Charging and Range
The second generation Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a slightly larger battery than its predecessor. The new 65.4 kWh battery replaces the previous 64 kWh one, resulting in a range of 304 miles for the range-topping model. This is just four more miles than before, but still impressive. Additionally, there is a more affordable version of the Kona electric, which features a 48.4 kWh battery, replacing the existing 39.2 kWh one. This upgrade has increased the range from 189 miles to a respectable 222 miles. The inclusion of a standard heat pump ensures that these predicted figures are more than achievable, putting the Kona Electric ahead of many of its rivals in terms of range.
Exterior
When it comes to the exterior of the second generation Kona Electric, there are some noticeable changes. The front fascia features a revised grille, headlights, and daytime running lights, giving it a more modern and aggressive look. The sleek lines and flowing design language of the Kona Electric are still present, but with some subtle updates, making it more visually appealing. Overall, the exterior of the Kona Electric showcases Hyundai’s commitment to creating a stylish and aerodynamic electric vehicle.
Interior
Moving on to the interior, the second generation Kona Electric offers a comfortable and well-designed space for both the driver and passengers. The cabin is equipped with high-quality materials and modern technologies, giving it a premium feel. One notable addition is the redesigned center console, which now incorporates a larger infotainment screen, making it easier to navigate and control various features. The seats are comfortable and supportive, ensuring a pleasant driving experience. The Kona Electric also offers ample cargo space, making it practical for everyday use.
Performance
In terms of performance, the second generation Kona Electric offers a smooth and responsive driving experience. The instant torque provided by the electric motor allows for quick acceleration, making merging onto highways or overtaking other vehicles a breeze. The Kona Electric also handles well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll. The regenerative braking system helps to maximize efficiency and range, while the various driving modes allow for a customizable driving experience.
The new charging options
The second-generation Hyundai Kona Electric comes with faster charging options, allowing customers to charge their vehicles more quickly. This improvement is evident in the increased DC fast charging capability, now at 102.3 kW compared to the previous generation’s maximum of 75 kW. While this is a notable step in the right direction, it still falls short of other Hyundai products that offer charging capabilities of up to 232 kW.
Convenient features
In addition to faster charging, the new Kona Electric offers a range of convenient features. One such feature is the heated charging flap, which assists with charging in cold weather conditions. This enhancement aligns with the battery technology and further improves the overall charging experience for customers.
Exterior design tweaks
While the new Kona Electric may not have undergone massive changes in terms of its exterior design, it has received some style tweaks. These tweaks bring it more in line with Hyundai’s other models, such as the Ionic 6 and Ionic 5. One noticeable change is the introduction of pixel elements. The front of the car features a light bar that spans the entire length of the bonnet, designed with a pixel pattern. Additionally, the badge has been moved from the middle of the car to the bonnet. The headlamps have also been repositioned, now lower, giving the vehicle a wider stance. The overall dimensions of the car have increased, making it wider, longer, and taller. This expansion provides ample interior space for passengers and cargo.
Aesthetic enhancements
Complementing the exterior design updates, the new Kona Electric features a glossy black bottom diffuser, adding a touch of sophistication. The diffuser incorporates twinkling square elements that bring the vehicle in line with the rest of Hyundai’s range. These aesthetic enhancements contribute to the overall appeal and modernity of the car.
In conclusion, the second-generation Hyundai Kona Electric offers improvements in charging capabilities, convenience, and design. With faster charging options, including an increased DC fast charging capability, customers can recharge their vehicles more efficiently. The addition of a heated charging flap further enhances the charging experience, especially in cold weather conditions. While the exterior design changes may not be drastic, the introduction of pixel elements and repositioning of the badge and headlamps bring the Kona Electric in line with Hyundai’s other models. The wider, longer, and taller dimensions of the car provide ample interior space, making it a practical choice for daily use. Overall, the updates and enhancements in the second-generation Kona Electric make it a compelling option in the UK market.
Styling Updates
When it comes to the styling of the second generation Hyundai Kona Electric, there are a few notable differences compared to its predecessor. While some may argue that they prefer the petrol version for its slightly more aggressive look, the electric version still presents an improvement over the outgoing model.
One area where you can see the similarity with other Hyundai models is in the alloy wheels. The Kona Electric often features two-tone diamond cut finishes on its smaller wheels. These wheels are designed to offer the most range, but if you opt for more extravagant wheels, it will decrease the electric range slightly, bringing it to just under 300 miles. Personally, I find these wheels perfectly fine.
One standout upgrade is the squared-off wheel arches. This simple change has made a significant difference in giving the car a more dynamic and stylish appearance. The addition of the z-line running along the side of the car, similar to the Hyundai Tucson, has further sharpened the overall look of the Kona Electric, enhancing its previous generation’s softer design.
Revised Rear Design
Turning our attention to the back of the car, you’ll notice that it mirrors the front with a light bar across the tailgate. This design element adds cohesion and a modern touch to the Kona Electric’s overall aesthetic. Additionally, the flat badge with “Kona” spelled out across the back adds to the contemporary feel of the vehicle.
