2021 Hyundai Kona Electric debuts in Europe

KUALA LUMPUR: Since launch in 2018, the Hyundai Kona Electric continues to win the hearts of people with its powerful electric drivetrain, long driving range, and stylish SUV looks. Only in two years, the sub-compact SUV has won many awards and accolades globally. 

Now, with an intent to make it a better EV, Hyundai has updated it for the European market. So, let’s see what’s all new in the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric?

The new Kona Electric gets a series of bold exterior design updates. The front end features a pure and clean design with the new-look closed grille flanked by new, sharper headlamps, which now incorporates multi-faceted reflector technology. The new LED Daytime Running Lights further emphasizes the car’s wide stance. The front also has an asymmetric charging port that makes a strong statement about the EV. At the back, the electric SUV gets new accent bars and new horizontally-stretched rear lamps.

The new Kona Electric also has an updated interior with progressive technology. For the first time, it gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, while an optional 10.25-inch AVN screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is carried over from the outgoing model. It also gets a new Bluelink upgrade allowing the customers to control their car with their smartphones or voice. It displays information like range, battery state, and charging times. Moreover, users can access a battery management system in order to select suitable charging times that best fit their schedule or budget by taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates. Other new interior highlights include the remote climate control function, ambient light technology, and two interior colour packages.

Coming to the drivetrain, the new Hyundai Kona also comes in two different zero-emissions battery-electric powertrains, like its predecessor. The long-range trim with a 64 kWh battery houses an electric motor that delivers a maximum power of 204 PS, accelerating the EV to 100 kmph in 7.9 seconds. The basic variant comes with a battery capacity of 39.2 kWh, with the motor generating 136 PS, accelerating to 100 kmph in 9.9 seconds. The former has a maximum speed of 167 kmph, while the latter offers 155 kmph. Both powertrains deliver 395 Nm of peak torque.

The 64 kWh battery trim offers a class-leading range of 484 kilometres on a single charge and at the same time, the smaller battery pack offers 305 kilometres. With a 100 kW DC fast charger, the EV only takes about 47 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent.

Hyundai also bolstered the safety kit for the facelifted Kona Electric with new features including 

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist 
• Leading Vehicle Departure Alert 
• Safe Exit Warning 
• Rear Seat Alert 
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection

Talking about the EV’s impressive feats, it has made a range record of 1,026 kilometres on a single battery charge and has also made it into the Guinness World Records for being driven to an altitude of 5,731 metres. In addition, the electric Kona made its position in the WardsAuto 10 Best Engine List for 2019 and earned the titles like “Affordable Electric Car of the Year”, “Best Small Family Car” at the prestigious car awards.

Also read: Hyundai Kona launched in Malaysia, price starts at RM 115,888