Kona Electric is part of the electrified model line up from Hyundai, alongside the IONIQ family, NEXO, Kona Hybrid and Tucson 48 Volt Hybrid models.
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric UK
About the Car
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric UK
Kona.brings the very latest in battery electric powertrain and connected technology, with an impressive driving range of up to 278 miles, all packaged up in an evolution of the Kona’s striking exterior design.
Established SUV brand with a progressive mindsetThe Kona Electric reinforces the company’s leadership in the eco-car segment. It merges the strengths of SUV with the benefits of electric propulsion. Hyundai was the first automotive brand in Europe to make a fully-electric subcompact SUV available to everyone. By already offering the broadest range of powertrains, Hyundai is at the forefront of eco-mobility. The company marketed the first mass-produced fuel-cell vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell, followed by the second-generation fuel-cell vehicle, NEXO.
Additionally, the IONIQ was the first car available with three different electric powertrains in one body type. Winning several prestigious accolades from media and industry organisations, the IONIQ is one of the most awarded eco-cars in Europe.
The success story of Hyundai’s SUV range began 17 years ago with the launch of the Santa Fe. Since 2001, Hyundai has sold more than 1.6 million SUVs in Europe. They all carry the dynamic, progressive style of Hyundai and make it an established brand in this still-growing segment.
The Kona Electric enables customers to combine the two fastest growing automotive trends – electrification and SUV style. It carries the same expressive design and ‘go-anywhere’ attitude of the regular Kona. The fully-electric version reflects the individual lifestyle of modern customers, who benefit from fun-to-drive dynamics and the low environmental impact of a zero-emissions car. The completely new platform of the Kona enables a space-saving integration of the battery packs without compromising the roominess.
Progressive design
The Kona Electric adopts the expressive-looking and powerful front from the regular Kona. The key design differentiator is the closed grille which gives a clean and stylish appearance, while also enhancing aerodynamics. Another characteristic element of the front design is the Composite Light, enhancing the visual impact with the LED daytime running lights positioned on top of the LED headlights. The Kona Electric’s and the choice of six distinctive exterior colours underline the personal style of its driver.
Electric drive feeling
A special feature of the Kona Electric is the shift-by-wire operation module which enables an intuitive operation of the electric powertrain. The adjustable regenerative braking system allows the driver to adjust the intensity of the regenerative braking by using the paddle shifts behind the steering wheel. The system recuperates additional energy whenever possible. Keeping the left paddle held, the driver can even bring the vehicle to a full stop – without using the brake pedal. In combination with the radar sensor, the smart regenerative braking system will even automatically control the regenerative braking in accordance to the traffic ahead.
Connected and caring
The Kona Electric offers a wide range of connectivity features, such as the infotainment system which integrates navigation, media and connectivity features – including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Wireless Charging. Kona Electric is also equipped with the company’s latest active safety and driving assistance technologies, called SmartSense. These include Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) including Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), and Lane Follow Assist (LFA).
Drivers also benefit from the large 7-inch supervision cluster, which displays key information about the car’s driving performance and, in addition, the combined head-up display shows relevant driving information directly in the driver’s line-of-sight.
Introduced for model year 2020, Kona Electric models from the Premium trim level receive a 10.25” touch screen navigation system which features the Bluelink® telematics system. Bluelink® is Hyundai’s smartphone app based connected car service that enables drivers to carry out a number of different functions whilst away from their Kona Electric, including remote start, activate climate control when connected to a vehicle charger, allow drivers to unlock the car doors remotely by entering the Bluelink®User PIN and remind the driver of the vehicles parked location. In addition to the driver convenience features, Bluelink® serves as a convenient diagnostic tool which will notify the driver of any vehicle maintenance issues that require attention. In response to customer feedback, Kona Electric Premium and above specification also sees the introduction of the Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) function as standard equipment. Previously a customer option, ISLW uses the Kona Electric’s front camera, combined with information from the navigation system, to identify road speed signs and no-passing signs in real time, displaying the information on the navigation system display, drivers instrument cluster and head up display.
Equipment additions found across the range include the introduction of eCall, which can automatically dial emergency services in the event of a serious accident, shortening response times and improving post-accident protection. When eCall is activated, either manually by the vehicle occupants or automatically if the airbags have been triggered, a connection is made to the nearest emergency response centre using both a telephone and data link. The voice link allows the emergency services to communicate with the vehicle occupants, while at the same time, location data, the vehicle’s identification number and also direction of travel is sent to the response centre, allowing the emergency services to start to assess and manage the situation before their onsite arrival.