EV sets tone for Mk 2 Kona models

Electric SUV used as template for mild and full-hybrid versions

- John Mcllroy

HYUNDAI has made huge gains in the electric-car market with its loniq 5 model. But the company hasn't forgotten the more affordable end of the EV spectrum, and it will make a fresh push in that area of the market with the all-new Kona.

The B-segment SUV will continue to be offered as a mild hybrid and a full hybrid, alongside a pure-electric version. But it's the zero-tailpipe-emission edition that led the design process, because Hyundai's team, led by SangYup Lee, elected to work on the Kona Electric first and then adapt it for the combustion-engined variants.

Hyundai says it has listened carefully to feedback from Mk1 Kona owners who requested extra cabin space and a larger load bay. So the second generation of the car is bigger than the model it replaces longer by 175mm, at 4,355mm, and with a 60mm stretch in wheelbase, to 2,660mm.

The growth is noticeable in the cabin, where those sitting in a bench-style rear seat have more head and knee room than in the old car. Hyundai has certainly delivered gains in boot capacity; it jumps from the old car's 332 litres to a more impressive 466 litres (only a few litres shy of the Kia Niro EV). A waterproof box under the bonnet has also been added for storing wet cables.