Performance: 204 hp - 150 kW
Battery: 64 kWh
Range (WLTP): 449 km
Fuel consumption: 14.3 kWh/100 km
Transmission: Front-wheel drive
- Accelerated AC charging (at home)
- Max AC power: 7.2 kW - Single-phase
- AC connector: Type 2
- DC fast charging
- Max DC power: 77 kW
- DC connector: Combo CCS
Length: 4180mm
Width: 1800mm
Height: 1570mm
Trunk volume: 332L / 1114L
Empty weight: 1685kg
Hyundai KONA Electric test drive: Small SUV, long distances
This small battery-powered SUV is the second all-electric model launched by the Korean automaker in the last 12 months, following the Hyundai IONIQ Electric, the first of 38 alternative-powered vehicles Hyundai plans to launch by 2025.
It's a deadline that Hyundai should easily meet. With hybrid and two plug-in versions of the IONIQ already on sale on the French market, and the NEXO hydrogen fuel cell SUV, Hyundai already offers more alternatives than any other brand of combustion-powered vehicle.
But it's undoubtedly the 64 kWh Kona Electric that offers the most possibilities.
According to Hyundai, the Kona Electric covers 449 km on a single charge of its 64 kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion polymer battery.
Recharging takes 54 minutes with a 100 kW CCS charger or 9.5 hours with a 7.2 kW home charger (which is the most common). If you're not in a hurry, the Kona Electric can be recharged from a 240 volt/10 amp home socket in 21 hours.
This power is transmitted to the front wheels via a 150 kW/395 Nm permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and a shift-by-wire gearbox with regenerative braking. Hyundai achieves 0-100 km/h in 7.6 s and a top speed of 167 km/h.
Beev offers multi-brand 100% electric vehicles at the best prices, as well as recharging solutions.
Hyundai Kona Electric: Electric with style
40% of Kona buyers cite style as the main reason for their purchase, for its eccentric look.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is available in six colors: Pulse Red, Phantom Black, Lake Silver, Galactic Grey, Ceramic Blue, Chalk White.
The five-seat Kona electric SUV boasts a cargo space of 332 liters (VDA) with the rear seats in place, rising to 1114 liters when the seatbacks are folded down.
As is increasingly the case with other mainstream Hyundai models, the Kona Electric includes SmartSense, its safety technology. The package includes intelligent cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning and hill braking control.
Like the combustion-powered Kona, it's the everyday practicality of the Kona Electric that makes the difference.
Overall, Hyundai has made the Kona Electric range (and IONIQ for that matter) easy to maneuver. The ease with which the vehicle can be handled on the first drive will satisfy and reassure those driving an electric car for the first time.
Acceleration is efficient in all gears, with no jerking and very linear acceleration. Whether at a standstill or overtaking, the Kona Electric responds instantly to the driver's demands.
Despite weighing more than conventional Kona versions (1685 kg vs. 1383 kg), the electric model's low center of gravity and balanced front-to-rear weight distribution give it impressive sporty reflexes.
In fact, only the Kona Electric's low rolling resistance tires seem to limit its tenacious handling.
Despite its playful dynamics, the Kona Electric remains comfortable and at ease on marked roads. The driving position allows the driver to enjoy the serenity of the ultra-quiet transmission and try out the four-mode programs and steering-wheel-mounted regenerative braking selectors (which are fun to use in a way similar to "downshifting" around corners).
Starting at €43,900 for the 64 kWh version (excluding the €7,000 environmental bonus and other subsidies for which you may be eligible), the Hyundai Kona is a real competitor to its cousin the Kia e-Niro and the Japanese Nissan Leaf, which is more of a compact. A genuine 100% electric UFO, the Kona Electric's youthful, urban styling is sure to turn heads at the crossroads.
Hyundai KONA Electric test drive: Features and price
SAFETY
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
- Reversing camera with dynamic guide lines
EXTERIOR
- Electrically folding outside mirrors
INTERIOR
- Heated front seats
COMFORT
- Multimedia system with 8″ color touchscreen
- 7″ digital counters
- Head-up display
- Wireless charger for compatible smartphones
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Krell premium audio system, 5 speakers, 2 tweeters, subwoofer and amplifier
- Europe navigation system with map update program and TomTom Live services
Price: €43,900 (excluding €7,000 environmental bonus )
SAFETY
- Speed limit sign recognition
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Front parking assistance
EXTERIOR
- Bi-LED front lights
INTERIOR
- Leather upholstery (seat and back)
- Electrically adjustable front seats
COMFORT
- Multimedia system with 8″ color touchscreen
- 7″ digital counters
- Head-up display
- Wireless charger for compatible smartphones
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Krell premium audio system, 5 speakers, 2 tweeters, subwoofer and amplifier
- Europe navigation system with map update program and TomTom Live services
Price: €46,400 (excluding €7,000 environmental bonus )
Our Hyundai KONA Electric test drive in brief
- Exterior styling
- Driving feel
- Safety
- Higher price than its KIA cousin