At the bottom of the rear, you’ll find pixelated designs reminiscent of the new generation of Hyundai’s ionic products. These small details tie the car’s design language together and create a cohesive and visually appealing rear end.
Increased Boot Space
One of the advantages of the second generation Hyundai Kona Electric is its increased body size, resulting in more boot space than ever before. This added space allows for greater versatility and practicality, making the Kona Electric an even more attractive option for those in need of ample cargo room.
Improved Interior
In addition to the exterior updates, the second generation Kona Electric also offers improvements in its interior. The cabin is thoughtfully designed and incorporates modern features and technologies.
The dashboard layout is clean and intuitive, with a central touchscreen display that provides easy access to various infotainment features. The overall quality of materials used in the interior is impressive, with soft-touch surfaces and premium finishes throughout.
Comfort is not compromised either, as the Kona Electric provides supportive seats and a well-insulated cabin. The increased body size translates to ample legroom and headroom for passengers, ensuring a comfortable riding experience.
Enhanced Driving Experience
When it comes to the driving experience, the second generation Hyundai Kona Electric impresses. The electric powertrain delivers instant acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride. With advancements in electric technology, the Kona Electric now boasts an impressive range, making it suitable for longer journeys without the need to constantly recharge.
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Spacious Interior and Boot Space
The second generation Hyundai Kona Electric offers an impressive 466. L of space, making it one of the roomiest SUVs in its class. It surpasses the likes of the Jeep Avenger, which only provides around 380 L of space, and even the ATO 3 with approximately 340 L. The Kona’s sibling, the Kia Nero, is the only electric SUV that outshines it in terms of space.
But the Kona doesn’t stop at just a capacious boot. It also boasts a handy feature – a strong parcel shelf that can securely hold items on top. When not in use, the shelf can be conveniently slotted behind the rear seats, further enhancing the practicality of the Kona’s boot. And that’s not all. The Kona also offers additional storage under the Bonnet, providing enough space for a handbag or charging cables.
Comfortable Ride and Easy Handling
The Kona electric has been meticulously engineered to handle road imperfections with remarkable ease, including speed bumps. When driving over them, you’ll barely feel any discomfort. This SUV prioritizes a comfortable driving experience, evident from its light steering wheel and relatively compact size. Weighing just over 1700 kg, the Kona is surprisingly lightweight for an electric vehicle, making it highly maneuverable on the road.
Silent and Smooth Driving Experience
Imagine saying this 10 years ago, but the electric powertrain in the Kona ensures near-silent driving conditions. Whether you’re navigating busy urban streets or cruising on the motorway, the Kona delivers a remarkably smooth and quiet driving experience. It owes its seamless acceleration to its instant torque, allowing for effortless acceleration when needed. However, it’s essential to note that while the Kona prioritizes driving comfort, it does come with tradeoffs in terms of handling.
Handling and Grip
The second-generation Hyundai Kona Electric may not offer the sharpest handling in its class. It doesn’t feel firmly planted on the road, especially when you consider its front-wheel-drive configuration. This lack of grip becomes more pronounced during cold and wet weather conditions. Interestingly, Hyundai has made changes to some of their other models, such as the Ioniq 5 and 6, opting for rear-wheel drive instead. This shift indicates that front-wheel drive and electric torque might not be the best combination for optimal performance.
Improved Power Delivery
Compared to its predecessor, the previous generation Kona Electric had a rather notorious issue with wheel spin. However, the new model offers a smoother power delivery, resulting in a better overall driving experience. While it may not offer razor-sharp performance, the refined power delivery is a step in the right direction.
Brake Regeneration Control
One notable feature of the Kona Electric, shared with a few other electric vehicles, is the presence of wheel-mounted paddles behind the steering wheel. These paddles allow the driver to adjust the brake regeneration. With four different levels of brake regen (zero, one, two, and three), it offers a more convenient and intuitive method compared to navigating through touchscreen submenus. This feature enhances the overall driving experience and allows drivers to fine-tune their regenerative braking preference.
Interior Design Dilemma
When it comes to the interior of the Kona Electric, opinions seem to vary. While many journalists have praised the new changes, I remain somewhat conflicted. Personally, I find that the interior doesn’t exude the same level of modernity or attractiveness as the Kia e-Niro. The e-Niro, in my opinion, takes the lead in terms of interior styling. However, it’s possible that Hyundai is intentionally adopting a slightly different approach, aiming for a more old-school vibe. In fairness, the Kona Electric does incorporate some modern elements, such as the two conjoined 12-inch screens, which I find quite appealing.
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The Functionality
The functionality of the second generation Hyundai Kona Electric is truly fantastic. It offers an array of features and settings that go above and beyond what you would typically find in other cars. This means that you get some really cool features that make driving this vehicle a delight.
An Old School Charm
However, when it comes to the cabin, the Kona Electric leans slightly towards the old school with a multitude of buttons. In fact, there are so many buttons that it can be quite overwhelming at first glance. But there’s something oddly glorious about this abundance of buttons, especially for those who appreciate a more old school approach.
