12/02/2024 Now in a new larger form the Kona is has grown beyond recognition. Its a great value proposition.
The most recent version to arrrive on our shores is the electric powered Kona and we’ve been testing it. You can spot it in traffic by its smooth front – it doesn’t need a big grille for cooling an engine, and its charge socket filler flap. The original Kona EV was a huge hit. It was affordable, quick and had a relatively lightweight body that helped deliver low power usage. The new car is obviously bigger and heavier so it will consumes more electricity from its lithium-ion polymer battery – but can it remain the popular favourite? Two battery sizes are available: 64kWh or a more affordable 39.2 kWh. Let’s look at the numbers. Battery range for the 64kWh car from a full charge to empty is quoted at a maximum 484km (WLTP) – its 305km with the smaller battery. The Kona Electric is as nippy as ever with 201hp/150kW and 395nm of torque (real world pulling power) in the motor fitted to the 64kWh car and in the smaller battery car the motor produces 134hp/100kW. Max acceleration is brisk through the shift by wire automatic gearbox without feeling as quick as the lighter orignal with a 0-100km/h time of 7.9 seconds. Kona Electric has its motor mounted at the front and it powers the front wheels. the battery is under the cabin floor and the battery heat managment system. Boot space is a reasonable 332 litre in the Electric. You can select the driving modes and the degree of regenerative/recuperative braking from the comfort of the driver’s seat using the steering mounted paddle shifters. On the road Kona Electric is very impressive and thanks to its size loses the slight tinny-ness of the original. The Kona Electric has matured in to a very impress EV. Hyundai Ireland offers a good warranty: ‘5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty. Its high-performance lithium-ion polymer battery is warranty protected for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first.’ Again read our review of the car via the link above. Michael Sheridan
