Hyundai has taken the wraps off its new KONA compact SUV which, in electric guise, will have a range of up to 306 miles on a full charge.
The second-generation Kona will be offered with a choice of three powertrains, with hybrid electric as well as conventional engines.
Hyundai says that the electric version has class-leading range and the sporty N Line versions will be offered on each engine variant.
Hyundai has developed the new Kona as an EV primarily and Jaehoon Chang, its president and CEO, said: “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.”
Among the upgrades are dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, a digital key, full over-the-air updates and a connected car navigation cockpit.
The new Kona EV comes with frunk-style under the bonnet storage, active air flaps, interior, and exterior vehicle-to-load outlets, a head-up display, i-Pedal driving mode, smart regenerative system, electronic-active sound design and an eco package.
It also features Hyundai’s SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) and safety systems, including Level 2 autonomous driving, forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot view monitor, remote smart parking assist and a driver status monitor.
Compared to the previous generation Kona, the new model is larger all round and for the EV variant its length is now 4,355 mm, 175 mm longer than the previous generation in 2017, with a wheelbase of 2,660 mm, which is 60 mm longer.
Its width is 1,825 mm, which is 25 mm wider, and the height is 20 mm taller at 1,575 mm.
Luggage space is 466 litres with the rear seats upright, and a further 27 litres is available in the frunk.
N Line versions have black mirrors, wing-type spoiler and optional black roof, a more aggressive front, rear designs with wing-shaped bumper to emphasize a lower stance, twin exhausts and silver side skirt.
Prices for the new models are still to be announced, and the latest Kona is expected to be available in the next few months.
