Hyundai’s first all-electric SUV, the Kona Electric, is now available in Australia with a long-range battery-electric powertrain and advanced safety and connectivity, selling for about $59,990 (manufacturer’s list price).
It has a 150kW powertrain producing 395Nm torque with 449km range, can get to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds, ultra-fast 100kW DC charging can bring the battery to 80% in 54 minutes, has a 7.2kW on-board charger for plugging in at home, and is offered in Elite and Highlander model grades.
The Kona Electric has Hyundai’s SmartSense safety package as standard in both models, which includes forward collision avoidance assist, forward collision warning, smart cruise control with stop & go and driver-attention warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot collision warning plus rear cross traffic collision warning.
An eight-inch satellite navigation multimedia system has an array of connectivity including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Bluetooth.
The multimedia unit has an eight-speaker Infinity premium audio system, incorporating a subwoofer and external amplifier, with DAB+ digital radio.
The Highlander model brings, in addition, a glass sunroof, wireless (Qi standard) inductive smartphone charging, power-operated heated/ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
A head-up display, high beam assist, front park-assist systems as well as LED headlights and taillights are also on the Highlander.
The Kona Electric is built around a safe and rigid monocoque featuring extensive use of high strength and ultra-high strength steel.
It also benefits from a local chassis tune developed across a variety of challenging Australian urban and country roads, to deliver a quiet and comfortable ride.
Styling elements differentiate Kona Electric from its conventionally powered counterpart.
Six exterior paint colours are available, the no-cost option of a contrasting roof tone for Highlander versions, and a choice of two leather-appointed interior trims.
“We’re excited to bring long-range, eco-friendly electrified driving within reach of everyone with the stylish Kona Electric small SUV,“ Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer JW Lee says.
“It is Hyundai’s intention to establish leadership for eco cars in Australia. We have demonstrated that with Ioniq and now Kona Electric, with the Nexo hydrogen-powered SUV to follow once suitable infrastructure is developed.”
The centre console incorporates buttons for the key vehicle drive functions, including the shift-by-wire system and electric park brake. Twin cup holders and a lower storage space are also built in.
A high-resolution seven-inch supervision cluster displays key driving information, such as the speedometer, battery charge level, energy flow and driving mode selection. The background colour and information displayed are adapted to always provide the most relevant and useful information, depending on the drive mode selected.
The Kona Electric has 332 litres luggage capacity behind the rear seats, or 1114 litres with the rear seatbacks folded.
A high-voltage battery warranty extends for eight years or 160,000km.
It comes with Hyundai Auto Link Premium (SIM) as standard, a smartphone app allowing customers to stay connected to their car, with two versions available depending on the model and variant.
Hyundai iCare offers a suite of owner benefits including a lifetime service plan, five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, complimentary Roadside Assist for 12 months on new vehicles, 1500km complimentary first service, a dedicated customer care centre and myHyundai owner website and customer events.
When servicing with Hyundai, customers also receive a 10-year sat nav update plan, a roadside support plan for up to 10 years and more.
Visit hyundai.com.au/owners for more information.
