Road Test Written by Richard Gooding
ROAD TEST
Hyundai Kona Electric Premium SE 64KWH The Hyundai Kona Electric is the first EV to bring a near-300 miles of range to the affordable end of the electric car market. Richard Gooding finds very few flaws What is it? Entering the fiercely-competitive SUV sector, the Hyundai Kona is a sub-compact SUV from the South Korean company. Distinctive to look at, and launching with a range of 1.0 and 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol and diesel engines, the Kona debuted in 2017. The allelectric version opened for order on 2 August 2018, with a choice of 39kWh and 64kWh battery capacities. It’s the more powerful car which is tested here. How does it drive? Through its long-established Sante Fe and Tucson models, Hyundai has strong SUV pedigree and it shows in the Kona. While its appearance may be challenging to some (especially at the front), there’s no mistaking Hyundai’s first compact SUV for anything else. All-electric Konas differ from their combustionengined sisters by way of a blanked-off grille, more aerodynamic wheels, and reshaped bumpers. Hyundai has satisfactorily resisted the temptation to go too avantgarde with the styling of the electric Kona, which is a good thing: subtlety is the welcome key here. Inside, owners of Ioniq models will feel at home, and while the general fit and finish is excellent, some of plastics belie its price point. Overall, though, conventionality is the
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watchword. Hyundai has made the Kona as and taking more stress out of driving. It’s all easy to live with as its combustion-engined very intelligently thought out, helped by the counterparts, and it’s all the better for it, with infotainment system’s range indicators and little to distract and learn. economy information. On the move, as you may expect, the Kona Electric is a comfortable and quiet companion. What range does it have? With 291lb ft / 395Nm of instant torque, The world’s first all-electric compact SUV it’s a speedy one, too, the 64kWh car sets the benchmark high with a 279reaching 62mph from rest in mile range from the 64kWh just 7.6 seconds. It also feels version. Hugely impressive and The fleet of foot, even though enough to almost entirely ic r t c the electrically-powered banish range anxiety, the le e all d Hyundai is around 300kg range is close to many e n e p heavier than its diesel combustion-engined Kona o rs on relatives. But with a rivals. Even the 39kWh or orde f , 8 1 0 pleasant weight to its version boasts an 2 t s 2 Augu of 39kWh official 180 miles, which steering and compact dimensions, it’s easy to undoubtedly reduces choice with a battery thread through urban some of the stress of h W k areas, while its turn of electric motoring. Both and 64 cities capa speed and range enables it models make all-electric to survive out of it. driving less of a challenge The single-speed gear and drive to the point you forget you’re modes are selected by a range of driving an electric car. buttons on the centre console, while the threestage regenerative braking can be managed How long does it take to charge? via paddles either side of the steering wheel, Able to charge using the rapid charging 50kW which make it an intuitive process. On the DC network, the Kona Electric 64kWh takes most severe setting, the Kona can be brought just 75 minutes to get to 80 per cent capacity, to complete stop, bypassing the brakes entirely dropping to 57 minutes for the 39kWh car.
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