Living with the Kona EV
Review by Toni K
After much anticipation, the all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric 65 kWh was finally on its way to us for a review. They say patience pays off, and indeed it did for the Kona. This second-generation model recently clinched the "Car of the Year in Finland 2024" award, praised for its versatile powertrains, excellent price-performance ratio, and expanded electric car features compared to its predecessor. It seems our initial hype about it was well-founded.
Let's address the elephant, or the Moomin to be more precise, in the room first. The more you gaze at the front design, the more it resembles the iconic shapes of a Moomin character. Whether this resemblance is intentional or coincidental remains a mystery, but it adds a whimsical touch to the vehicle's aesthetic. The Kona-wide daytime running light, known as the seamless horizon lamp, is a captivating feature that demands attention. With only the driving headlights activated, the Kona adopts a completely different identity, showcasing the transformative power of illumination. The front design suits this subcompact crossover SUV perfectly and could potentially lend itself even better to larger SUVs, giving them a rugged, muscular appearance. While the all-new 2024 Santa Fe boasts a more angular styling reminiscent of the IONIQ 5, it is worth noting that other Hyundai models, like the seventh generation Grandeur, already share a similar front design language.
With a ground clearance of 151 mm, the Kona is well-equipped to tackle the challenging test drive conditions of Southern Finland, from snow-covered roads to potholes and everything in between. Its chunky side profile, accentuated by relatively generous ground clearance and prominent wheel arches, lends it a distinctly SUV-like appearance. While the front design may be love at first sight, the rear might take some time to get used to. The monolithic rear seamlessly integrates with the trunk, but the taillight units incorporated into the wheel arches may not be to everyone's taste. On the topic of design, the key leaves much to be desired - it's overly large, with poorly designed buttons and a cheap plastic feel that belies the car's otherwise impressive quality. However, in today's digital age, the presence of the Kona's digital key that can be shared across multiple devices, both mobile phone and watch, may render the physical key obsolete for many.
Equipped with the Premium package, our test car boasted an array of advanced features, including a Head-up Display, 360 Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Bose Premium speakers, and Parking Collision-avoidance Assist. Factor in metallic paint, Remote Park Assistant, a Leather Pack, and the total price of the test car skyrockets to a hefty EUR 54,280. The base model starts at EUR 39,990, offering a more affordable solution for those willing to forgo some features and accept the smaller 48.4 kWh battery (377 km WLTP).
While the interior may not elicit immediate awe, it's highly functional, with more space. In fact, the trunk offers approximately 30% more storage capacity than the first-generation Kona, totaling 466 liters. Additionally, there is an extra 27 liters of storage in the front. Addressing previous critiques of limited space, the back seats now provide an additional 7.7 cm of legroom, ensuring comfortable travel for adults. The ample space even allows for convenient on-the-go Teams meetings. Plus, the V2L power outlet (220 V/3600 W) ensures that laptops stay charged during journeys.
Physical buttons remain a welcome feature, ensuring ease of use and enhancing driving safety. The driving position is comfortable, with customizable seat and mirror settings that cater to multiple drivers. And it also feels secure to be in the driver's seat. However, this sense of security doesn't always align with the EURO NCAP crash test results. Despite receiving four stars, the Kona was perilously close to earning only three stars. Nonetheless, the Kona boasts a plethora of technologies designed to assist in driving and prevent collisions. For instance, the Parking Collision-avoidance Assist is remarkably assertive, applying brakes and vibrating the steering wheel to avert potential hazards when exiting a parking spot, often catching drivers off guard initially. While some car reviews have criticized Kona's In Cabin Camera for its stringent evaluation of driver behavior and its propensity to alert even for minor infractions, our experience tells a different story. More often than not, the Kona's alerts prove accurate, reminding drivers to stay focused on the road. The audible warning for exceeding the speed limit, while initially irksome, proves beneficial, especially in urban areas with numerous speed cameras, ensuring not only compliance with speed limits but also averting hefty fines. Additionally, the speedometer's tendency to display lower speeds than actual may be bothersome, but it aligns with European Union regulations. A speedometer may show 10% lower speed than what the actual speed is. Outside the capital area, the in-built navigation system seems to occasionally be living summertime because it is indicating higher speed limits. The good thing is that the navigation system is very smart in guiding you to the charging station and making sure the battery is pre-heated. And what is almost as respectable is that even the charging port is heated; it is not electric. That will save you from many mishaps that many other electric cars have provided to us.
The Kona's ride is smooth and enjoyable, with advanced technology aiding even the most insecure drivers in navigating tight spaces. There are even cameras to show you the dead angles when you put a blinker on. On motorways, it feels as reliable and enjoyable. There seemed to be a bit of tire noise, but those friction tires by Nokian Tyres were on another level even when basically driving on ice. And with the snow mode on, you won't miss proper studded tires at all. The vehicle's intuitive features, such as tunnel detection and automatic air blockage during windshield wiper use, enhance comfort and convenience.
Hyundai's Bluelink application offers remote monitoring and control of the vehicle, providing notifications for open doors and windows and enabling various comfort adjustments. Hyundai's transformation from struggling sales in the past to becoming the third-largest car manufacturer in the world by volume is commendable. We eagerly await the arrival of the new models in the Nordics, including the Kona N, Santa Fe, and IONIQ 5 N."
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