Hyundai Kona vs Deepal S07

What's the difference?

The Hyundai Kona is the Korean car giant’s best-selling model in Australia, by a reasonably comfortable margin. And in 2025 it managed to battle its way to the top of the ludicrously competitive ‘Small SUV under $45K’ new-vehicle sales category.

Chery’s breakthrough Tiggo 4 Pro, GWM’s Haval Jolion, the MG ZS and close to 20 other well-credited segment rivals can all dream on because currently the Kona has their measure.

So, what’s all that about? Why are so many Aussie SUV buyers choosing to put a Kona in the driveway?

In an attempt to answer that question we slotted a Kona Hybrid into the CarsGuide garage, in this case a new mid-spec Elite version, to explore its relative strengths and weaknesses.

So, if you’re in the market for a compact SUV, with the Kona on your shortlist (and odds are it already is) stay with us for a detailed examination.

You’re getting flooded with new electric mid-size SUVs from China, I know. But if you’re struggling to recall them all, just remember – this is the good-looking one.

It’s the Deepal S07, the spearhead for the Deepal brand's new presence in Australia, and I reckon it looks damn sharp.

But is there substance to match the style? And can it take on the likes of the Kia EV5, Tesla Model Y and XPeng G6?

Let's find out, shall we?