Hyundai Kona Electric

Overview

The Hyundai Kona Electric comes in three versions: e-Lite, e-Plus, and e-Max, with prices (excluding tax) of RM 149,888, RM 169,888, and RM 199,888 respectively. The model being reviewed is the mid-spec e-Plus version.

Exterior

The Kona Electric features an interesting exterior design, with no traditional front grille, and the charging port cover design is somewhat conspicuous. Overall, the appearance is simpler than the gasoline version, with the chassis showing silver accents that protect the battery. The ground clearance is reduced by about 1 cm.

Interior

The interior is largely the same as the regular Kona, with an ergonomic layout. The material quality is good, and the center console features unique silver accents, offering more storage space. However, the electronic shift buttons take some time to get used to. The rear seat space is affected by the raised floor due to the battery, and the trunk space is smaller compared to the regular Kona.

Driving Experience

The driving experience is quiet and smooth at low speeds, with no noise or vibration when parking. A light press on the accelerator results in stable torque output, making acceleration easy. The steering is well-calibrated, and the braking in automatic mode can be a bit tricky. It features three levels of regenerative braking, which are automatically selected by default. Unlike the Nissan Leaf, it does not have a one-pedal driving mode.

Ride Comfort

The Kona Electric has a firm ride, but the damping is well-tuned, allowing it to handle bumps effectively. The rear seats can feel some vibrations on uneven roads, though the 17-inch wheels help reduce the impact. The seats are comfortable for smaller individuals, but larger passengers may find the shoulder and thigh support lacking. Road noise from the tires is noticeable.

Range and Charging

It uses the CCS Combo 2 charging port, offering good compatibility. From 90% to 20% charge, it covered 223 kilometers at an average speed of about 42 km/h, with about 75 km of range remaining. A full charge offers a real-world range of around 300 km, which is more efficient than the Nissan Leaf. Using a 50 kW DC fast charger, it takes about 45 minutes to charge from 20% to 80%.

Conclusion

Compared to the Nissan Leaf, the Kona Electric has a more modern interior and is more efficient. If it's going to be your only vehicle, an EV is not recommended. However, if it's a second, third, or additional vehicle for daily short trips, it is worth considering.