- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Olga Apetenok
- Ru He Ar
Hyundai Kona EV. 2nd generation 2023
Following the release of the hybrid and gasoline versions of the second generation SUV at the end of 2022, the manufacturer has introduced the electric modification, which will go to conquer Europe in the summer of 2023. This means that we will also see the new 2023 Hyundai Kona EV in the Israeli market pretty soon. The electric SUV has been slightly redesigned and comes in two modifications with a driving range of 392 or 490 km. The model is front-wheel drive only. In Europe, the start of sales of the second generation Hyundai Kona is expected in April, but this applies to traditional version, whereas the Kona EV won’t hit dealers until August. Well, let’s wait!
Introduced in 2017, the first generation SUV is still successfully sold in Israel, in particular the restyled 2020 version. The electric Kona EV is also represented by the previous generation. The entry-level version is equipped with a 136-horsepower electric motor and a 39.2 kWh battery. The driving range is 305 km. But there is also an advanced version, with a more capacious 64 kWh battery, capable of driving about 484 km on a single charge. Here you can find out why it costs more.
Exterior
The manufacturer claims that the design of the 2023 Hyundai Kona was developed specifically for the electric version, and the remaining modifications were based on its. Externally, the electric Kona EV differs from its ‘siblings’ with internal combustion engines by the pixel theme that has touched front, rear and even wheel disks. This means broken stripes of running lights. There is a heated charging hatch on the left side of the ‘blind’ (thanks to unusual optics) ‘front face’. The hood houses an additional trunk with a volume of 27 liters, which can be used for the charging cable. The volume of the main trunk has become larger and reaches 466 liters. Note that the new Hyundai EV has a drag coefficient Cx of 0.27. But, even despite the bigger size, the electric SUV is still compact: length - 4,355 mm, width - 1,825 mm, height - 1,580, wheelbase – 2,660 mm. But the diameter of the wheels is up to 19 inches.
Interior
The passenger compartment of the new Kona EV looks exactly like that of the gasoline model. But the dashboard and multimedia system have received a different display. Otherwise, these are the same screens for instruments and multimedia system of 12.3 inches each, as well as climate control with keys. The gearbox selector is located on the steering column under the right steering column lever. The interior has become more spacious: the distance in front of the rear row of seats has increased by 77 mm, and it has become more spacious by 11 mm overhead. There is a new socket for electrical appliances in the rear. The tailgate has an electric drive, while the height of its opening is regulated by a multimedia system. The options include: ventilated front seats, heated seats, all-round cameras and a rich set of electronic assistants.
Powertrains
The 2023 Hyundai Kona EV is offered in two versions: the entry-level Standard Range and the top-end Long Range. The Standard Range is equipped with a 48.4 kWh traction battery, which has increased the range from 305 to 392 km (according to the WLTP cycle). The only electric motor has added 20 hp (up to 156 hp), but its torque has become lower: 255 Nm (versus 395 Nm). The Long Range produces 218 hp instead of the previous 204 hp, and the torque dropped from 395 Nm to 255 Nm. But the battery has a slightly larger capacity, 65.4 kWh, which has not significantly increased the mileage: the driving range has grown from 484 to 490 km. In addition, a one-pedal driving mode called i-Pedal has been added.
In 2023, the cost of Hyundai electric and hybrid models in Israel has increased, on average, from 4,000 to 15,000 shekels. The price of cars with internal combustion engines is the same.
