Bold new look for Hyundai Kona Electric 11 | 11 | 2020
HYUNDAI HAS UNVEILED a facelifted version of its Kona Electric. Boasting a restyled nose, a mildly reworked cabin and a host of additional safety equipment, the revised model will go on-sale early in 2021. The 300-mile range remains unchanged for the 64kWh model. (Related: Hyundai lifts wraps from i20 N)
It’s clear the exterior cosmetic changes have focused on making the Kona Electric look less like its combustion engined sibling, and more like a purpose-built EV. And there’s no denying it’s achieved its primary goal. Buyers can also now choose from 10 paint finishes, an increase of five. (Related: Hyundai Kona Hybrid returns 70mpg)
A smoothed nose cone replaces the petrol car’s radiator grille and front bumper; the change also delivers slight aerodynamic improvements over the pre-facelifted model. A pair of vertical inlets have also been introduced on the front bumper to reduce the amount of turbulent air in the front wheel arches to minimise drag. (Related: Hyundai i10 N pricing)
The new front bumper is complemented by a snazzy set of daytime running lights and new LED headlights. Cleverly, Hyundai has also replaced the old car’s black body mouldings with colour-coded versions. The rear lights have also been updated.
There’s changes inside the cabin too. Buyers now get Hyundai’s latest 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, lifted from the latest i20 supermini. The new model retains the 10.25-inch infotainment system from its predecessor, and offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Buyers can now also choose from black or two-tone grey upholstery, in cloth or leather; plus there’s a new ambient lighting system for the driver and passenger footwell.
Safety tech has also been further enhanced, with the inclusion of blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance systems. There’s also a safe exit warning system that informs passengers if there’s approaching traffic when they go to leave the vehicle.
Two drivetrains are available, as was the case with the previous Kona Electric. The entry-level model gets a 39.2kWh battery pack and a 134bhp electric motor, resulting in a top speed of 96mph and a maximum range of 189 miles.
The larger, long-range 64kWh battery pack and 201bhp electric motor increases the range to 300-miles, with top speed increasing to 104mph. When plugged into a 100kW fast-charger, the EV will recover an 80% charge in 47 minutes.
Related: Hyundai reveals all-electric Kona
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Jim McGill