Hyundai Kona Electric and Kona Hybrid.
The updated Hyundai Kona Hybrid and Kona Electric models are now available in Singapore.
Both compact crossover models offer improved connectivity, safety and occupant compared to their predecessors.
The Kona Hybrid is available in 1.6 and 1.6 Sunroof variants, with the latter serving as the top-spec model. Prices for the Kona Hybrid currently start from $114,999 with COE.
Meanwhile, the Kona Electric can be had in three versions: Kona Electric, Kona Electric Sunroof and Kona Electric Sunroof Long Range. Prices currently start from $140,888 with COE.
HYUNDAI KONA HYBRID AND ELECTRIC: NEW LOOK
The latest Kona Hybrid is 40mm longer than the previous model, making it look sleeker than before.
Its new styling is emphasised by its sharper front end, which features a stretched bonnet that ends above the front grille. The skid plate on the lower part of the bumper “embraces” the lower air intake.
At the rear, the new tail-lights have horizontally stretched graphics. The new rear bumper also mirrors the “protective armour” concept of the front and sides of the car.
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid can be had with 16-inch or 18-inch wheels, and is available in five new exterior colours. These include Cyber Grey, Dive in Jeju and Surfy Blue.
The Kona Electric, on the other hand, is 25mm longer than before and espouses a “pure and clean” design. Up front, the closed grille and new LED daytime running lights emphasise the vehicle’s wide stance.
Sharper-looking headlights incorporate MFR (multifaceted reflector technology). These are connected to the wheel arch claddings, which Hyundai says gives it “distinctive and sophisticated” look.
Like the Kona Hybrid, the Hyundai Kona Electric also has new horizontally stretched LED tail-lights.
INTERIOR UPGRADES
The Kona’s cockpit features a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces the previous analogue meters. The Display Audio is now larger, with an eight-inch display replacing the seven-inch unit. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
Both the Hyundai Kona Hybrid and Kona Electric are now also more secure than ever, as they come with an improved version of Hyundai SmartSense, the brand’s suite of safety features.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, for instance, now has pedestrian and cyclist detection. Other functions, which include Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Seat Alert and Safe Exit Warning, also make their debut in the new Kona Hybrid.
ENHANCED COMFORT
The Kona Hybrid’s suspension has been re-tuned for a smoother ride. It features a modified stabiliser bar and rear bump stop for better primary ride and lateral body control.
Hyundai says that the Kona Hybrid has reduced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), and that the steering has also been fine-tuned to match the new suspension and tyres.
The Kona Hybrid’s petrol-electric powertrain is carried over from the previous model. It consists of a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre inline-4 and electric motor, with a combined power output of 130hp (96.7kW) and 265Nm of torque.
However, its century sprint time of 11.3 seconds is 0.3 of a second quicker than before.
Kona Electric’s blanked-out grille makes it look sleeker than before.
ZERO EMISSIONS
Like its predecessor, the Hyundai Kona Electric is available in two battery sizes: 39.2kWh and 64kWh.
The former gives the Kona Electric a WLTP range of up to 305km. Performance-wise, the electric motor delivers 134hp (100kW) and 395Nm, giving the crossover a century sprint time of 9.9 seconds.
Meanwhile, the Kona Electric Long Range’s 64kWh battery offers a maximum WLTP range of 484km. The range-topping model, which has 201hp (150kW) and 395Nm, does zero to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
Charging the Hyundai Kona Electric (39.2kWh) from 10% to 100% takes 6 hours using the 7.2kW onboard charger. Using a 50kW DC charger, the crossover can be charged from 10% to 80% in 48 minutes.
Charging the Kona Electric Long Range, on the other hand, takes 9 hours and 15 minutes using the 7.2kW onboard charger. With a 50kW DC charger, juicing up the battery from 10% to 80% takes 64 minutes.
Find out more about the Kona Hybrid here and the Kona Electric here
Click here for our review of the previous Kona Hybrid
Or head here for sgCarMart’s review of the previous Kona Electric
