Hyundai has unveiled the zero-emissions version of the Kona, making it the first electric sub-compact SUV to be offered in Europe.
The new Hyundai Kona Electric will be available with two different powertrain configurations: the basic model will be powered by a 135PS electric motor that’s fed by a 39.2kWh battery pack, giving it an estimated driving range of up to 186 miles (300km) on the latest WLTP cycle.
The long-range version ups the ante with a 204PS electric motor paired to a 64kWh battery pack. Hyundai expects the long-range Kona Electric to travel up to 292 miles (470km) between charges.
Hyundai says that both versions of the new Kona Electric require around 54 minutes to charge their batteries to 80 percent using a 100kW DC fast charger. Short-range models are capable of a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 9.3 seconds while the more powerful long-range Kona EV drops that time down to 7.6 seconds. In both cases top speed is set at 103mph (167km/h).
Hyundai has added an adjustable regenerative braking system in the Kona Electric, enabling the driver to adjust the intensity of the system via the paddle shifts mounted on the steering wheel.
The driver cluster is now all-digital, featuring a seven-inch high-resolution display while the infotainment system offers a wide range of connectivity features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new dedicated center console hosts all the buttons for the operation of the car along with the shift-by-wire gear control, creating at the same time an extra storage space underneath it.
The range of driver assistance systems is also very impressive and includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and more.
“By launching our All-New Kona Electric, we are pushing our ambitious eco car strategy forward,” said Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing and Product at Hyundai Motor Europe. “It’s a car of no compromise – combining an SUV body type with electric-mobility. It represents Hyundai’s progressive character. With Hyundai Motor, the future is now!”
The new Hyundai Kona Electric celebrates its public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.
Live images from Geneva added to the gallery
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