LED daytime running lights
LED
Fog Lights
-
Yes
Front Fog Lights
-
Yes
Led Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED
Daytime Running Lights
LED daytime running lights
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
-
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
LED
Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED
Headlight Type
LED High Performance headlamps
Full LED
Spec
GLA
Kona
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Off-road mode
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
No
4WD System Type
No
Not Applicable
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Ramp Breakover Angle
-
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
Yes
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
-
165 mm
Ground Clearance Min
-
165 mm
Spec
GLA
Kona
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
235/45 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
20-inch alloy wheels
Steel
Wheel Rim Size
20
18-inch Alloy
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Not Officially Disclosed
Wheel Type
-
18-inch Alloy
Parking Brake Type
-
Manual
Tyre Load Index
-
91
Tyre Speed Rating
-
H
Brake Type Front
-
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
-
Disc
Spare Tyre
20-inch alloy wheels
Steel
Tyre Type
-
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
20
18-inch Alloy
Wheels
-
18-inch Alloy
Spec
GLA
Kona
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
-
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
Independent multi-link suspension
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Independent multi-link suspension
Multi-Link
Spec
GLA
Kona
CO2 Emissions
165 g/km
120 g/km
Start Stop System
-
No
Variable Valve Timing
-
Yes
Fuel Octane Requirement
-
Unleaded 95
Fuel Evaporation Control
-
Yes
Spec
GLA
Kona
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
4
Service Interval
-
15000 km / 12 months
Maintenance Plan
-
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
-
15000
Service Plan Duration
5 Years / 100000 km
4
Service Plan Distance
5 Years / 100000 km
4
Alternator
-
120A
Service Intervals
-
15000 km / 12 months
Accessory Battery Type
-
Lead-acid
Spec
GLA
Kona
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
Private and family
Price Zar
901887 ZAR
565900 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Historical listed price
Starting Price
1050000
565900
Starting Price Zar
1050000
565900
Spec
GLA
Kona
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5
Warranty Years
5 Years / 100000 km
5
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / 100000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
5
Roadside Assistance
-
5 Years
In depth: how these cars differ
This GLA and Kona comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: GLA 54 vs Kona 40.
Efficiency index: GLA 63 vs Kona 62.
Safety-equipment index: GLA 99 vs Kona 84.
Practicality index: GLA 62 vs Kona 67.
Ownership-cover index: GLA not separately scored vs Kona 65.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
GLA and Kona image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
GLA leads by 7 points
GLA and Kona are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
GLA
Performance
54/100
Efficiency
63/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
62/100
Kona
Performance
40/100
Efficiency
62/100
Safety
84/100
Practicality
67/100
Ownership
65/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz GLA
leads the specification evidence index with 70 pts
vs 63 pts for Kona
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, GLA leads. However, Kona may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
Request dealer offers
Let's discuss your next car
Share your interest so Hagalu can follow up about quotations and available discounts. The dealer confirms stock, price and terms.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
Your enquiry has reached Hagalu for follow-up. Any dealer offer will be confirmed separately by the seller.