The Hyundai Kona model is still just three years old, meaning the 2020 version is a first-generation vehicle. However, I consider the all-electric version of the crossover a “second-gen EV” as it boasts a full-charge range of more than 400 kilometres and charging capabilities only dreamed of when first-gen EVs started rolling out a decade ago.
Likewise, it’s small SUV format is also a relatively new thing when it comes to electric vehicles, and one, when you look at the popularity of crossovers today, only makes sense as it combines a tried-and-true design with cutting-edge drivetrain technology.
All of which makes the 2020 Kona EV a very enticing prospect for those in the market for a practical electric vehicle. After spending a week driving a top-trim Ultimate version around Greater Vancouver, I found that it lives up to its potential, and apart from being a fairly pricey proposition, has very few faults.
The all-electric Kona debuted as a 2019 model, and along with its gas-powered stablemate made Detroit auto show history when they both were awarded the North American Utility of the Year prize, a first for a subcompact crossover. Much of the praise had to do with the Kona’s striking exterior, a look penned by Belgian designer Luc Donckerwolke, who in a previous life guided the design of a handful of now-iconic Lambos (2001 Diablo, 2002 Murcielago, 2004 Gallardo) and Audis previous to that (2000 A4 Avant, 2000 R8 Le Mans race car). What’s particularly appealing about the Kona EV’s exterior is that apart from its front grille — which houses the charging port — and some very small styling cues, it is identical to the gas-powered models. Meaning, it doesn’t look like an electric vehicle, something that, again, is a very ‘second-gen’ aspect of EVs.
The front end is particularly pleasing, with its distinctive LED headlight treatment and big bold nose. And the placement of the charging port on the front and not on the side of the vehicle earns extra marks, with such positioning much more adaptable to the increasing number of charging stations that are at the front of the parking stall. The subtle crease to the hood also provides a nice flow in the rest of the body, as does the high crease running along each side from the front fender and into the rear LED taillight treatment. I’m not a big fan of the black body cladding around the wheels and integrating into the bumpers, but with the soft blue exterior colour my tester came it, there wasn’t a stark colour contrast between the two (unlike with the white, dark blue and silver exterior colour options).
The cabin
The cabin of the Kona EV is, like the exterior, a bit of a study in minimalism, a Hyundai design trend also found in the Nexo and coming soon Tucson redesign. This really works in an electric vehicle, as the near silent running is complimented nicely by the clean, uncluttered cabin to give the occupants a sense of something new and exciting. I made a point of giving colleagues and friends rides in the Kona EV, and they all felt they were driving in a ‘future vehicle.’
As to fitting those people into the subcompact, space both up front and the rear was ample for adults, and the rear cargo deck provided good storage (544 L with rear seats up; 1,296 L with rear seats down).
As I’ve stated before, I’m not a fan of push button transmissions, so I would like to see a shifter-style one replace the four-button pad on the centre console, but apart from that I liked all aspects of the controls and gauges. I also like the paddle-shifters on the steering wheel that control the amount of regenerative braking on the system. Think of them as downshifts and upshifts, and once mastered provided a smoother driving experience along with some always-welcome juice back into the battery pack.
Speaking of the battery pack, it’s a 64 kWh Lithium-ion polymer unit with a peak power output of 170 kW and maximum voltage of 356. That translates to a tick over 200 horsepower and a very impressive 290 lbs.-ft of torque from the 150 kW electric motor. This power output seemed well suited to the 1,685 kg front-wheel-drive vehicle, as acceleration on on-ramps was never wanting, and highway passing was achieved with little sweat. Handling was nice and crisp and the low centre of gravity really provided a nice sense of balance when cornering at speed.
The pricing
As mentioned at the start, my only concern with the tester was the pricing, the Ultimate trim ringing in at $53,049, a pretty steep sticker price for a Hyundai crossover. However, if you live in a province with an EV rebate program, and combine that with the $5,000 federal subsidy, the sticker shock isn’t quite as severe. The Kona EV’s base price is $44,999 so it is under the $45K threshold to qualify for said rebates.
Of course, that base Kona EV, called the Preferred trim, seems very appealing if you could knock eight grand or so off its price. However, the way Hyundai Canada has packaged each vehicle, it’s difficult not to want to buck up to the Ultimate trim as it adds things like sunroof, leather seats, wireless device charging, rain-sensing windshield wipers, to name but a few. None of those can be ordered as singular, or even package, options on the Preferred trim. The Ultimate package also includes the computer software and related hardware to meet the SAE standard for Level 2 driverless, including adaptive cruise control and lane centering. If you’re going to do any highway driving, this is a very appealing feature.
Each passing month seems to bring a new all-electric SUV to market, or at least the promise of one, so this segment is growing with each passing year. For 2020 however, the Kona EV is a very solid contender, and one you won’t be disappointed in owning.
Copyright PostMedia Network, 2020
