Photo: SH Proshots
Hyundai's N Line lineup of sporty cars, which shouldn’t be confused with the full-blown N models, is about to gain a new member: the Kona Electric. Our man recently spied the model with the cam, hiding some visual and technical upgrades beneath the thick layer of camouflage.
At first glance, the average Joe could mistake it for an entirely new car. But it is typical for both Hyundai and Kia to give prototypes that don't boast any significant changes thick camouflage wraps, and giant fake humps. Thus, despite the fake skin and plastic cladding, it's obvious that we're looking at the second-gen Kona in its electric configuration.
If you look up front, you will see that it retains the same charging port integrated into the bumper and the thin LED DRLs. The lower grille does not seem to have been changed, and we think this model will sport a slightly chunkier apron. It might also get some side skirt attachments and probably a new rear bumper.
Moreover, the N Line badging on the front fenders was visible beneath a sticker. And it is this component that gives away its sportier nature. Well, this, and the fact that it appears to ride a bit closer to the ground, suggests that Hyundai's engineers paid extra care to the chassis setup. As a result, the Kona Electric N Line will likely be a bit stiffer compared to the normal variant, so it should handle corners better.
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We expect the sporty derivative of the brand's zero-emission subcompact crossover to launch with additional paint finishes and likely new wheels. We also think the company's design team applied some minor changes to the cabin, which should get at least new trim and upholstery to emphasize its sportier nature.
Details surrounding the powertrain are inexistent, yet we wouldn't be surprised if it retains the 201 horsepower (204 ps/150 kW) electric motor of the regular Kona Electric, which generates 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) of torque. Chances are the same 64.8 kWh battery pack will juice it up. This setup enables the standard model to drive 261 miles (420 km) on a full charge. The lesser version has 133 hp (135 ps/99 kW), a 48.6 kWh battery, and a 200-mile (322 km) range.
Prices start at $32,675 for the Kona Electric SE, excluding the $1,335 destination charge. The mid-range SEL comes from $36,675, and the range-topping limited can be ordered from $41,045. When the Kona Electric N Line launches, probably for the 2025 model year, it should cost in excess of $45,000. But that's our two cents on the matter and should be taken accordingly until the Korean car manufacturer pulls the wraps off the sporty variant, presumably in 2024.
If you look up front, you will see that it retains the same charging port integrated into the bumper and the thin LED DRLs. The lower grille does not seem to have been changed, and we think this model will sport a slightly chunkier apron. It might also get some side skirt attachments and probably a new rear bumper.
Moreover, the N Line badging on the front fenders was visible beneath a sticker. And it is this component that gives away its sportier nature. Well, this, and the fact that it appears to ride a bit closer to the ground, suggests that Hyundai's engineers paid extra care to the chassis setup. As a result, the Kona Electric N Line will likely be a bit stiffer compared to the normal variant, so it should handle corners better.
{fullimg}
We expect the sporty derivative of the brand's zero-emission subcompact crossover to launch with additional paint finishes and likely new wheels. We also think the company's design team applied some minor changes to the cabin, which should get at least new trim and upholstery to emphasize its sportier nature.
Details surrounding the powertrain are inexistent, yet we wouldn't be surprised if it retains the 201 horsepower (204 ps/150 kW) electric motor of the regular Kona Electric, which generates 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) of torque. Chances are the same 64.8 kWh battery pack will juice it up. This setup enables the standard model to drive 261 miles (420 km) on a full charge. The lesser version has 133 hp (135 ps/99 kW), a 48.6 kWh battery, and a 200-mile (322 km) range.
Prices start at $32,675 for the Kona Electric SE, excluding the $1,335 destination charge. The mid-range SEL comes from $36,675, and the range-topping limited can be ordered from $41,045. When the Kona Electric N Line launches, probably for the 2025 model year, it should cost in excess of $45,000. But that's our two cents on the matter and should be taken accordingly until the Korean car manufacturer pulls the wraps off the sporty variant, presumably in 2024.
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