2021 Hyundai Kona Electric crossover to launch in Australia with fresh looks, additional range
More style and equipment for Kona Electric refresh, available to order now
Available in Highlander and Elite trim levels with 150kW motor and 484km WLTP range from $62,000 AUD
Hyundai Australia has confirmed pricing and specifications for the revised 2021 Kona Electric range. The Highlander starts from $62,000, while the Elite starts from $66,000. The additional $4,000 buys you a glass sunroof, heated front and rear seats and LED headlights among other items listed at the bottom of this article.
Mechanically there’s nothing new to differentiate the 2021 Kona Electric from the outgoing model, but that’s no bad thing. This compact crossover has always offered excellent performance, refinement and range, and now Hyundai is making the Kona Electric an even better value proposition. There’s a 150kW (203 PS) single-speed motor, with 395 Nm (291 lb ft) of torque.
Although the battery size remains the same at 64 kWh, WLTP-rated combined range has actually increased by 7.8 percent to 484 kilometres. That puts the Kona Electric up there amongst the most efficient BEVs on sale, and far beyond the rated range of more expensive offerings such as the Audi E-Tron, Jaguar i-Pace and Porsche Taycan 4S.
What’s new with the Kona Electric on the outside?
The front end receives a contemporary look, with the arrow-like daytime running lights and body coloured front complemented by a small lower air intake, vertical air intakes and the recessed light cluster. It’s an evolution of the pre-facelift model, but it’s fresh and well-considered. Without a front “grille”, the charge port door appears to be quite obvious, but hey, at least people will know this is a plug-in from the front.
The new Kona Electric is 25mm longer than the outgoing model, but you’d hardly notice it. New 17 inch alloy wheels—shod in Michelin Primacy4 low rolling resistance tyres—and painted wheel arches give the crossover a hot hatch appearance from the side profile, while a new rear valance and LED tail lights spruce things up at the rear.
The driver’s zone of the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric.
Is there new technology for 2021?
The 2021 model now includes Hyundai’s suite of SmartSense safety features, including Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Assist, Blind Spot Collision Assist and, something we’d like to see from more manufacturers, Safe Exit Warning which alerts occupants to approaching vehicles using the vehicle’s radar sensors should they open a door into traffic.
On the inside, a fully digital 10.25 inch LCD screen functions as the instrument cluster, and is customisable by the user. The Kona Electric also includes remote start, Qi-standard wireless charging, a Harmon Kardon premium audio system, and a leather interior. We’d have liked to see animal-free seating options, but Hyundai is saving that for the E-GMP-based IONIQ 5.
The only options across both models of the Kona Electric are premium paint for $595, and a black/grey interior option for $295. A Phantom Black two-tone roof is also available as a no-cost option, at the expense of a sunroof.
The Kona Electric is on sale in Australia now; we’ll be posting a full review in a few weeks time.
