Following the recent launch of the regular Kona range, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric has been launched in Australia armed with new styling, new tech and even an increased range of 484km. Priced from $62,000 plus on-road costs, the facelifted Kona Electric is up to $1,260 more expensive than before, though counters that price rise with additional standard equipment.
Still offered in two model grades in Australia – Elite and Highlander – the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is still powered by a 150kW/395Nm electric motor. It’s front-wheel drive, uses a single-speed gearbox and draws its power from a 64kWh battery pack. Interestingly thanks to new tyres and chassis improvements, the Kona Electric’s range has been increased to 484km on the real world WLTP testing, up from 449km in the previous model we tested (and loved).
According to Hyundai, the battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent in 47 minutes on a 100kW DC fast charger (down seven minutes), or 64 minutes on a 50kW unit (down 11 minutes). A 10 to 100 per cent charge on a 7.2kW AC wall box reportedly happens in nine and a quarter hours.
A mid-life update instead of an all-new car, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric continues to measure 4,205mm long, 1,800mm wide, 1,555mm tall and has a 2,600mm-long wheelbase. The boot measures 332-litres (1,114L with the seats folded) and the kerb weight is minimum 1,685kg.
Standard equipment on the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Elite includes 17-inch alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, satellite navigation, digital radio, a wireless phone charger, a digital instrument cluster, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, leather upholstery, keyless entry and start with remote start, single-zone climate control, rear privacy glass and roof rails.
Safety kit includes six airbags, auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, lane keep assist with lane follow assist, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, rear auto braking, safe exit warning and rear occupant alert.
The Kona Electric Highlander adds LED headlights, indicators and tailights, heated and ventilated front seats with a heated steering wheel and outboard rear seats, 10/8-way electrically adjustable driver/passenger front seats, a sunroof, a heads-up display, an auto-dimming rear mirror, ambient interior lighting, front parking sensors and auto high beam.
Like other Hyundai products, the Kona Electric has a five-year/unlimited km warranty. It will be available with lifetime capped price servicing, but Hyundai is yet to confirm the cost.
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric pricing (plus on-road costs):
Elite: $62,000
Highlander: $66,000
Premium paint: $595
Grey interior: $295
Two-tone roof (Highlander): no cost (deletes sunroof)
Keyword: 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Adds More Range