Hyundai promises a breath of fresh air in the B-SUV segment

Hyundai Motor today presented the second generation of the Hyundai Kona as part of a digital world premiere. The offers a large number of model variants including the largest selection of drive variants in the B-SUV segment: a battery-electric version (EV) with two different battery sizes, a full hybrid (HEV) and a combustion variant (ICE). With the new Kona, all drive variants will also be available as a sporty N Line.

Hyundai first developed the electric variant of the Kona. The Korean manufacturer sees this as a result of its electrification strategy, under which the company will launch eleven EV models by 2030. “The Hyundai Kona Electric will play an important role in strengthening Hyundai’s leadership position in the electric vehicle space, alongside our Ioniq models,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “At Hyundai, we don’t just see the electric car revolution as the latest trend. We believe that it is a hub not only for the industry but also for society.”

With its robust, dynamic design and increased dimensions, the Hyundai Kona retains its character. It offers new technologies and comfort functions for a safe, connected and comfortable driving experience. The innovations include two 12.3-inch panoramic displays, the digital vehicle key (Digital Key 2 Touch), over-the-air updates (OTA) and the Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) with a new software platform including a new layout for the cockpit and navigation.

The Hyundai Kona Electric offers a range of up to 490 km (still estimated) according to the WLTP standard. In addition, it has EV-specific design elements including an additional storage compartment under the hood, active air flaps, 230-volt sockets inside and outside (vehicle-to-load), head-up display, i-Pedal driving mode, an intelligent Recuperation system, virtual driving sound and an eco-package with sustainable materials in the interior. The Kona includes, among other things, the Hyundai Smart Sense assistance systems with functions for partially autonomous driving according to Level 2, the autonomous emergency brake assistant, the blind spot assistant with monitor display, the parking assistant with remote control and a camera-based driver attention assistant.

Compared to the previous generation of Kona, the new model has larger dimensions. It now measures 4.36 meters in length and is therefore 175 mm longer than its predecessor. The wheelbase is 2.66 meters, 60 mm more. It has increased in width by 25 mm to 1.86 meters and in height by 20 mm to 1.58 meters. The drag coefficient is 0.27.

To create more storage space, Hyundai moved the shift knob from the center console behind the steering wheel. All controls are arranged around the steering wheel. This created space for an open console with rotating cup holders. The relax seats in the first row bring an optimized seat pressure distribution to reduce fatigue on long journeys. The level bench seat in the rear has a two-stage lock that allows the seats to be folded down. The trunk holds up to 466 liters (according to VDA standard). To load the luggage compartment, the opening height and speed of the tailgate can be selected on the infotainment system screen or by pressing (for three seconds) the close button when the desired opening height is reached.

In addition to the pixel structure in the horizontal LED light strip, the Kona Electro offers other functions. The preconditioning of the battery ensures safe and optimized charging and a long range in winter. A system prevents the loading flap from freezing up at temperatures below minus 30 degrees Celsius.

The head-up display shows the most important information in a twelve-inch projection on the windshield. A virtual driving sound (e-ASD) varies the sound pattern in the interior depending on the speed, torque, condition of the engine and acceleration. The driver can control the volume and customize the sound.

With bi-directional onboard Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) charging, the Hyundai Kona Electric can power any device or charge electronic devices. Inside, devices plug into a standard outlet in the rear center console. The driver can use the battery power of the parked vehicle via an external socket and a V2L adapter.

With the new i-Pedal mode, the driver accelerates, decelerates and stops using only the accelerator pedal. The recuperation system adjusts the amount of regenerative deceleration based on information about the traffic flow ahead.

The Kona will be Hyundai’s first model to feature the new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC). It offers advanced graphics and unity between vehicle gauges. When parking, the Surround View Monitor (SVM) displays the vehicle from multiple angles to enable safe maneuvering, while wide-projection LED headlights illuminate the path. (awm)