The advanced vehicle should be dependable and exceptionally charming, fulfilling all the necessary requirements for family transportation.
Designing such a vehicle is a significant achievement, considering it is one of the most challenging tasks in the world of design and engineering. Despite our tendency to take the quality and performance of cars for granted, the complexity of this task remains unchanged.
The interior seamlessly combines practical hi-tech features with traditional conveniences.
The Hyundai Kona’s success is particularly noteworthy as it applies to all variants of the model. The base models feature a small 1-liter petrol engine, a manual six-speed gearbox, and are available in the lowest trim level (“Advance”) for approximately £25,000.
The hybrid versions are priced in the £30,000 range and are more suitable for high-mileage users due to their premium features. On the other hand, the all-electric battery-powered models can reach up to £45,000, offering cutting-edge features such as self-parking and an expected range of 300 miles on a single charge.
Accessing infotainment, navigation, and smartphone mirroring is effortless.
It’s important to note that the impressive range mentioned earlier applies to models with larger battery packs. However, it takes around nine to ten hours to fully charge at home, but significantly less time at a commercial fast charger.
Being a larger and heavier vehicle, the new Kona is less energy-efficient compared to its predecessor with a smaller battery. Charging from a standard domestic plug would take approximately 33 hours, highlighting the substantial size of the battery pack.
Fortunately, manufacturers have moved away from incorporating all functions into a tablet-style touchscreen.
In light of the current negative publicity surrounding electric vehicles, it is essential to address a couple of concerns regarding the Kona electric model.
Rishi Sunak’s recent policy changes have created a market imbalance by incentivizing car manufacturers to produce battery electric vehicles (BEVs) while demand remains relatively low. This has led to an oversupply of new and nearly-new electric models in the market.
SPECIFICATIONS
Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate Lux Pack
Price: £44,695 (as tested, starting at £25,725 for petrol models)
Propulsion: Single electric motors powered by a 65.4kWh battery
Power (PS): 218
Top Speed (mph): 107
0-60 (seconds): 7.8
Economy (miles per kWh): 2.4
Range (miles): 250-320
CO2 Emissions: 0
As a result of this market disparity, there are opportunities to find great deals on current models like the Kona, which also means that stocks of the previous generation are being cleared out.
The official list prices of BEVs may not accurately reflect the actual deals available in the market. The outgoing Kona electric, for instance, offers a lower range but superior fuel economy compared to the new model due to its smaller size and weight.
The ‘drive mode’ feature in the Kona allows for easy adjustment between normal, eco, and sport driving styles.
While the exterior styling of the new Kona may not appeal to everyone, the interior design is universally praised for its functionality. The inclusion of a large touchscreen display, traditional dials, buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice commands in the higher-end models enhances convenience and safety.
The redesigned rear bench seat creates a more spacious feel within the cabin.
The Hyundai-Kia group’s focus on battery efficiency has significantly improved the range of their mid-range electric models like the Kona and Niro, offering over 200 miles even in challenging conditions. The new Kona’s larger size provides even more interior space, premium materials, and a robust build quality.
While the hybrid version may not satisfy performance enthusiasts, the Kona primarily excels as a practical family vehicle. There are speculations about a potential performance-oriented “N” version in the future, but for now, the focus remains on family-friendly features.
Overall, the new Kona stands out as a larger, enhanced option in a competitive market segment. Its main rivals include [Competitor A], [Competitor B], and [Competitor C], all offering a variety of powertrain options. When considering a purchase, it’s essential to look beyond the list price and search for the best available deals.