Hyundai KONA Electric is sharper, bolder and bigger
HYUNDAI’S second-generation Kona Electric gets a distinctive new look, along with a longer range, and is now one of the class leaders, joining the likes of the Kia Niro, Volvo EX30, Mazda MX-30 and Honda e:Ny1 at the premium end of ever-growing, fully-electric mid-size SUV market segment. The biggest difference compared to its predecessor is its size, and it now boasts similar dimensions to its close relative, the Kia Niro EV.
For the all-new Kona, Hyundai developed the electric version first, and the petrol and hybrid versions afterwards, as 40% of European sales of the previous generation Kona were EVs, and that is expected to rise to around 60% for the new model.
The new Kona Electric offers a choice of battery sizes, with usable capacities of 48.4kWh or 65.4kWh. The former can officially provide the Kona with a range of up to 377km on a full charge, while the latter can achieve up to 514km. Powering the Kona Electric is a single motor that produces 154bhp and 255Nm of torque from the smaller battery, and 215bhp from the larger one, with the same torque output. The new Kona Electric is available in entry-level Elegance trim with the choice of either battery, and Platinum trim which comes exclusively with the larger battery.
In terms of engineering, the new Kona is stronger, lighter and bigger than before. Measuring in at 4,355mm in length, the new Kona is 150mm longer than its predecessor, and its 2,660mm wheelbase provides occupants with greater levels of space and comfort. In order to improve practicality, the boot in the new Kona Electric has increased by 144-litres to a generous 466-litres, and the rear seatbacks can be dropped to dramatically increase the space on offer when required.
The stylish, minimalist dash layout in the new Kona Electric is dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens, one of which shows digital instruments for the driver, while the adjoining screen serves as an infotainment touchscreen. The new Kona Electric benefits from a bank of physical buttons located under the infotainment screen that provide access to important functions such as climate, media, phone and map access, thereby making it much easier to use on the move than touch-sensitive screen controls. The lower part of the dash houses a selection of USB slots, a wireless phone charging pad, and a Drive Mode selector, along with buttons for the heated front seats, heated steering wheel and more. The Kona Electric also benefits from comfortable seating and excellent fit and finish throughout, and this adds an upmarket look and feel to the spacious cabin.
My Kona Electric review car came in range-topping Platinum trim, and it looked elegant in its Ecotronic Grey pearlescent paint finish. The 65kWh Kona feels genuinely sprightly, and it can accelerate to 100km/h from a standing start in just 7.8 seconds. When you lift off the accelerator pedal, Hyundai’s excellent i-Pedal regenerative braking system slows the car down quite quickly, with braking energy returned to the battery in order to enhance driving range. The braking effect can be adjusted via paddles behind the steering wheel, and in its strongest setting it will bring the car to a complete stop without any driver intervention. Irrespective of what level of braking effect is chosen, the brakes are predictable, allowing you to stop in a precise and well-controlled manner. The Kona Electric is a very relaxing car to drive, and it completes every task asked of it with the greatest of composure and refinement. The well-judged steering is accurate in its operation, and the relatively high driving position makes it easy to place the car on the road.
With plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment on offer, an ideal driving position can be found easily. In addition to a long list of standard features in Elegance trim, the Platinum model benefits from electric driver and front passenger seats, leather-faced seat trim, electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, LED wide projector headlamps, surround view monitor, head-up driver display, blind spot collision warning and a blind spot monitor..
The new Kona Electric is a genuinely impressive mode of family transport, and with Hyundai’s exceptional quality, reliability and durability, plus good value pricing, it is a winner in every respect. The new Kona Electric Elegance 48kWh is priced from just €36,995 (ex-delivery), and my review car specification priced from €43,995. Hyundai Ireland is currently offering a special PCP finance rate of just 1.9% APR (T’s & C’s apply). Hyundai’s 5 year, unlimited mileage warranty comes as standard across the entire Hyundai passenger car range.