We have already seen on technologicfans the restlyling of the Hyundai Kona, one of the most popular B-SUVs on the market. And today we managed to road test the electric version of the Korean crossover, Hyundai Kona Electric. The new electric Hyundai Kona gains a totally new front, now devoid of any front bezel. The mechanics and autonomy remain the same, with the version from 64 kWh proven by us capable dthe more than 450 km of real autonomy. So let's see how the renewed Hyundai SUV performed on the roads every day.
Hyundai Kona Electric from outside: goodbye mask. Now it is faired, more modern and transversal, with a few more cm
We won't dwell too much on the aesthetics and key features of the Hyundai Kona mid-career restyling. To get an overview of the facelift that Hyundai has operated on its B-SUV three and a half years after launch, at the bottom of the page you can find our dedicated article. Today we go into the detail of the Kona we have in our hands today, that is Hyundai kona electric.
As we told you a few days ago, with the restyling, Kona has gained three distinct “faces”. The aggressive and sporty makes its debut with this restyling N Line. This new version refers to the sports N world of the Korean manufacturer with a new grille, sports bumpers, dual exhaust and mudguards in the same color. Alongside the N Line, available with petrol and mild hybrid engines, there is the "face" of the other thermal Hyundai and the Hybrid. A front dominated by a very impressive hourglass grille, with the Hyundai logo that stands out on the bumper and no longer in the center of the grille. This version is the most classic and transversal in the price list, very different from today's protagonist, the electric Hyundai Kona.
In fact, Kona Electric turns the page compared to the past. The electric version now has a totally different front from the other Kona, completely devoid of grilles, air intakes or masks. The previous Kona Electric was also faired, but still had a front molding that echoed the stylistic features of the thermal Hyundai.
Here, the front is all in body color, leaving no room for interruption. A clean break with the previous Electric and with the other Kona, an aesthetic that shouts loudly "I'm electric!", sensation amplified by the flap to access the charging socket located right on the front, in an asymmetrical position. The rest of the front instead sports a very modern two-level optical unit equipped with full LED floodlights.
Laterally stand out the 17-inch alloy wheels and painted fenders, which aim to bring the vehicle body closer to the ground. Also, compared to the previous Kona the 2021 version grows by 4 centimeters, from 4,16 to 4,20 m. At the rear, finally, we find gods here too thinner, full LED light clusters and a new bumper design and more modern. Then stands out wording "electric" on the tailgate, which makes Kona electric unmistakable.
Inside: unchanged space, new central tunnel and lots of technology
If the electric Hyundai Kona changes a lot outside, there are also several new features inside. First, on the Kona Electric it is di series the presence of the 10,25-inch digital instrument panel which we have already seen and enjoyed on the i20 and Tucson. In general, Kona is more technological and curated, with the possibility of having an 8-inch or 10,25-inch screen in the center of the dashboard on our top of the range XClass.
But there is a big difference between the Kona electric and the other thermal or hybrid Kona: the center console. Where the Kona with heat engine have the gear lever or the gear selector of the automatic DCT, Hyundai Kona Electric sports a very different center tunnel. Here is much taller, and features a silver finish. This solution closely resembles the Nexo, the hydrogen-powered fuel cell car from the Hyundai range. This central tunnel is raised: below we find a very large glove compartment, which also houses the 12 V socket.
The gear selector is also very different: since there is no real gearbox, we have a “by wire” control, with 4 buttons for each transmission function. The dashboard then sports several physical buttons, a dedicated air conditioning platform also made in silver color, a resealable glove compartment, equipped with wireless charging for the mobile phone, and a USB socket and two cup holders. At the bottom, finally, we find several controls for the heated seats, the rear camera, the Auto Hold system to keep the car stationary at a traffic light and the driving mode, which we will talk about shortly.
Generous space, a good trunk and great assemblies
Hyundai claimed to have improved materials, now of higher quality to the touch and sight. The glance is in fact very nice, with beautiful lines, a lot of harmony and one central band in soft plastic. However, the rest of the plastics scattered around the cabin are a bit stiffer than I would have expected. The plus of this choice, however, is one perfect seal over time and bomb-proof assemblies, which do not lend their side to any creak.
In terms of space, Kona Electric has not changed from the pre-restyled version. Both in front and behind it is very comfortable, with many centimeters for the head, shoulders and feet. Of course, those who are more than 80 meters tall behind will be a bit sacrificed, but to be a 4,20 meter B-SUV, space is abundant. The trunk then goes from 361 of the thermal versions to 332 of the electric one, definitely sufficient for the needs of a young family.
