6 Reasons Why The Hyundai Kona Electric Is Worth A Serious Look

The local electric vehicle (EV) market space has charged up to higher new levels, with many dazzled by the likes of ‘affordable’ entries like the BYD Atto 3 and the GWM Ora Good Cat. Whilst both possess the styling, specifications, and tempting price tags to woo many, some still aren’t convinced by these Chinese upstarts and their spotty histories. 

Well, fret not as Korean stalwarts Hyundai – through Hyundai Sime Darby Motors – are still very much active in this space of ‘affordable’ EVs thanks to its Kona Electric range. Though no longer the ‘most affordable’ offering in class, we reckon it still holds quite the draw, especially in the eyes of those yearning for something that’s ‘properly’ built.

We revisited the Kona Electric in range-topping e-Max form recently, and here are 6 reasons why we reckon it is still worth a serious look.

1. It has decent styling

Against the relatively ‘fresh’ Atto 3 and Ora Good Cat, the Kona Electric’s styling does appear a little subdued in contrast. However, we’ll argue that it’s one design that will age better over time compared to said Chinese upstarts, and this might sit well amongst prospects who are contemplating long-term ownership.

Striking 17-inch alloy wheels design plus deleted front grille help set this electrfied Kona apart.

Double-stacked LED head- and taillight arrangements is a signature design cue of the Kona.

Adding to which are the unique touches Hyundai endowed this electrified version of its staple compact crossover SUV offering, namely with its dual-tone colourway, front grille delete, as well as the adoption of snazzier 17-inch alloy wheels design compared to its combustion-powered twin.

As far as styling goes, we’re certain many of you will agree that this electrified Kona’s sleeker and cleaner looks overall compared to its combustion-powered twin is great.

ADAS features primed includes ACC, FCW + AEB, BSM, as well as LDW + LKAS.

2. It’s fully-loaded, especially in e-Max trim

Leading this bill for the e-Max variant on this front is the arsenal of active driver assists (ADAS) tech present. Included are intelligent cruise control suite (ACC) with stop-go and lead vehicle departure warning, forward collision warning (FCW) and mitigation (AEB), blind-spot monitor (BSM), as well as lane-departure warning (LDW) and mitigation (LKAS). 

Interactive 10.25-inch instrument panel (left) and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen (right) are expected.

Wireless charging pad, keyless entry and ignition, automatic climate control, as well as leather seats are some of the key luxuries present.

Complementing that is the cabin’s rich kit list. Some amenities here are somewhat expected at this price point, like keyless entry and ignition, wireless smartphone charging pad, automatic climate control, leather seats, as well as both an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment and a 10.25-inch digital instrument  displays offering high interactivity.

Interactive HUD and three-level seat ventilation are welcoming novelties of the range-topping e-Max.

Our favourite bits though come from this range-topper’s added premium features, namely the inclusion of things like three-level ventilated front seats, novel and interactive head-up display (HUD), 10-way (driver) and 8-way (passenger) front seat adjustments, as well as the infotainment unit’s offer of both Apple and Android smartphone connectivity.

Our only gripe here perhaps lay in the absence of two main features, those being a 360-degree parking monitor plus a powered tailgate. However, given everything else we’ve noted, we reckon the absence of these two aren’t deal-breakers to say the least.

 3. It has respectable range and charging abilities

In e-Max form as tested, the Kona Electric is laced with a sizeable 64 kWh battery. Offering a claimed WLTP range of 484 KM, you won’t have to deal with any bouts of range anxiety when tasking this crossover with the usual daily urban commute routines. It gladly did a lot of which during our test before requiring a full recharge, in fact.

Bonus fact: The Kona Electric's charging port is located arguably in a more accessible place up front.

Need a quick top-up? You’ll be glad to know this variant of the Kona accepts DC rapid-charging inputs as high as 100 KW, allowing  charges from 10% to 80% in about 47 minutes, which isn’t too long of a wait. As for regular AC charging, we’ll also note this crossover’s versatile acceptance of both 7 kW and 11 kW inputs too, which is nifty.

Above that comes the respectable performance abilities this variant offers, much of which stemming from its 201 HP and punchy 395 NM outputs driving the front wheels. This, in turn, allows this electrified Kona to effortlessly keep up with its combustion-powered twin and segment peers without sacrificing too much, more so given the next fact…

4. It drives very well

This is perhaps where Hyundai’s status as an established carmaker really shines over the rivalling Chinese-made segment peers mentioned. In contrast, this Hyundai edges past said rivals with ease thanks to the well-honed driving dynamics, which feels well-balanced and significantly more planted on the pavement too.

Despite the typical SUV-esque high ground clearance and long-travel suspension primed, the Kona does not feel ungainly when thrown about into corners too. This is perhaps also a telling result from adopting of proper name-brand tyres such as the Nexen N Fera SU-1 our tester had. In short, you actually can layan corners with this Kona indeed.

This e-Max range-topper's e-motor delivers punchy outputs of 201 HP and 395 NM .

On top of all this comes the offer of up to four selectable driving modes available, those being Eco+, Eco, Normal, and Sport. Each modes are self-explanatory, granting the Kona even greater versatility to suit with the driving situation needs and demands, and that’s a huge plus indeed.

5. It has a decently spacious and comfy cabin

In some EVs that share similar bases as their combustion-powered twins, battery placements in the floor has robbed some cabin space by having to raise the cabin floor in the rear seats – i.e. Mercedes-Benz EQA, for instance. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case in the Kona Electric.

Clever packaging and placement of the batteries sees this electrified Kona retain and mirror the decently spacious real estate for rear seat passengers seen in its combustion-powered twin. Sure, it’s not segment-leading volumes, but it is respectable comfy and plush, the latter thanks to the adoption of leather seat covers.

Bonus facts: Standard boot space of 332 litres is decent, but can be doubled or tripled thanks to 60:40 split-folding rear seats.

Absence of a traditional transmission sees the Kona Electric gaining storage cubbies in the centre stack.

Up front, the switch to electric propulsion also sees the Kona gaining back some useful storage cubbies, notably in the centre stack. Indeed, this bodes well with the existing storage cubbies present in the centre armrest, glovebox, and door inserts, thus adding further to this Kona’s overall practicality.

6. Convincing after-sales coverage

This is perhaps the most convincing aspect of the Kona Electric’s package, and it’s perhaps a testament to the respectable track record held by brand custodians Sime Darby Motors. The firm has a knack for ensuring all its products, regardless of make and model, are covered well enough in terms of after-sales and warranty coverage.

For the Kona Electric, there’s a standard 2-year or 50,000 KM base vehicle warranty, plus a separate 8-year or 160,000 KM warranty for the EV battery alone. The former can be extended to a 5-year or 100,000 KM span with a 3-year or 50,000 KM free service package thanks to an optional extension package that costs an additional RM10,000.

Given the simplistic nature of maintaining EVs, perhaps the cost-option base vehicle warranty extension might not seem necessary, but the option to extend it with a free service deal is relieving to say the least. What’s certain is that the core EV component, by which we mean the battery, is covered convincingly, which is great.

What do you think?

Given what we’ve just detailed, we reckon it’s not hard for any of you to get swayed into this Korean EV fighter’s favour. But what say you folks? Has the Kona convinced you well enough to want to make the switch? Hit the comments below with your thoughts then…

Specifications
Hyundai Kona Electric e-Max