Compact SUV that wins you don't change, indeed you do.
In the case of the new Hyundai Kona Electric, rather than change, it is more accurate to speak of an update, which, however, was full-bodied and justifies that 'new' at the time of the presentations.
More design, more technology and more driving comfort, above all, renew the Korean company's ambitious plans for its compact and one hundred percent electric SUV.
While Kona Electric has already attracted public attention since its launch in 2018 thanks to its powerful electric motor, range demonstrated in the field and style, the new version aims to repeat the success, quantified in just two years with 120,000 units sold. worldwide, of which more than 53,000 in Europe.
Last March, Hyundai also began production of Kona Electric at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech (HMMC) plant in the Czech Republic, thereby significantly reducing waiting times for European customers.
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New Hyundai Kona Electric
The substantial innovations in the new Kona Electric can be seen from a first glance on the front, with the closed grille and with a new design. The LED daytime running lights are also new, with the front being completed by the asymmetrical charging flap, a distinctive feature of Kona Electric. In terms of size, Kona Electric is 25 millimeters longer than the previous version. The novelties also concern the new range of colors for the bodywork, which can also be configured with the option of the contrasting roof.
Once seated behind the wheel, the novelties become just as evident as for the outside, as soon as the power button is pressed. For the first time, Kona Electric is equipped with a 10.25 "digital cluster, while the 10.25" central display including navigator remains the one introduced on Kona Electric Model Year 2020. Connectivity is increasingly integrated with Bluelink, Hyundai LIVE Services, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio display with 8 "touchscreen, on the other hand, allows smartphones to be connected wirelessly to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On the powertrain front, there are two different zero-emission electric powertains available. If the long-range version with 64 kWh battery is equipped with a 204 hp (150 kW) electric motor of maximum power, which allows Kona Electric to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.9 seconds, the version standard has a 39.2 kWh battery and a 136 hp (100 kW) engine, guaranteeing 0-100 km / h in 9.9 seconds. The version with a 64 kWh battery is capable of a top speed of 167 km / h, while the version with a 39.2 kWh battery reaches 155 km / h. Both versions deliver 395Nm of instant torque, making New Kona Electric fun to drive with full power available instantly. On the road,stability even at high speeds allows you to immediately become familiar with the gritty behavior of the electric powertrain.
The 64 kWh battery version offers class-leading range of 484 kilometers (WLTP) on a single charge, while the 39.2 kWh model reaches up to 305 kilometers (WLTP). While driving, the shift-by-wire system is very useful, which allows you to select the gears and the different driving modes using simple buttons. Even more useful, if you want, is the Smart Adjustable Regenerative Braking system that allows New Kona Electric to independently set the level of regenerative braking, thus recovering additional energy, while the paddles behind the steering wheel allow the driver to adjust it according to their preferences or also depending on the road you are traveling on, for example being able to make the most of the current regeneration during the descents.Regenerative braking is maximized when the left paddle is held down, allowing the driver to even bring the car to a complete stop without using the brake pedal.
The safety package is also complete, including even more active safety systems and driving assistance at the top of the category of the Hyundai family.
Finally, as regards the price list, the attack price varies from 35,850 euros for the New Kona Electric with a 39 kWh battery, XTECH CITY set-up, up to 49,600 euros for the version with 64 kWh battery, XCLASS set-up.
