Hyundai Kona Electric

It’s the cabin where major upgrades and changes can be seen. The distinctive design language continues throughout the spacious cabin. It poses high-quality materials, advanced technology, and premium features to offer a comfortable and refined ride for everyone on board. The traditional shifter has been replaced by the four drive-by-wire buttons of the automatic transmission; that’s why there is plenty of storage space for personal items. The 8-inch multimedia touchscreen offers total smartphone connectivity through a simple-to-use touchscreen interface. Smartphones can be connected through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.  The 7-inch digital instrument cluster indicates drive mode and clearly monitors energy flow and battery charge level. 

In terms of looks, the electric crossover is not hugely different from its predecessor. There are some minor tweaks here and there, but the most significant change is the new grille. It poses a closed-grille at the front. The unique twin headlight design with full LED headlamps and LED Daytime Running Lights look attractive. The aerodynamically optimized wheels and underbody, as well as an active air flap in the front bumper, reduce its drag co-efficient for better efficiency. With its stable and wide stance, the KONA Electric features a roof rail that visually enhances the sleek roofline and supports up to 80 kg of load. The sleek aerodynamic design theme can also be found in the rear bumper and slim LED rear lights. Wrap-around claddings with integrated indicator and reversing lights further enhance the looks. A sunroof is also available as an option in higher variants. One can choose from five different paint schemes - Chalk White, Galactic Gray, Tangerine Comet, Pulse Red, and Dark Knight.

As the Kona is taller than its sibling, you can expect a little more roll around the bends. Handling is generally good enough most of the time while driving in traffic or on highways. With this amount of torque spinning the front wheels only, it can be quite a bit of fun on the wet. The Mcpherson Strut Type performs suspension duties at the front and Multi-Link at the rear.

The Kona Electric 5 DR drives with a 39.2 kWh battery with up to 312 km of driving range; while the  Kona Electric 5 DR (long-range) drives with a 64 kWh battery with up to 482 km of driving range. It churns out a max torque of 395 Nm and generates max power of 134 bhp in the standard model and 201 bhp in the top model. Hyundai uses a lithium-ion polymer battery pack for the Kona Electric instead of conventional nickel-metal hybrid batteries. This provides lower memory sensitivity and excellent charge and discharge efficiency, along with outstanding maximum output. A newly developed Battery Thermal Management System is also available, enabling higher battery efficiency and a higher lifetime. It is water-cooled through the connection to the A/C system and heated by an electric heating element. 

Disc brakes are fitted at both ends on the Kona Electric. Braking is optimized to get the most out of the regenerative braking system, helping the KONA Electric to maintain a healthy state of charge (SOC). The regenerative braking system extends the vehicle's driving range as it drives through the downhills of city roads. There are three settings for regenerative braking, where the most aggressive works well in start-stop situations and comes in handy during emergency braking. Safety features include six airbags, Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), which gives you a 180-degree view behind the car.

The base model is priced competitively and comes equipped with good features and decent performance. The top variant is slightly on the expensive side. However, the Kona electric is a good EV option based on its performance.