Cluttered or Customizable?
While some may find the button-heavy layout a bit cluttered, it is important to note that this design choice allows for a button for pretty much every function you could think of. So, if you are someone who prefers having physical buttons at your fingertips rather than navigating through menus, then the Kona Electric is the car for you.
Hidden Convenience
One interesting aspect of the Kona Electric’s layout is the slightly hidden on/off switch. It is tucked away behind the steering wheel, which might initially be a little perplexing. However, once you become aware of its location, it should not pose any issues. Similarly, the gear selector has been relocated behind the steering wheel instead of the traditional center console position, offering more space and a unique touch.
Customizable Space
One of the standout features of the Kona Electric is its highly customizable space. There is storage available in the front, including wireless charging on higher spec models, which can easily accommodate even the largest mobile phones. Additionally, the center console is one connected unit with buttons that can be pushed out to create regular cup holders. However, if you happen to have those popular oversized water bottles, fear not! The cup holders can be neatly folded away to create a perfect spot for your supersized drink.
In conclusion, the second generation Hyundai Kona Electric offers a fantastic level of functionality, with ample features and settings to enhance your driving experience. While the button-heavy cabin design may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it provides an old school charm and allows for easy access to various functions. The hidden switches and relocated gear selector add a touch of uniqueness to the interior layout. Lastly, the highly customizable space ensures that you can make the Kona Electric suit your specific needs, whether it’s for storing your mobile phone or accommodating larger-sized bottles.
Cabin Features and Storage
The second generation Hyundai Kona Electric boasts a functional and well-designed cabin. One impressive feature is the pull-out parts that fit perfectly into the designated areas. Although the glove box is not the largest, there is additional storage available, allowing passengers to easily place their belongings.
Improved Space in the Back Seats
One of the notable improvements in the second generation Kona Electric is the extended wheelbase, which results in a significant increase in legroom. Even for an average-height individual like myself, there is ample space for both my legs and head. In fact, it is possible to accommodate a six-foot person comfortably behind the driver and even behind another six-footer. The rear seats are made of plastic, making them easy to clean, and include convenient amenities such as a pull-out armrest with cup holders.
Heated Seats and Range Efficiency
Notably, the second generation Kona Electric offers heated seats, adding a touch of luxury to the driving experience. In addition to providing comfort, heated seats are also beneficial for preserving the vehicle’s range. By offering warmth directly to the occupants, the need for using the heating system is reduced, resulting in improved energy efficiency.
Overall, the second generation Hyundai Kona Electric impresses with its functional cabin design, increased rear seat space, and thoughtful features such as heated seats. These improvements contribute to the overall appeal of the electric vehicle, making it a desirable option for consumers in the UK market.
Improved Comfort for Rear Passengers
If you want to keep your rear seat passengers nice and warm, Hyundai has introduced a heated seat feature for the back seats as well. This means that everyone inside the car can enjoy the cozy warmth on chilly days. The addition of this feature shows Hyundai’s commitment to enhancing passenger comfort and providing a premium experience.
Convenient Charging Options
The second generation Hyundai Kona Electric comes with two USB-C charge points, offering convenient charging options for your devices. This means that you and your passengers can easily keep your smartphones, tablets, or other gadgets charged while on the go. It’s a small but thoughtful addition that adds practicality to the car.
A Versatile and Spacious Interior
One of the standout features of the new Hyundai Kona Electric is the impressively flat floor in the back, ensuring ample legroom for rear passengers. This spaciousness is a result of Hyundai’s careful design and engineering decisions. However, what sets it apart is the presence of a three-pin plug connected to the car’s larger battery. This allows passengers to conveniently plug in various devices, such as hair straighteners. It may seem like a simple feature, but it proves to be incredibly handy in real-life situations.
An Upgraded Package
The changes in the second generation Hyundai Kona Electric are enough to keep it on par with the rest of the lineup. The car still offers a well-rounded package, and the good news is that it’s not significantly more expensive than its predecessor. With these upgrades, the latest Kona Electric provides more value for money compared to many other electric cars in the market. It may not have the same level of visual appeal as some of its competitors, particularly within the Stellantis group, but it compensates for that with its overall performance and practicality.
Share Your Thoughts
What are your thoughts on the changes made to the Hyundai Kona Electric? Do you believe they are sufficient to keep the car competitive? We would love to hear your opinions on the latest generation of the Kona Electric. Feel free to share your comments below. Your feedback is valuable to us.
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Conclusion
Overall, the second generation Hyundai Kona Electric proves that it is as good as ever. With its increased range, updated exterior design, comfortable interior, and impressive performance, it is a compelling choice for anyone in the market for an electric vehicle. Whether you’re looking for a practical and efficient commuter car or a stylish and eco-friendly vehicle, the Kona Electric ticks all the boxes. With Hyundai’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, the Kona Electric is a future-proof choice that is sure to impress.