Hyundai has revealed the 2024 Kona Electric which now sports more range, a modern design language, and a hunger for dominance. In 2018, the South Korean vehicle manufacturer first released the Kona EV which closely resembled the gasoline variant but stood out mainly because it featured an all-electric powertrain. The subcompact SUV arrived in multiple trim levels, a decent range, and wireless smartphone integration. However, it has competed with non-luxury types like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Nissan Leaf.
Hyundai furnishes the 2024 Kona with design elements similar to the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, though the use of a Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp and pixelated graphics give the exterior a unique look. The 2024 Kona EV will come in two trim levels — Standard Range (up to 212 miles) and Long Range (up to 304 miles). It's worth mentioning that the above figures are WLTP-estimated as Hyundai is yet to reveal the EPA’s numbers. The Standard Range also offers around 135 horsepower while the upper trim maxes out at 215 hp.
Colors, Cargo Space, Technology, And Driver Assistance
Prospective buyers of the 2024 Kona EV can choose from an abundance of colors, including Abyss Black Pearl, Jupiter Orange Metallic, Neoteric Yellow, and over a dozen others for the exterior, while the interior can be customized with the choice of six color schemes, including Black Mono and Grey Two-Tone. The EV’s trunk is expected to carry up to 723 liters of cargo while the frunk (or, the 'front trunk') storage is pegged at 27 liters. The frunk space is a new feature that highlights Hyundai's decision to integrate a pure EV design. In line with Hyundai’s EV-themed aesthetic, the Kona EV gets a bigger interior which should make the driver and passengers feel more comfortable.
Transferring the shift-by-wire gear selection from the center console to behind the steering provides ample storage in the open console area. The new Kona EV's technological features include a Head-up Display (HUD) that relays vital information using a 12-inch projection on the windshield, an i-Pedal driving mode that lets drivers accelerate, decelerate, and halt the EV by way of the accelerator pedal, and a bidirectional onboard charge capability which allows the SUV to supply current to small devices and electrical equipment. The Kona EV features interior and exterior ports for ease of use. The dual 12.3-inch infotainment screens surpass the previous model’s offering (8-inch).
With the inclusion of over-the-air software update abilities, buyers of the new Kona EV will enjoy continuous system improvements from within the SUV. Also, drivers will be able to remotely access the EV through the Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch which uses the near-field communication function on select smartphones or smartwatches. Interestingly, the Kona EV will be the first Hyundai model to have the all-new connected car navigation cockpit (ccNC) feature which will guarantee advanced graphics and uniformity of the SUV’s displays. The EV promises a grand listening experience thanks to the installation of an 8-speaker Bose Premium sound system alongside a subwoofer.
The 2024 Kona EV will offer drivers high levels of assistance and safety on the road through Hyundai's SmartSense. For instance, the Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) can assist drivers to reduce the risk of a collision with other vehicles when making a lane change. When activated, it'll alert the driver about vehicles in their blind spot, and if necessary, will engage the brake function. Other Smartsense safety and convenience offerings include forward collision avoidance assist which brings evasive steering and junction steering, highway driving assist which aids drivers in keeping a healthy distance from other cars, lane keeping assist, etc. Hyundai says the 2024 Kona EV should arrive in limited units by late 2023.
Source: Hyundai