Our Kona Electric with 204 HP engine and 64 kWh battery: Hot Hatch performance and 482 km of range
Before moving on to the driving part, let's see the technical of Hyundai Kona electric. There are two versions of Kona Electric to choose from: on the one hand we have the version "basis“, Equipped with a front engine of 100 kW / 136 CV and a battery from 39 kWh, capable of offering aautonomy of 305 km in mixed cycle WLTP. The top-of-the-range version we tested is the most powerful and interesting available, the 64 kWh. The battery is in fact much larger, from 64 kWh in fact, and the engine, always single and always front, offers 150 kW (204 CV for those like me who still think in foals). The declared autonomy is really excellent: 482 km in WLTP mixed cycle, a result that places it as one of the electric cars with the longest range on the market.
The recharge reaches up to 100 kW at the Fast columns, with a recharge time of just under an hour to go from 10 to 80%. To maximize autonomy on top of the range versions, such as our XClass, the heat pump air conditioning system, also equipped with the Driver Only function to “air-condition” the driver only. With such an efficient air conditioning system, the “wasted” energy for the climate is limited to a minimum.
The version we tested, the 64 kWh with 204 hp, flaunts sports compact performance. We are obviously not talking about the maximum speed, electronically limited to 167 km / h, but about theacceleration from 0 to 100 km / h, covered in just 7,6 seconds. On a mechanical level, then, Kona Electric differs from other thermal Kona for the presence at the rear of a more sophisticated suspension system. In fact, we have a Multilink rear axle with independent wheels, more effective for comfort and driveability than the interconnected wheel system found on other Kona.
Hyundai Kona Electric on the road, in the city: agile, easy and maneuverable
Let's move on to driving this electric Hyundai Kona on the road, starting from its natural habitat, the city. The Korean B-SUV in terms of size and electric motorization should immediately find itself at ease among the narrow city streets, and in fact it immediately adapts to the traffic of Milan and the cities of the hinterland. Thanks to the 17-inch wheels, the trim absorbs the holes well, and also thanks to a relatively low weight for an electric one (the 64 kWh version weighs just over 1700 kg in running order) is always controlled, easy and agile. The steering is very light and with the right gear ratio, it never tires and allows precise and effortless maneuvers and slalom in traffic.
Of course, already in the city it is clear that it is not the most direct or communicative, however on an electric of this size there is really nothing to complain about. In the city, the excellent soundproofing from external noise is striking, which, aided by the absence of the sound of an engine, creates a relaxing and pleasant environment. Great note of value for the engine, That is really exuberant from a standstill… almost too much. Original equipment Michelin Primacy 4s often struggle to contain the 204 hp and 395 Nm of torque of the front engine, resulting in surprising little skids in the sportiest starts. However, the efficiency in the city is excellent. Hyundai stated that in the WLTP Kona city cycle can travel 660km. Today we have traveled just under 100, but judging by the consumption obtained, really low, exceeding 550 km is certainly within reach.
This is thanks to various measures taken, from the heat pump climate to the recovery of energy in release and braking. By the way, Kona electric allows you to manage braking regeneration on 4 levels, from 0 to 3, which can be set with the paddles behind the steering wheel. In the city, with the regeneration set to 3, the car slows down dramatically, allowing almost a one pedal drive.
Not entirely though, why below 10 km / h Kona behaves like a car with a traditional automatic transmission, advancing slowly if you do not press the brakes, for their part progressive and well modulated even in the most decisive braking. In such a positive city picture, they are there two small burrs. The car is pretty long (1,80 m), and the turning radius is not very large: these two united details create some headaches in case of reversals or very tight parking spaces. Finally, rear visibility is limited because of the small rear window and large rear pillars. To the rescue, however, comes the button to activate the rear view camera while on the move, not exactly the most defined but definitely useful.
Out of town, Kona prefers to walk rather than run
Thanks to its first-class autonomy, Hyundai Kona electric can also be the ideal companion for medium-long trips outside the city limits. And already outside the city Kona is found prepared for the mission. Visibility is excellent, thanks to the raised position, so loved on B-SUVs, which allows us to dominate the road and see perfectly what is happening in front of us. The constant changes in speed limits come to the rescueHead-Up Display, which shows the current speed limit and if you are exceeding it “colors” the speed red, warning us to slow down. Outside the city walls you can appreciate even more the excellent verve of the electric motor, capable of being fast and ready even outside the city. As soon as I get out of the city, I try to switch between the driving modes. There are in fact three calibrations of the electric powertrain: Eco, Confort and Sport.
Eco mode is best suited to the city: The response of the accelerator pedal is softer, as is the delivery, allowing you to start without making the tires screech. In Confort, the car is relaxing but always ready when maximum performance is required. In Sport, on the other hand, the electric Hyundai Kona becomes almost exuberant. Compared to other electric, then, the guide is accompanied by the sound of the electric motor, which increases in intensity and tone depending on the revs at which it is turning and the pressure of the accelerator. It becomes very easy and very "thermal" to understand when a wheel is losing grip, the speed at which you are going and the effort of the engine. At first it displaces, but after a while you learn to exploit it: makes driving through curves more fun, more intuitive, and increases the connection between man and machine.
