New Eco CUV will come to market in late 2018 with 400 km of range
Hyundai today unveiled the Canadian-market version of its convention-breaking Kona Electric crossover at the Vancouver International Auto Show. Kona Electric rides on an all-new CUV platform and is Hyundai’s first compact electric crossover for the Canadian market.
Kona Electric’s exterior styling features aggressive body styling complemented by a low and wide stance. It joins Hyundai’s new Kona, Tucson and Santa Fe in a full line-up of Hyundai crossovers. 2019 Kona Electric models will be produced in Ulsan, Korea and available in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Kona Electric employs a low and wide stance with a long wheelbase and short overhangs, ensuring sporty, nimble handling and control, in addition to delivering superior driving stability at highway speeds. Its refined, aero-tuned wheel arch and rear fascia cladding combines powerfully with futuristic LED lighting to create a high-tech eco appearance.
It’s further enhanced by a separated-headlight design signature, with LED Daytime Running Lights above and high-efficiency LED headlights below. The visual relationship between the composite lamps, the futuristic grille and unique side cladding results in a distinctive electric crossover character.
The Kona Electric powertrain employs a high-efficiency 150 kW (201 horsepower) permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor supplied by a high-voltage 64 kWh lithium-ion battery. The motor develops 291 lb.-ft. of torque distributed to the front wheels through a 7.981 axle ratio.
The Kona Electric utilizes a Level-II on-board charging system capable of a 7.2 kW rate of charge for rapid recharging characteristics. Kona Electric estimated range is a segment-leading 400 km, meeting the varying needs of owner lifestyles. A full charge can be achieved in 55 minutes with a Level-III quick charge (zero to 80 percent charge @ 100 kW), using the SAE-Combo charging port, while a 7.2 kW Level-II charger takes nine hours and fifty minutes. This 100 kW DC fast-charging capability is standard on the Kona Electric. For charging convenience, the charging port is located in the front grille area for head-in parking ease whenever charging is needed.
The Kona Electric will be available with a host of advanced safety features including Lane-Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Parking Distance Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection.
Kona Electric offers a full suite of sophisticated technologies paired with user-friendly functionality to keep passengers informed and entertained. The premium infotainment system offers various advanced connectivity features, including standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio and BlueLink telematics. The available eight-inch colour LCD display includes AM/FM/MP3 touchscreen audio, auxiliary inputs, voice-command recognition and Rear View Monitor. The available eight-inch touchscreen navigation display includes Blue Link, Infinity premium audio with eight speakers, subwoofer and Clari-Fi music-restoration technology. Smartphone integration is also included in the premium system.
Kona Electric has numerous standard features such as heated front seats, heated steering wheel, proximity key, and seven-inch colour LCD electroluminescent gauge cluster. It also offers a power driver’s seat, leather heated seats, heated rear seats, power sunroof, and automatic air conditioning.
A Head-Up Display system is available, projecting a virtual image onto the transparent panel mounted behind the instrument panel and helping the driver to keep his or her eyes on the road.
With a generous, eight-inch projected-image size and outstanding luminance, the Head-Up Display ensures both excellent day- and night-time visibility. Information projected includes speed, navigation instructions, safety and audio system information. Deployed vertically by a simple touch of a button beside the steering wheel, the display disappears into the dashboard when not in use.
In a first for the segment, Kona Electric offers smartphone wireless charging. To charge a device, simply place a compatible smartphone on the wireless-charging interface located in the center console storage, recharging without the need for cables. The system indicates when the phone has fully charged, reminds occupants to remove their phone when exiting the vehicle, and detects when a foreign object is in the recharging area that could interfere with charging. The system is fully compliant with WPC’s Qi standard for ease of use.
All Kona Electric models include complimentary five-year BlueLink services, with enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote and guidance services (on models equipped with factory navigation). BlueLink brings connectivity directly into the car with technologies like Google Home®, Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search by Voice®, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, and Enhanced Roadside Assistance. BlueLink features can be accessed via buttons on the rearview mirror or the BlueLink smartphone app.
The Kona Electric will be available in five exterior colours: Pulse Red, Ceramic Blue, Galactic Gray, Phantom Black, and Chalk White.
Keyword: 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Makes Canadian Debut at Vancouver Auto Show