A Different Driving Experience with the New Hyundai KONA Electric

A Different Driving Experience with the New Hyundai KONA Electric
A Different Driving Experience with the New Hyundai KONA Electric

📩 22/09/2023 15:20

New KONA Electric, produced by Hyundai in its factory in the Czech Republic and exported to more than 40 countries, confidently expresses its bold and dynamic character. In addition to offering its users a real electric car experience, KONA promises a wider range of diversity for comfort in daily use.

The All-New KONA uses two different engine and battery types as its biggest trump card to create an extremely good alternative to electric models in the B-SUV segment. Developed by Hyundai in the light of the latest technology and based on the EV version, KONA also gave life to its gasoline and gasoline hybrid siblings in the same body type.

Bigger, bolder and more dynamic than the previous generation, the New KONA offers a user experience suitable for every lifestyle. The vehicle, which is different from the traditional typology thanks to its unique and iconic design, differs from its siblings in certain points in its exterior and interior design. Located between Hyundai BAYON and TUCSON, the New KONA has larger dimensions than the previous generation, thanks to the K3 platform. With this new model, Hyundai will also enrich its EV product range in Turkey. With KONA Electric, EV models offered for sale by Hyundai in Turkey will constitute 40 percent of its product range.

Unique design features

Hyundai has adopted an EV-first design process to keep the New KONA separate from traditional internal combustion engines. Thus, a futuristic EV-focused exterior design was created, where dynamic purity meets boldly sculpted solidity.

The new KONA Electric also stands out in aerodynamic performance without sacrificing stylish style. The elegantly shaped dodikes and the connected parametric surface design between the aerodynamic nose and trunk lid attract a lot of attention. Dynamic chrome lines connected to the Integrated High Positioned Stop Lamp (HMSL) and the satin chrome spoiler also give the car a pure identity.

The solid and sporty appearance features of an SUV are supported by the front and rear headlights embedded in the body, while parametric side panels and transition lines allow the vehicle to have a wider stance. Specially designed multi-spoke 18 and 19 inch wheels also highlight the sporty character of KONA Electric.

ICE and HEV versions carry many of the EV's design features with a unique twist. The front bumper stands out with a three-dimensional coating and skid plate instead of the radiator grille in the BEV version. The electric version is distinguished from other versions by the pixel graphics on the lower bumper design and front grille, as well as the front and rear. The aerodynamic side sill and dodik design in body color are another difference.

Compared to the previous generation KONA, the new model now has more unique proportions with increased dimensions. The length of the vehicle compared to the EV version is 4.355 mm. The wheelbase of the New KONA, which is 175 mm longer than the first generation KONA Electric, extends by 60 mm and reaches 2.660 mm. Its width has increased by 25 mm to 1.825 mm, while the height is 20 mm more (1.575 mm) in the new version.

technological interior

The new KONA Electric offers a larger living space based on its improved dimensions and EV-derived universal architecture. For this reason, a wide and open layout plan was designed for greater passenger comfort and easy loading space. The driver-oriented architecture in the front row is emphasized by the horizontal cockpit layout with integrated dual 12,3-inch panoramic screens, confirming the high-tech character of the vehicle.

The new KONA Electric offers a larger space in the center console thanks to the gear lever integrated into the steering wheel, as in the IONIQ models. Offering more cup holders or space for storing large items for daily comfort, the car also has an extra storage space for mobile phones or tablets.

Optimized for 'weightless' body pressure distribution to help alleviate fatigue during or after driving, the seats are designed much thinner than the previous generation. The fully foldable second row seat and rear compartment also offer up to 466 liters of cargo space (according to VDA standard) for improved loading. Equipped with a customizable Smart Electric Tailgate for easy loading, the vehicle also offers its user five different adjustable height levels.

The largest and most comfortable in its class

The new KONA Electric offers a 60 mm longer wheelbase, 77 mm longer leg room and 11 mm higher headroom in the rear seats compared to the previous generation. The rear row shoulder room of the vehicle, which has the best interior space in its class, is 1.402 mm and is also the largest in its class.

The new KONA Electric's battery provides safe charging and range performance in winter. The vehicle allows opening the charging cover even at minus 30 degrees and provides comfortable visibility at night with its new charging port lamp. HUD, or head up display, reflects the most necessary road information for drivers with a 12-inch projection on the windshield. This allows drivers to keep track of information safely while keeping their attention on the road ahead. e-ASD, or Electronic Smart Sound Distributor, creates a virtual sound that makes EVs more interesting. An optimum sound is added to the cabin by taking into account variables such as driving speed, torque, engine condition and acceleration. Drivers can control the volume and thus customize the sound in the cabin.

The Vehicle Power Supply (V2L) function, just like the IONIQ 5 and 6, can power any device or charge 3kW electrical equipment with both internal and external outputs for the convenience of the user. Even when the vehicle is running, it can power electrical appliances thanks to a standard socket (230V) in the rear center console. The new i-PEDAL enables a driving mode that allows drivers to accelerate, slow down and stop using only the accelerator pedal. KONA Electric also comes with a “Smart Regenerative System” that automatically adjusts the amount of regenerative braking based on information from forward traffic flow.

Best-in-class electronic control technology and connectivity

KONA Elektrik attracts attention with its 12,3 inch double panoramic screen. Thanks to these screens integrated into the audio-video navigation (AVN) system to offer drivers a completely digital infotainment experience, both in-car entertainment and driving become more enjoyable.

The seven-speaker Premium Sound System was specially developed by Bose engineers to provide a rich music experience. Both driver and passengers have convenient access to two USB-C chargers (including one with data support) and a 12V power outlet in the front, as well as two USB-C chargers in the rear.

Security features

The second generation KONA is equipped with advanced Hyundai Smart Sense ADAS features that are not available in most other B-SUVs, providing the highest level of safety and comfort while driving.

In-Cab Camera (ICC) uses the vehicle's internal camera to analyze the driver's attention and warn the driver in case of drowsiness or inattention, or intervene if necessary. Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) helps drivers enter and exit parking spaces remotely. The smart key can also move the vehicle forward or backward when the button is pressed. Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) assists the driver by displaying the blind spot view on the tracking screen when changing lanes.

It works with Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), including Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), to change lanes by issuing a warning of the risk of collision with vehicles in the blind spot. If necessary, it automatically applies braking to avoid a collision.

KONA Electric offers additional safety features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist 2.0 (FCA 2.0), which enables intersection crossing, oncoming lane change and side lane change. There is also Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2), which helps drivers maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and assists in overtaking slower vehicles in front. The technological car is brimming with various other advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Intelligent Speed ​​Limit Assist (ISLA), Driver Attention Alert (DAW) and High Beam Assist (HBA). It is also equipped with various driving comfort functions such as Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LFA).

Powertrain options

The electric model is offered for sale with two battery options for European users. The long-range version with a 400 kWh battery, which has a 65,4V charging infrastructure, provides a maximum power of 218 PS (160 kW) and a driving range of over 514 kilometers. The standard version has a battery capacity of 48,4 kWh. This engine offers 156 PS (111 kW) power and a driving range of 377 kilometers.

New KONA Electric can be charged from 100 percent to 41 percent in 10 minutes with 80 kW DC fast charging. The standard range version with a 48,4 kWh battery is charged in 11 hours 4 minutes with 55 kW AC charging, and the long range version with a 65,4 kWh battery is charged in 6 hours 55 minutes.

Hyundai KONA Electric will meet Turkish consumers in November and will contribute to Hyundai's electrification offensive in Turkey.