Hyundai’s electric SUV in first test: Eight surprising facts about the new Kona

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Andreas EngelEditor Car and Mobility

The first electric Kona was still plagued by some compromises when it was launched in 2017. At the time, Hyundai had designed the compact SUV primarily as an internal combustion engine rather than an electric vehicle, and then had to pack the electric technology under the already narrow body. Things are different with the second generation: not only has the Kona grown significantly, it has also been developed as an electric car from the beginning. However, the futuristically designed SUV is still offered with internal combustion engines: as a pure gasoline engine and as a full hybrid. Here are eight more surprising facts about the new Hyundai Kona.

With this length, the new Kona has grown by an impressive 17 centimeters compared to its predecessor! This creates space inside: It’s not just the rear passengers who have significantly more legroom. The boot is also noticeably larger, with a volume of 466 to 1300 liters (previously 332-1114 l). The compact SUV is visually impressive with its LED light strip at the front and rear, which extends almost across the entire width (1.83 m) and gives the Kona a wide appearance.

Like its predecessor, the new Kona Electric is available in two versions. In the entry-level model, the electric motor at the front axle produces 156 hp (115 kW), which accelerates the compact SUV to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds (top of 162 km/h). Driving energy comes from a 48.4 kWh battery, providing a maximum range of 377 kilometers. The top model we drove has a maximum power of 218 hp (160 kW), accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds (top speed 172 km/h) and can travel up to 514 kilometers thanks to the larger 65.4 kWh battery. .

Depending on the variant, the trailer load also varies. While the weaker version can only carry 300 pounds, the upper Kona can carry up to 750 pounds. This is still half the price of internal combustion engine versions. Here, the Kona, which weighs at least 1,690 kilos, needs to respect its electric technology, which can overheat with higher trailer loads. Advantage E: Unlike the internal combustion engine, there is an additional 27 liters of storage space under the hood where charging cables can be stored.

The first generation showed the Kona to be a true efficiency champion in the Blick endurance test four years ago: At that time we averaged 466 kilometers on a single battery charge, even slightly above the factory specification. It is said that its successor can travel up to 514 kilometers, thanks to its low consumption of 14.7 kWh/100 km and its slightly larger battery. A daily test will need to show whether it can actually do this. But not only does the Kona win points for efficiency, it also drives pretty well! The steering is light but not numb, the chassis is firm but not unyielding. Also well resolved: recovery can be selected in four stages using the steering wheel paddles.

Compared to the larger and more expensive Hyundai electric vehicles, the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, the Kona only has a 400-volt electrical system and therefore charges significantly slower. With maximum charging power of 74 kW (48 kWh) or 102 kW (65 kWh), it takes a full 41 minutes to charge the DC fast charger’s battery from 10 percent to 80 percent; new Kona Electric. But it’s cool: even Hyundai’s smallest electric car can power external devices such as a cooler box, coffee maker or e-bike, thanks to the bi-directional charging function.

Kona is modern not only on the outside but also on the inside. The highlight is the two 12.25-inch displays combined in a single unit, providing all the important information for the driver and front passenger. Around the inductive charging cradle for the smartphone, which is now always plugged in, there are still buttons, switches and knobs to operate the air conditioning, seat heating and ventilation or the infotainment system. As beautifully made as the Kona is, sometimes the cheap-looking plastic just doesn’t need to be there.

Ding-ding-ding, dong-dong-dong; Kona drivers need to get used to annoying beeps. Of course, the extensive selection of driving assistants is exemplary and the systems work well in most situations, such as highway cruising. But the smug warning you hear when you take your eyes off the road for 0.2 seconds or the teacher-like whining you hear when the speedometer goes over 1 km/h is more distracting than bringing safety. The latter can be turned off via a sub-submenu on the touchscreen; But the next time you drive, the same thing repeats: Ding-ding-ding, dong-dong-dong.

Anyone hoping for a real electric bargain will be disappointed in the Kona: the compact electric SUV will charge at least 42,900 francs. With a larger battery and a more powerful electric motor, this figure is 4,000 francs more. However, the gasoline engine (198 hp) also costs at least 37,900 francs and does not have a green conscience.

Source: Blick

Ella

I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.