The new Hyundai Kona Electric hasn’t evolved in all areas

The first Hyundai Kona saw the light of day almost six years ago. The electric variant, which Hyundai added to the model range a year later, was particularly popular. The South Korean carmaker is now introducing the second generation of the popular model. Unfortunately, the new Kona hasn’t improved everywhere.

The most noticeable changes of the new Hyundai Kona Electric can be found in the exterior. For example, the designers were busy styling the lamps. The second generation follows the trend and now has continuous LED strips on both the front and rear. This gives the car a futuristic look. As with the first generation, the rear light units are integrated into the fenders. A little less subtle this time, though.

Not a full N version of the new Kona

The subtlety that its predecessor had is a bit off-putting anyway. This applies in particular to the N-Line variant. This model comes with more aggressive bumpers, sportier rims and shiny exhaust pipes. South Koreans can even have a distinctive roof spoiler installed.

Speaking of the N-Line version, this is one of the four variants that the new Kona will come in. Hyundai also offers the Kona as a mild hybrid, in which, as in the N-Line variant, a combustion engine takes over the heavyweight. However, we shouldn’t expect a full-fledged N version for now.

That doesn’t matter either, because most are still looking towards HEV and the fully electric variant. The manufacturer also expects no less than 40% to be electric based on the 510,000 Konas Hyundai has sold so far.

The previous Kona was certainly not a bad choice in terms of range. With the first-generation electric Kona, you could travel 484 kilometers. Anyone expecting this new version to go one step further will be disappointed. The new Kona Electric only goes six kilometers further with its 65kWh battery. That seems to be the only clear downside so far.

It has to be said that a WLTP range of 490 kilometers is not bad for a car in its segment. In addition, the new Hyundai Kona Electric must remain affordable so that there is less budget to further expand the range. Do you want a wider range? Then the Ioniq 6 might suit you better.

More legroom in the new Hyundai Kona Electric

The popular B-Segmenter has gotten bigger. So he creeps more and more in the direction of the C segment. This second generation has grown a little in all dimensions. First of all, the fact that the car has become 15 centimeters longer gives passengers in the back seats 77 millimeters more legroom, and this is noticeable. At the front, you will particularly enjoy the many new security features, two 12.3-inch screens and a robust, refreshed design.

The price of the new Hyundai Kona Electric will be announced shortly. Since the second-generation Kona again shares many components with the electric Kia Niro, a comparable entry-level price of around 45,000 euros can be expected. The new Kona will be available from the second half of 2023.