Hyundai Kona Electric Series II arrives

Hyundai New Zealand welcomes the arrival of the 2021 Kona Electric Series II with a facelifted exterior and interior design, improved range (484km WLTP), and specification upgrades across the model line-up.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the updated version includes a 150W electric motor and suite of advanced connectivity and safety features, priced from $79,990 in the Entry trim grade and $85,990 for the Elite (excluding dealer delivery and on road costs).

“Since launching the ground-breaking Kona Electric in 2018 it’s been a popular choice of EV here in New Zealand for both private and fleet buyers,” Hyundai New Zealand general manager Andy Sinclair says.

The EV comes fitted with Michelin Primacy4 low rolling resistance tyres, helping deliver a 7.8% improvement in real-world driving range to 484km (previously 449km) based on the WLTP standard.

It’s 25mm longer than the previous version.

Over and above the Entry specification the Elite option offers additional safety features, connectivity, comfort and convenience.

These include LED headlights and tail lights, driver and passenger power seats, heated front and rear outbound seats, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, wireless smart phone charging and a Heads-Up-Display (HUD).

The Elite comes with a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen compared to 8.0-inch in the Entry model, along with satellite navigation and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The additional Hyundai SmartSense driver safety features include High Beam Assist (HBA), Electro Chromatic rear-view Mirror (ECM) and a front park assist system.

The front’s new-look closed grille and clean design is further enhanced by the new LED daytime running lights and an asymmetric charging port.

New, sharper headlamps stretch around the side of the car with the high-tech headlamp inner bezel now incorporating multifaceted reflector (MFR) technology.

The rear also receives a styling refresh with a new bumper design and horizontally-stretched rear lamps, while new machined face 17-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior makeover.

The wireless charging pad in the Elite model allows compatible Qi-standard devices to be charged in a dedicated recess in the front centre console, while a new USB power outlet to the rear of the console allows rear passengers to charge mobile devices.

The Elite model is also equipped with heated rear outboard seats.

The new Rear View Monitor (RVM) system allows the rear camera to remain on constantly whilst driving if required, such that the driver can continually monitor the road conditions behind the vehicle.

Kona Electric now features remote start capability via the smart key fob.

The Elite also includes ambient lighting and an optional two-tone roof in Phantom Black.