The Kona Electric is not promising to be an exciting sports car. It is simply an electric version of an existing practical and user-friendly SUV. In other words, the expectations should not be very high in the area of overall driving enjoyment and entertainment. However, it is the most powerful and quickest model in its class.
What about the price then? Prices remain quite high for what it is. And it’s not just the Kona Electric – most rivals are pricey too. For example, this 100KW variant here starts from 62,96,000.
EVs have been around for quite a few years now and our country is now producing excess Electricity. Surely they can work out more cost-effective measures by now? Especially if they want people to switch to Electric than the as much more affordable petrol models. The fact that you end up saving money in the long run due to never having to pay for fuel isn’t really justified, as that is not the manufacturer’s concern and it is not an area where they can make money anyway.
As for our other concern about range? Well, this innocent nameplate actually can drive upto 305 kms in range at a max speed of 155 km/hr.
The new version of Hyundai Kona EV is significantly sleeker, smoother and better looking than the previous model. The updated design gives it a sleeker, smoothed-over front end, but aside from that, it really doesn’t look all that much different. The size and proportions are pretty much identical to the regular petrol-powered Kona too. However, underneath sits a multi-link rear suspension which is only featured on the all-wheel drive versions of this car – and it’s something that’s got a reputation for better dynamics and handling over a conventional torsion-beam arrangement.
You can see the big battery pack mounted under the floor, which contributes to a reduction in ground clearance to 158mm. You can actually see the battery pack, or at least the construction supporting it, just by looking at the side of the vehicle. Also new for the updated model is a set of freshly-designed 17-inch alloy wheels. We think they look nice, and they don’t scream and shout ‘I’m an eco or EV car’. These now feature Michelin Primacy 4 215/55 eco-focused tyres, compared with the previous Nexen tyres (same size). Not only do the Michelins provide a bit more grip in the corners and during acceleration and braking (according to our Vbox tests), they also increase the official range, as mentioned.
The interior maintains its blend of practicality and user-friendliness, with a liberal dose of premium feel. The driver views another 10.25-inch screen, which, due to its straight-forward rectangular design and emotionless housing, looks quite sterile and uninteresting in our opinion. The graphics are pure and crisp however, and the different color themes go well with the different drive modes.
We like the additional storage around the center console on the EV compared with the petrol models. Since there is no conventional transmission underneath or a series of mechanical gear selector rods, the center console floats, leaving a big storage tray underneath. It features separate charging ports. There’s also a wireless phone charger up on the main console, as well as dual cup holders and a decent-size center box and arm rest in the middle. The driving position provides a clear view outward, but it would be nice if the seat could adjust to a lower setting.
Rear seat space remains pretty tight for this segment, as with the regular Kona, and it’s a shame there are no rear climate vents in the back of the center console. But there is a charging port and phone holder, as well as cup and bottle holders.
FINAL VERDICT
Personally, I quite like cars that are modest yet over-achieve. I like that this is just a regular Kona, which is already a decent product for what it sets out to be. Except this is fitted with an electric motor. That’s it. No overpromises, no weird or awkward design themes (mostly) or overly-complicated driving skills needed. But, in reality, it is the most powerful/torquiest EV in its class, the quickest, and it offers the longest range. Can’t argue with that.
In the real world you can totally achieve the 250km range, or even find more if you use the paddle shifters to work the regenerative braking to its advantage. It’s clearly fast enough for a small, practical SUV – faster than some performance SUVs in fact – and it is enjoyable to drive and very easy to drive.