The large amount of torque sometimes makes itself felt on the wheel, which has some reaction too much when you put everything down, but thanks to the excellent calibration of the electronics even between the Kona electric curves surprises with excellent stability and a lot of performance. Of course, it's not sporty, but it also drives very well in tight mixed conditions. This is also due to the low center of gravity due to the batteries placed under the floor, at suspensions, comfortable but not pliable between curves, and of the rear with Multilink scheme, which guarantees perfect stability even by releasing the gas when cornering. This behavior makes an electric car weighing over 1700 kg sincere and predictable, of which it is better not to lose control ...
Hyundai Kona Electric on the highway: relaxing and enjoyable, and with a great recovery
Finally, we did not miss a trip to highway, where we found that despite not being her natural habitat, Kona is competent and relaxing. To help the motorway guide comes theexcellent Adaptive Cruise Control, standard on this set-up and also very popular in the city. On long avenues and in situations of intense traffic, by setting the Cruise Control on the car in front, it will be enough to hit the accelerator or touch the Cruise lever to move forward: very comfortable.
On the motorway, this system proves to be very well calibrated and comfortable, with a great fluidity of operation, rare to find on electric cars, equipped with so much power. Speaking of which, Kona Electric has excellent recovery even at high speeds, allowing you to get out of the most thorny situations in a few seconds. Efficiency is also pretty good at 130 km / h, though its perfect speed is between 110 and 120 km / h. At these speeds, the aerodynamic hisses noticeable at the 130s are not so much noticeable, and the absorption of the engine (controllable in real time on the infotainment screen) is decidedly lower. In any case, thanks to the very comfortable seats, space and excellent multimedia system even longer journeys are comfortable and relaxing.
A word also about two multimedia screens, the news of this restyling. The digital instrument panel it is taken almost entirely from the one seen on i20, of which you can find the proof below. Has a excellent quality panel, offers a lot of information and changes its aesthetics a lot depending on the driving mode chosen. The central infotainment system is also equipped with a Full HD panel very defined, and the system is fluid, fast and intuitive. Do not miss Android Auto and Apple Car Play, which however occupy 2/3 of the screen due to the very horizontal aspect ratio of the screen. Finally, I really appreciated being able to have a blue light filter for the screen, very useful at night, and "Sounds of Nature", preloaded tracks that reproduce the sounds of the forest, rain or nature in general.
The real autonomy of Hyundai Kona Electric: without paying too much attention you can exceed 450 km
Let's close the picture of electric Kona by analyzing his autonomy. In my journey of just under 100 km I have traveled a lot of cities, a lot of highway and several km in extra-urban. And the results were very interesting: delivered to us with 99% battery, after my test the battery marked the82%. An excellent result considering a driving style that is not very attentive to efficiency, several km traveled at the motorway limit and the air conditioning always on in a hot Milan.
The remaining range, calculated on the route I traveled, was 334 km. This means that with a totally normal driving, using only the regeneration at maximum level, you can easily get over 450 km of autonomy. A result indeed eccellente for a car that is easy to drive, fast and relatively affordable.
The price of our Kona Elettrica: the 39 kWh from 35.850 euros, with the 64 kWh from 45.000
Yes, because certainly Hyundai Kona electric does not cost as much as a 1.0 turbo version, but the price is far from out of scale. The Kona electric range starts at € 35.850 for the XTech City with a 39 kWh battery. For the most complete and capable electric Kona, ours 64 kWh, instead it starts from 45.000 euros. To finally have an electric Hyundai Kona like the one in the pictures, one XClass complete with all the useful options, we speak of 49.600 euros turnkey.
To the rescue of the not-so-popular list of Kona Electric, however, come the government incentives and Hyundai purchase formulas. With Hyundai incentives and discounts, the electric Kona starts at just under 25.000 euros, but where Hyundai has pushed the most is in the financing sector. In fact, with Kona the financing was born Triple Zero, which without interest and no installments allows you to take home a Kona Electric. The offer starts from the 39 kWh base, but can also be extended to our 64 kWh. This provides that after having paid an advance of about 12 thousand euros, you will not have any installments to pay for 3 years, nor interest. At the end of the 3 years, if you are still convinced of Kona and electric driving, you can pay it, pay the final amount in installments or return it. The third zero? CO2 emissions, obviously.
Hyundai Kona electric, between record autonomy and a lot of concreteness. What do you think?
Hyundai Kona 2021 is a targeted restyling of a model that has always hidden practicality, concreteness and a beautiful drive under its original and divisive aesthetic. This restyling does nothing but emphasize the merits of the model, also softening the line a little to make it more transversal. LOur electric Kona, on the other hand, differs even more from the thermal models, offering a unique and unquestionably EV aesthetic, excellent performance and autonomy that eliminates most of the anxieties.
What's more, Kona is relaxed when driving, with lots of power and a great deal of agility. In short, this electric Kona convinced us. And you? What do you think? Would you buy the new Hyundai Kona, thermal or electric? Let us know in the comments. See you at the next test drive!
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