The new electric Hyundai Kona for 2021 repeats the recipe to keep its success

As is customary, following the presentation of the mid-life update of the model range, the variant that relies on electricity consumption and storage as its sole energy source has been unveiled, that is, we are looking at the new electric Hyundai Kona.

The compact electric SUV once again redefines the variant for the new era of the automotive industry, with the need to review everything that can be improved or enhanced and to maintain what has made the Hyundai Kona EV since the start of its production and sale, back in 2018, one of the best-selling electric cars, even the best-selling, as happened in October, managing to put more than 120,000 units on the road worldwide and 53,000 in the Old Continent.

Either way, the new electric Hyundai Kona will arrive with the same drive and storage layout, that is, that of the more modest version, which consists of a 100 kW motor, equivalent to 136 CV, and 395 Nm of torque, combined with a 39.2 kWh battery, offering up to 305 km, or the more powerful version with the longest range, with a 150 kW, 204 CV powertrain, the same torque, and a 64 kWh battery delivering up to 484 km.

Now, beyond the drivetrain and range of the new electric Hyundai Kona, the changes, both aesthetic and those relating to habitability, comfort and safety, come hand in hand with technology.

A sharper and more incisive look, if anything

One thing that caught our attention, during the days we lived with the Hyundai Kona EV we tested, was its front end. A face that becomes even sharper and more angular in this restyling, as it does in the combustion-engine variants, but which, by featuring a faired grille, shows a more compact and, if anything, more intimidating expression.

Thanks to the stylised upper lights, together with the redesign of the lower ones, the line between both units on the sides of the front end now sketches a kind of smile beneath the brand logo.

In the lower part of the bumper, the subtlety of the lines and their cleanliness give a fluid design toward the always pronounced wheel arches, which connect with the door creases to reach a front end where, along the way, we see some new alloy wheels, at least on the presentation unit, and which we expect to be offered on the new electric Hyundai Kona.

The obsession of this model and of the brand with narrowing the lights in general, and the upper ones in particular, with each update a little more, is mirrored in the rear design. Taillights that narrow even further from the outside toward the inside and that are sectioned to improve the loading aperture, as in the previous generation, whose ground clearance is considerable and whose tailgate is narrow, are supported by an overloaded lower light cluster which, due to its dated leaf-like shape, reduces the width of the rear. As for dimensions, it should be noted that the car’s overall length is 25 mm greater than before thanks to the new bumpers.

In total, up to 16 colours, with options to combine two tones, for the bodywork, of which up to nine are debuting on this new electric Hyundai Kona.

The new electric Hyundai Kona maintains its commitment to technological renewal

And while on the outside the aesthetic update focuses on building on what is already known, the interior involves renewing what is characteristic of a car of the new electrified era.

In fact, among the novelties of the 2021 electric Hyundai Kona, the inclusion of a digital instrument cluster, 10.25 inches stands out considerably, in keeping with the larger screen offered for the infotainment system. Above the cluster and the steering wheel, the head-up display will support both screens.

Through the central console and the user’s own smartphone, via the also system update Bluelink, the vehicle will be able to report battery status, charging schedules and other services available for this electric car.

And speaking of visualisation, the new electric Hyundai Kona debuts an interior lighting system which, together with the two tones available for the interior trim, allows an increased degree of distinction and personalisation for each unit.

The price of the new electric Hyundai Kona is still unknown, but logic suggests it will vary little from the current one, that is, as a reference for the model still on sale, from around 27,000 euros for the most modest version and from 32,000 for the one with the highest power and range.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverHyundai Kona18 versions · from 30,190 €