When the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric arrives in Aussie showrooms this week, the upgraded battery-powered small SUV will offer the longest claimed driving range of any mainstream EV currently on sale in Oz.
Beaten only by the likes of the Audi e-tron SUVs (up to 664km) and almost every Tesla model – topped by the Model S Plaid+, which can travel up to 840km but won’t be available here until 2022 – the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric will come with an increased 484km range.
That’s a 7.8 per cent and 35km improvement on the small e-SUV’s previous 449km range and comes thanks to new Michelin Primacy4 low rolling resistance tyres.
Now priced from $62,000 plus on-road costs (up from $60,740 plus ORCs), the South Korean car-maker’s latest electric SUV also brings a host of other upgrades, including new daytime running lights (DRLs) and a new grille that’s said to make the Kona EV appear wider.
The refreshed front-end also brings slimmer and longer headlights, now with multifaceted reflector (MFR) technology.
Aerodynamics have been ‘enhanced’ via vertical air inlets that sit in front of the wheel-arch claddings, which Hyundai claims substantially reduce turbulence in the front wheelhouse area.
Riding on new machined-face 17-inch alloy wheels, the Kona EV also scores a functional air-intake in the lower portion of the front bumper, while the rear-end gets a new bumper design and stretched tail-lights.
The updated Hyundai Kona Electric measures 25mm longer than before and continues with two grades – base Elite and flagship Highlander – that are now priced from a respective $62,000 and $66,000 plus ORCs.
Those prices represent increases of up to $1260 but add more technology and safety to justify the extra money.
Standard equipment for the Elite variant has been increased and now includes blind-spot monitoring, lane following assist, rear cross traffic alert, rear occupant alert, safe exit assist, wireless phone charging and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Other additions include a USB port for rear passengers, body-coloured cladding, an enclosed front grille, acoustic windscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.
Standard carryover equipment includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), brake assist, rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control with stop & go, reversing camera, heated and power-folding mirrors, leather-appointed trim, shift paddles, roof rails and a 10.25-inch central touch-screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio, Bluetooth and navigation.
The only new features for the range-topping Kona Electric Highlander are ambient interior lights and heating for the rear outboard seats.
Carryover Highlander extras includes LED headlights with high beam assist, head-up display, powered front seats, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats and a glass sunroof.
The only options for the pair of Kona Electric grades is premium paint ($595) or a black/grey interior ($295). If the no-extra-cost two-tone paint is optioned (adding a Phantom Black roof) on the Highlander, the sunroof is deleted.
Hyundai Australia continues to cover the Kona EV with its range-wide five-year/unlimited-km warranty, but is yet to announce service pricing for the updated EV. Scheduled maintenance is due every 12 months or 15,000km.
The refreshed Kona Electric range is due to begin arriving in local dealerships this week.
How much does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric cost?
Elite – $62,000 (+$1260)
Highlander – $66,000 (+$710)
* Prices exclude on-road costs