As WhichEV first reported back in December, Hyundai has formally announced the launch of its revamped Kona for the summer of 2023 in the UK. The all-electric version is rumoured to come at a competitive price point, around £35,000. The fossil-fuelled versions of this car will launch later, as Hyundai moves its focus more and more toward the rapidly expanding EV market. Compared to its predecessor, the new Kona is expected to be a little bigger and chunkier – with a WLTP range of just over 300 miles from a 65.4kWh battery. Will Hyundai’s updated Kona prove as popular as the original?
At first glance, anyone familiar with the previous Kona will be wondering if any advances have been made – given that the range is almost identical from a similar battery pack (within a 400v system). But you need to take into account the fact that the new Kona is bigger in every way. Overall, it is 17.5cm longer, with a 6cm bigger wheelbase and it stands 2cm higher. Despite those changes, it maintains a drag coefficient of 0.27 – which is slightly better than the previous 0.29.
The extra dimensions have been used to create a roomier, more comfortable driver and passenger experience. The shift-by-wire gear selector has been relocated from the centre console to behind the steering wheel, which allows more storage in the central area. Extra care has been given to the relocation of all driver controls around the steering wheel – allowing for open console storage with rotational cupholders. The Curveless bench seat in the second row aims to maximise habitability, with a reclining option.
The smart powered boot and entrance have been designed to optimise rear storage. There is also a small (27 litre) frunk, for convenience.
In addition to the pixelated seamless horizon lamp and pixel graphics, Kona Electric offers battery preconditioning to extend winter performance and optimise charging speeds. The Kona will also ensure that its charging flap can be accessed in temperatures as low as -30C and a new charging port door lamp ensures visibility at night.
With a bi-directional onboard charger, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function can power any device or charge electrical equipment, with both interior and exterior outlets for convenience. Inside, devices can be plugged into a standard outlet on the rear centre console when the EV is powered on. Outside, devices and home appliances can be plugged in using a V2L adapter to use battery power when the car is parked.
The new Kona Electric will now support over-the-air updates. There are integrated dual 12.3in panoramic displays and a connected car infotainment system that has been developed using nVidia technology. At just over 4.3m long, the new Kona is classed as a B-SUV,
Hyundai has included its SmartSense advanced driver assistance and safety systems (ADAS), including Level 2 autonomous driving, forward collision avoidance assist (FCA), blind-spot view monitor (BVM), remote smart parking assist (RSPA) and driver status monitor (DSM).
The HUD displays the most relevant information for drivers as a 12in projection on the windshield. This allows drivers to process information quickly while keeping their attention on the road ahead. The e-ASD creates a virtual sound that makes EVs more engaging for the driver. An optimum sound is added to the cabin, considering variables, such as driving speed, torque, state of the motor and acceleration. Drivers can control the volume and customize the sound inside the cabin.
We like the idea of the driver status monitor (DSM), which uses the vehicle’s internal camera to analyse the driver’s face and, in the event of drowsiness or carelessness, will alert you or even intervene to prevent an issue. Once at your destination, you can use the remote smart parking assist (RSPA) to put the Kona into (or take it out of) a parking space.
The new i-PEDAL enables a driving mode that allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal. The Smart Regenerative System automatically adjusts the amount of regenerative braking based on information from forward traffic flow.
“KONA Electric will play a major role alongside our IONIQ models in reinforcing Hyundai’s EV leadership. The new model builds on the great reputation of the first-generation KONA Electric and is designed and engineered to lead the competition with its many outstanding features,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor Company.
Chang added, “At Hyundai, we don’t see the EV revolution as just the latest trend. We believe it is a pivot point for not only the industry but also for society. Through the implementation of eco-friendly mobility solutions like our EVs, we hope to speed the transition to clean mobility and make progress for humanity.”
The original Kona was hugely popular – with waiting times touching 9 months. Even with improvements, the market is much more competitive these days. Will the revised Kona draw even bigger interest? We will be reviewing it soon enough and will give you our verdict.
In the meantime, this video will give you an idea of what Hyundai is trying to achieve.
