Hyundai Kona Electric
The original Kona Electric, launched in 2018, made Hyundai the first automotive brand in Europe to make a fully-electric subcompact SUV available to everyone.
Sharing the same design as the regular Kona, the completely new platform of the Kona Electric enables a space-saving integration of the battery packs without compromising the roominess.
The Kona Electric features two different powertrain versions, a long-range battery version and basic battery version.
The key design differentiator from Hyundai’s regular Kona is the Kona Electric’s closed grille which gives a clean and stylish appearance, while also enhancing aerodynamics. This is complemented by the LED Daytime Running Lights positioned on top of the LED headlights with the Kona Electric coming with a two-tone roof and the choice of seven exterior colours.
The electric powertrain is operated by a shift-by-wire operation module and the adjustable regenerative braking system allows the driver to adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking by using the paddle shifts behind the steering wheel, recuperating additional energy where possible. Safety promises to be enhanced further by the regenerative braking system, in combination with the radar sensor, automatically controlling the regenerative braking depending on the traffic ahead.
The Kona Electric offers a range of connectivity features, such as the infotainment system which integrates navigation, media and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Wireless Charging. It is also equipped with Hyundai’s latest active safety and driving assistance technologies.
Drivers also benefit from the large 7-inch supervision cluster, which displays key information about the car’s driving performance and, in addition, the combiner head-up display shows relevant driving information directly to the driver’s line of sight.
In April 2021 the Kona Electric was revamped with new bumpers (now body coloured), lamps, wheel design. Inside the vehicle, Hyundai introduced a new horizontal layout and ambient lighting technology in the foot area. Already boasting a handsome range, Hyundai retained the original drivetrain for the relaunched vehicle.
The 2021 Kona Electric uses the same drivetrain as its predecessor. Safety features include Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) which don‘t just offer warnings to drivers, but also apply the brakes where necessary. Further upgraded safety features include Safe Exit Warning (SEW), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA).
With an electric parking brake, the Kona Electric features a contemporary horizontal layout with a 10.25 AVN screen and heated rear seats to increase passenger comfort.