Hyundai touts range of new SUV
Hyundai is promising its new Kona Electric will combine the practicality of an SUV with the advantages of electric mobility.
The Korean conglomerate says the long-range battery version of the Kona E will provide a driving range of up to 470km, while the basic version will drive up to 300km on a single charge,
It says the model provides a fun experience with acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds.
Details of the Kona E have been revealed in Europe this week, ahead of the Geneva Motor Show.
The key difference in the appearance of the Kona from the conventionally powered models, is a closed grille.
The company says this improves the aerodynamics.
The electric models will feature LED daytime running lights, sitting on top of the headlights. The models will feature a new “shiftby-wire” operation gear control, enabling drivers to adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking by using paddle shifts behind the steering wheel.
The system recuperates additional energy when possible. Drivers also benefit from a seveninch supervision cluster, which displays key information about the car’s driving performance, which is also displayed in a head-up display on the windscreen directly in the driver’s line of sight.
Connectivity features, such as the infotainment system which integrates navigation, media and apps such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, are fitted in the KonaE, along with a smartphone wireless charging pad.
The new eco-model will be equipped with active safety and driving assistance technology including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot detection including Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning and Speed Limit Information Function.
The rear spoiler features an integrated LED brake light.
With the width of 1800mm and low stance of 1570mm (+20mm compared with the regular Kona), the Kona Electric has a bold appearance on the road, further enhanced by 17” alloy wheels.
The car’s stance is further supported by its length of 4180mm (+15mm compared with the regular Kona) and a wheelbase of 2600mm.
The Kona E model is expected to arrive in New Zealand either late this year or early in 2019.