Hyundai Electric Kona Review MY 2019: Great car at a price

Описание: Hyundai Kona Electric - Overview
Hyundai has launched its second electric vehicle onto the Australian market.
Unlike the Ionic that they launched in December 2018 which is a stand-alone new model shape, their latest electric vehicle is the Kona SUV based on the existing petrol model
There are two specification levels; the Elite and the Highlander.
With improved overall performance, including an extended range, it is a great example of an electric vehicle but it comes at a price.

Hyundai Kona Electric - Exterior
We interviewed the designer of the Kona when it was first launched, with petrol engines, in Australia in 2017. See the video “Hyundai Kona – The thinking behind the bold design”
The Kona Electric has a few cosmetic differences to the petrol models. It has a closed front grille with a dimple pattern, the rear has a wave-shaped rear bumper and the 17” alloy wheels are optimised for aerodynamics.

Hyundai Kona Electric - Interior
The interior is relatively simple yet stylish.
There is a choice of two leather-appointed interior trims; for all exterior paint options you can get a black leather interior but with the exterior colours of Galactic Grey, Ceramic Blue and Chalk White you can choose Stone Grey/Blue leather interior trim.
Electric cars focus your attention on economy and the Kona gives a clear indication of basic information that is helpful and makes you feel good, such as the available range and the kilometres you have recouped through regenerative braking.

Hyundai Kona Electric - Drivetrain and Engine
The electric power plant in the Kona is a beauty. With a very credible 150kW and a huge 395 Nm of torque, it performed admirably.
There’s no need for gears which adds to the smooth delivery that is as much at home in the city and the country.
The big news is that the Kona Electric has a real-world battery range of 449km.
With a 100kW fast charger it can get 80% charge in 54 minutes or take 75 minutes with a 50kW charge. Your standard 240 V AC charging will fill the battery up in 9 hours and 35 minutes.
While I have not tested it over a week, there were indications that the fuel economy at motorway speeds suffered from the increased wind resistance while in urban areas you will get still get good economy performance.

Hyundai Kona Electric - What is it like to drive
I started the launch drive in the city and found the Kona a calming vehicle to drive. Without as much noise and with very smooth delivery of power added to the comfort and safety features it was a very complete package.
With four drive modes; Eco, Eco+, Comfort and Sport, you can pick a power delivery for every occasion. Beyond the city the Kona was a grand tourer.
While the Kona is an SUV, the electric model is only front wheel drive and if you are starting on a slight hill on dirt the strong power and torque from zero revs makes it very hard to not spin the wheels.

Hyundai Kona Electric - Price
The electric Kona is not cheap. The base model Elite has a recommended retail price of $59,990 while the Highlander is $64,450 to both you have to add on-road costs.
The top of the range petrol Highlander “Iron Man” is about $44,000 delivered price making the electric model some $25,000 or more, to get it on the road.
Your fuel bills will be reduced as will your service costs but this still means the Electric Kona will target more at early adopters rather than an across the board market segment.

Hyundai Kona Electric - Fit for Purpose
As far as electric vehicles go the Kona is a great car. It has good range and great performance, is easy to use and has reduced operating costs.
As an SUV it only has a bit of ride height for non-bitumen surfaces.
But in terms of showing the progression of