Hyundai reveals specs of all-new Kona Electric

MANILA: Hyundai Motor Company has officially introduced the all-new Kona, an upgraded contender in the B-SUV segment, led by an all-electric variant (EV) with a class-leading range and cutting-edge safety and convenience features.

The second-generation Kona offers the widest range of powertrains in the B-SUV segment. Customers can choose from EV (standard or long range), hybrid electric (HEV), and internal combustion engine (ICE) variants, as well as sporty N Line versions of each.

In a groundbreaking move, Hyundai Motor created the all-new Kona as an EV first, adhering to the company's announcement of a hastened electrification strategy that will see the release of 11 new Hyundai EVs by 2030.

“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. 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,” Hyundai Motor Company President and Chief Executive Officer Jaehoon Chang stated.

With a long-range 65.4kWh battery, the Hyundai Kona Electric provides 490km of class-leading all-electric range.

The all-new Kona has larger dimensions than the previous-generation model. The Hyundai Kona is now 4,355mm long, 175mm longer than the previous generation in 2017, with a 2,600mm wheelbase, which is 60mm longer. The Hyundai Kona's width is 1,825mm, making it 25mm wider, and its height is 1,575mm, making it 20mm taller.

The all-new Kona delivers an excellent aerodynamic performance without compromising aesthetics, with a drag coefficient of just 0.27. Aside from the aerodynamic nose and tailgate, pure volume is given character by contoured wheel arch armor, parametric surfaces, and aggressive chrome lines that link the belt line to the rear spoiler with an integrated high-mounted stop lamp. A Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp and Pixel graphics give a unique touch to the EV variant. Vibrant exterior hues further highlight the all-new Hyundai Kona's distinctive look.

The N Line variants have more muscular front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumpers to emphasize a lower stance, dual exhausts, and silver side skirts. They also have black mirrors, wing-type spoilers, and an optional black roof.

Hyundai was able to develop a larger interior “living space” to accommodate a wider range of lifestyles because of the Hyundai Kona's upscale size and EV-derived universal architecture. A floating horizontal C-Pad with dual 12.3-inch panoramic display panels highlights the driver-centric front row and highlights the high-tech nature of the Hyundai Kona.

The shift-by-wire gear selector has been moved from the center console to behind the steering wheel, allowing for extra storage in the open console area. The layout also highlights the wider and bigger interior of the Kona, which offers a flexible and cozy space for the driver and passengers. The placement of all driver controls around the steering wheel, which offers an open console storage with rotational cup holders, further amplifies this impression.

The relaxation comfort seat option in the first row is designed for “weightless” body pressure distribution to reduce fatigue after driving. The Curveless Bench Seat in the second row enhances comfort and ease of maintenance, while a two-stage latch enables rear seat reclining.

The fully foldable second-row seat and rear compartment can accommodate even the most demanding customer needs with up to 466 liters of cargo space. Loading cargo is now easier with the customizable Smart Power Tailgate that gives easier access to the cargo space.

For a better ownership experience, the Hyundai Kona Electric offers even more functions in addition to the Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp and Pixel graphics. A frozen charge door prevention mechanism allows the user to open the charge door in a minus 30-degree environment, and a new charging port door lamp provides visibility at night.

The all-new Kona also comes with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which has both interior and exterior outlets to power any device or charge any electrical equipment using a bi-directional onboard charger. When the EV is powered on, electronic devices can be plugged into a standard outlet on the rear center console. When the car is parked, electronic devices and home appliances can be plugged in outside using a V2L adapter to run on battery power.

Drivers may accelerate, decelerate, and stop the vehicle using only the accelerator pedal thanks to the revolutionary i-Pedal. The Smart Regenerative System automatically modifies the amount of regenerative braking based on information from forward traffic flow.

The all-new Hyundai Kona raises the bar for connectivity with continuous Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, allowing owners to keep their units up to date with the latest software.

Hyundai SmartSense ADAS features are standard in the second-generation Kona, guaranteeing the highest levels of safety and convenience while driving. These features include Driver Status Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Blind-spot View Monitor.

The Hyundai Kona Electric comes with additional SmartSense features such as Forward Collision-avoidance Assist 2.0 and Highway Driving Assist 2.

Production of the all-new Hyundai Kona is set to start later this year.

Photos from Hyundai

Also read:

Hyundai Makati opens its doors and readies charging station for EVs

HMPH takes Hyundai Mobility Adventure to Glorietta

Exterior of next-gen Hyundai Accent revealed before launch in Mar.