A few weeks after its official presentation, the new Hyundai Kona 2023 now details its technologies on board. But the brand remains a mystery on the electric version, details of which will be revealed in March.
Hyundai has been present in the electric car segment for some time, when the firm launched its Ioniq in 2016, also available as a simple and rechargeable hybrid. Since then, the brand has significantly expanded its catalog, with the Ioniq 5 and the new Ioniq 6 presented a few months earlier, as well as the Kona Electric, on the market since 2018. And the least we can say is that the Compact SUV is a real success. , all engines combined. He was actually the the brand’s second best-selling model in France in 2022, with 12,693 units according to CCFA.
improved comfort
Six years after its launch, it is therefore time for the SUV rival of the Renault Captur and other Peugeot 2008s to give itself a new generation. This is how it is done, while Hyundai lifted the veil last December on the first images of this second version, which wants to be even more desirable and futuristic. If the exterior style changes in depth and adopts more refined lines worthy of a concept car, this newcomer also wants to be more complete in terms of equipment.
In a recently published press release, Hyundai details the technologies that will equip this new generation. This will be particularly compatible with remote OTA updates, such as the Ioniq 5 recently. If the brand does not specify if these will also be applied to the traction chain of the electric version, it explains that they will allow‘add new features and to maintain ambient lighting without going to the workshop. The infotainment system integrated into the12.3 inch touch screen you should be worried too.
15 centimeters longer than the previous generation, this new Kona gains six centimeters of wheelbase to reach 2.66 meters. A gain in benefit of habitability and comfort, while the driver benefits from electric seats with position registration. The trunk offers a volume shown in 479 liters when the rear seat is in place. It is better than the previous version or the Peugeot e-2008 and its 434 liters.
Please note that onboard access is via the Digital Key 2 Touch, which is based on NFC technology. Inaugurated in the Hyundai Palisade, this system allowsopen the vehicle leaving your smartphone on the handle and then turn it on by placing it on the induction charging port. This device is then compatible with Apple and Samsung phones as well as connected watches.
A generous endowment
Hyundai also takes the opportunity to offer some data on the active safety equipment that will equip the SUV, both in its thermal and hybrid versions and in its electric variant. We will find already known systems, such as theactive lane keeping assistassistance when getting out of the vehicle or recognition of speed limits with intelligent speed limiter.
Semi-autonomous driving will also be available through the active highway driving assistance system. Limited to Tier 2, while only Mercedes offers Tier 3 in Europe with its EQS and S-Class, the latter combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist. Also note that the regulator is associated with navigation, allowing you to adapt the speed according to the layout of the motorway. A feature that already exists with some brands, including Ford with its BlueCruise 1.2 system.
If Hyundai has specified the technical characteristics of the thermal and hybrid versions, you will have to wait until march for more information on electric variants. As a reminder, the Hyundai Kona Electric is currently available in two variants with 39 and 64 kWh batteries, offering autonomy between 305 and 484 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. The powers vary from 136 to 204 horsepower.
This newcomer should also inherit the Kia Niro EV platform and use the technologies mentioned above. In terms of styling, it will be distinguished by a full grille, whilean N-line version It will crown the range although the brand has not specified if it will also benefit the Kona Electric. This will be recognizable by its rear wing and its 19-inch wheels, as well as its specific shields.
Hyundai has just presented the first images of its future Kona, which will obviously have the right to one (or several) 100% electric versions. Its name: Hyundai Kona Electric. And the least that…
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