The Peugeot E-2008 has been updated for 2024. Is it any better than before and can it stand out from the old model?
Exterior – Front
So, lets start with the styling of the Hyundai Kona Electric and to start with this car looks like a pure EV only. This is because the new Kona was designed as an EV first and then the Hybrid model and regular model came next. This means you get a futuristic design on whatever model you go for. Let’s start with the styling at the front. So up top we get this futuristic ‘pixel’ light bar that houses the daytime running light and the light bar at night. We get these headlights that are positioned in the same place as the previous generation, and they look like the Sportage headlights. On this electric model we get this charging flap up front in the same place as the previous model. We also get this big central air vent which again is pixelated and, on the hybrid, and normal models provides cooling to the engine.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get some sharp creases showing some extended wheel arches and if you don’t go for the electric model, they are black plastic giving this car a rugged off-road look. We also get some chrome just below the window that swoops up into the rear spoiler. The overall design is minimalistic, but it does look modern and sporty as well as unique.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round to the back and we get a mirrored design. We get a rear light bar just like the front and just like the front it is pixelated. We also get some taillights that are like the headlights, and they are also positioned in a similar place like the headlights. We also get this big Hyundai and Kona logo and a black strip that is still partially covered up with camo but in this we get more pixel designs like the front central air vent. The whole design on the Kona is more rounded and bolder than before and it makes this car more modern, more futuristic and helps it stand out against other SUV’s. lets have a look at the battery and motor options that you can have with the Hyundai Kona Electric but let’s also look at what engine options that you can have with the regular Kona and Kona Hybrid.
Car and engine specs and price
So, let’s start with the battery and motor options. To start with there are 2 battery options. You can have it in either 48.3 kWh or 64 kWh. The smaller battery model is only available in base spec model with the rest of the lineup using the bigger 64 kWh battery pack. Let’s go through the smaller battery option. The 48.3 kWh battery pack is mated to a 154 bhp motor. This gives the car 8.8 seconds 0-62 time.it also gives this car 234 miles of range. The 64-kWh battery pack uses a more powerful 215 bhp motor giving this car a 7.8 0-62 time. The range of this model is around 305 miles which is much more useable. The price of the base battery model starts at £34,940 whilst the more powerful version starts at £38,540 this new Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a function called Vehicle to load. This means they can load battery power into electronics like a kettle or a phone charger. Basically, anything with a plug.
Let’s now have a look at the engines that you can have with the regular Kona. You can either have a normal engine or a hybrid. The normal electric range consists of a 1 litre turbo unit producing 118 bhp and this power goes through either a 6-speed manual or a 7 speed dual clutch automatic. 0-62 is delt within 11.8 seconds so it is quite slow for todays standards. Next up is a 1.6 litre turbo unit which has 196 bhp. This can either be had with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual clutch automatic and it can complete its 0-62 time within 8.7 seconds for the manual transmission or 7.8 seconds for the automatic model. For the hybrid version you get a 1.6 litre naturally aspirated engine mated to a 6-speed dual clutch automatic. Connected to this setup is a 40 bhp electric motor. The price of the regular Hyundai Kona starts at £25,725 and for the hybrid option it starts at £30,025.
Interior – Design
So, stepping inside the new Kona Electric and the interior is a big step up over the outgoing model. We get this minimalist design that is heavily influenced on Hyundai’s Ioniq 5. We get this Mercedes style screen setup with a 12.3-inch infotainment system screen and a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen. The graphics are crisp and clear, and the infotainment system is better than the previous model. The layout is easier to use, and it is the same one that you would find in the Ioniq 5. Also, on this panel we get a section that is a magnet. This is so you can attach things to it. The centre console is easy to use, and we get physical climate control buttons and a lot of storage between the passengers. The steering wheel is also new, and it is very minimalistic but also sporty looking. We don’t get the Hyundai logo on the steering wheel but in its place, we get these 4 dots. Now you may be wondering what they mean. Well, they stand for the letter H in morse code. Unique but it also makes the interior minimalistic. The seats are supportive and comfy, and they also say Kona on some trim levels. Let’s have a look at the rear seats.
Practicality
So, getting into the back of the Kona and there is an improvement over the old model. You get more knee room and headroom than before, and it is quite an airy space. The seats are also quite supportive. Something you don’t see on rear seats. You also get some nicely trimmed panels as well as some air vents and an arm rest. Let’s have a look in the boot.
Boot Size
So, opening the boot you are welcomed with 466 litres. The boot floor is adjustable so you can have it at what height you want. You also get some storage bins either side and you are also the seats lay flat if you put the false floor in its highest position. This means that you don’t need to lift heavy items all the way forward. One great feature that has been added to the new Kona Electric is that you get a front boot. This is only 27 litres, but it is big enough to store your charging cables in, so they are not in the way.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the new Hyundai Kona. Well, the styling and interior quality has been improved. The car is also more practical and in electric form it is very tempting. The previous Hyundai Kona was always a great car, and this improves on that model. The question is though, would you have this over the Niro. If you want me to compare the 2 models, then let me know in the comment section below.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 5/5
Practicality 5/5
Total 15/15
Model | Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate |
Engine | 1 Electric Motor 215 bhp, 0-62 = 7.8 Secs |
Trnasmission | Automatic |
Price | £39,990 |
On Sale | Now |
Comments