Specifications and pricing have been announced for the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric, the brand’s second all-electric model is priced from $59,990 plus on-road costs.
In the context of ‘affordable’ electric models, the Kona Electric is $15,000 more than its Ioniq stablemate and $10,000 more than the incoming Nissan Leaf.
Helping to justify the higher price is a greater driving range, the Kona Electric is capable of covering up to 449 kilometres on a full charge according to the WLTP. The Ioniq is capable of 230km of range, while the Leaf is good for 270km.
Power comes from a 64kWh battery pack that drives a 150kW/395Nm electric motor. The Kona Electric is a front-wheel drive only proposition at this stage. Hyundai claims the car can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.6-seconds on its way to a top speed of 167km/h.
In terms of charging options, plugging into a 100kW DC fast-charger can replenish the battery to 80 per cent capacity in 54 minutes, while a 50kW charger will achieve the same result in 75 minutes.
Installing an AC garage wall-box ($1950) and using the 7.2kWh charger cable will see the battery pack reach 100 per cent in 9 hours and 35 minutes. When connected to a standard domestic socket, the Kona Electric takes 21 hours to recharge from empty.
The Kona Electric also gets an adjustable regenerative braking system which allows energy to be fed back into the battery pack.
Hyundai’s local engineers have calibrated the suspension and steering based on extensive testing on Australian roads. On top of this Hyundai has further tuned the MacPherson Strut front and independent multi-link rear suspension to suit the unique weight-distribution of a battery-electric vehicle.
Visually differentiating the Kona Electric from the wider range is a closed grille, featuring an Intaglio pattern that conceals the charging point, reshaped rear bumper and specific eco-styled 17-inch alloy wheels.
Six metallic and mica exterior colours are available including Galactic Grey and Phantom Black, Ceramic Blue, Pulse Red, Lake Silver and Chalk White. A two-tone roof is available as a no-cost option on the Highlander version, in place of the glass sunroof.
Dimensionally, the Kona Electric measures in at 4180mm long, 1800mm wide and 1570mm tall with a 2600mm wheelbase. With all the seats up there is 332 litres of cargo space which rises to 1114 litres with the rear seats folded.
On the inside, the bespoke centre console incorporates the buttons for the key vehicle drive functions. A 7.0-inch digital screen resides in the instrument cluster that displays the battery charge level, energy flow and driving mode selection along with all the key driving information.
Hyundai is offering the Kona Electric in two trim levels: Elite and Highlander, priced from $59,990 and $64,990 plus on-roads respectively.
Both models come standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense pack which includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and a driver attention warning.
Hyundai Auto Link Premium (SIM) is also standard, it’s a smartphone app that allows the customer to stay connected to their car. It provides owners the ability to remotely lock or unlock the car, turn on the hazards lights, use the horn or set the climate control. The app also logs data such as battery status, efficiency, tyre pressures, driving history and vehicle health.
In terms of ownership, maintenance intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) with the first five services capped at $165 each. In addition to Hyundai’s standard five-year warranty, the battery is covered for eight years/160,000km.
Kona Electric Elite equipment highlights:
17-inch alloy wheels
Proximity key
Push-button start
Leather seat trim
8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite navigation
Climate control air conditioning
Rain-sensing wipers
Infinity premium audio system
Digital radio
Rear-view camera
Autonomous emergency braking
Blind-spot monitoring
Driver attention alert
Lane keep assist
Active cruise control
Rear cross-traffic alert
Kona Electric Highlander adds:
Front park assist system
Glass sunroof
LED headlights & front indicators
LED taillights
Power adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation
Heated steering wheel
Head-up display
Electro-chromatic interior mirror
Wireless charging pad (Qi standard)
High Beam Assist
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric pricing (excludes on-road costs):
Kona Electric Elite - $59,990
Kona Electric Highlander - $64,490
7.2kW DC Home Charger - $1950
Options
Metallic paint - $595
Two-tone roof pack (deletes sunroof) - no cost option
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More: Hyundai Kona EV revealed
