Hyundai India has launched yet another SUV in the Indian market, however this time it’s a pure electric SUV named Kona. Brought to India through the CKD route, the Kona electric has been priced at Rs 25.30 lakhs (ex showroom prices)
Speaking about its design, the Kona is similar in size to the Creta, but gets a smart and neat looking design. Upfront it gets sleek daytime running lights which are connected by an allumium strip also holding the Hyundai logo. The bumper however gets the famed cascade grille pattern printed onto it and the main headlamps and an air pocket as well. The side profile on the other hand is busy with plenty of drama, it gets an upward sweeping waistline, plastic cladding for the wheel arches, floating roof design and integrated roof rails. The rear receives futuristic LED taillamps, a clean design tailgate and low mounted side indicators and reverse lights. Also present is thick cladding, faux skid plate and Kona electric badging.
On the inside, the Kona electric is a genuine five seater and the cabin comes with the same high quality materials as conventional Hyundai cars. Buyers will also be greeted a well designed bridge type dashboard with an 7.0 inch floating touchscreen infortainment system and a Digital instrument cluster.
In terms of features it comes with LED headlamps with cornering function, micro antenna, push button start/stop, electric sunroof, 7.0 inch touchscreen infortainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leather wrapped steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats, 10-way adjustable driver seat and electric parking brake with auto hold.
Powering the Kona is a Lithium-ion polymer battery that delivers 136 PS and 40.27 Nm of torque. It comes mated to shift by wire automatic transmission and can dash from 0-100kmph in 9.7 seconds. Also part of the mechanics are 4 driving modes – Eco, Eco+, Comfort and Sports.
The Kona can be charged using a wall box charger of 7.2kw that will juice it up to offer 50kms driving range in an hour’s time, while a full charge can be secured in 6 hours using an AC charger that comes standard. The electric SUV offers 452kms driving range on a single charge.
Should you worry about safety and the Korean automaker has packed in a virtual sound system, six airbags, electronic stability control, hill assist control, ISOFIX child safety seat mounts and electronic stability control.
Buyers can also choose from 4 exciting single tone and 1 dual tone paint schemes – Marina blue, Polar white, phantom silver typhoon silver and Polar white with black roof.
Manufactured at the automakers plant in Chennai, Kona will be sold only in major metro cities which sadly Goa is not on the list for now, however it could eventually find its way here soon. Hyundai is offering standard three years unlimited kilometres warranty and an optional eight years/1, 60,000 kms warranty on the battery along with an emergency 24×7 roadside breakdown assistance.
The Hyundai Kona currently rules its own segment as it has no real competition, (save conventional fuel powered vehicles) but that’s until the MG EZS arrives though.
