The South-Korean automaker is keeping a tight schedule on its model updates, probably because it has so many releases to juggle with. So, after revealing the restyled Kona for the European market back in early September, now it’s time for the facelift process to showcase its changes on the zero-emissions sibling, the Kona Electric.
Just the other day we were discussing how the brand has devised an incredibly dense strategy of model introductions in the United States – kicking off the proceeds with the 2022 Tucson to be manufactured in Alabama, and then upping the stakes by announcing it will premiere 12 SUVs and seven N performance and N Line models through 2022.
Now the focus is quickly back on the European market, where Hyundai’s latest introduction doesn’t have to do with a new sporty derivative this time around – but with one that’s all about green mobility. The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric was – expectedly – next in line for an upgrade, after Hyundai already showed its stock counterpart and the subtly-dynamic N Line alternative.
For the EV, most of the upgrades “revolve around design, technology, and practicality,” so the model that’s being produced since March at the company’s Czech factory for the European market arrives with a “pure new look,” more safety equipment, and a comprehensive technology package.
The front end has been changed substantially, and now even features an asymmetric charging port. The rear is also easy to distinguish from the predecessor thanks to the new taillights, while the Kona Electric is now 25 mm (almost an inch) longer. There are no less than nine additional colors coming to the palette, for additional personalization options.
Inside, the fully electric gains a new for the series 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, while the central infotainment screen will have the same 8- or 10.25-inch size as before – and features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. There’s also a couple of new interior color packages, along with upgraded ambient light technology.
Meanwhile, the powertrain options remain the same - 204 ps (150 kW) with 64 kWh battery pack (7.9s to 100 kph / 62 mph, 167 kph / 104 mph top speed) and 136 ps (100 kW) with 39.2 kWh, for recently improved WLTP ranges of 484 km (301 miles) and 305 km / 190 miles, respectively.
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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