Compact and efficient, the Kona EV is a charming electric car for those looking for a small SUV to explore the cities. For 2023, the South Korean manufacturer is revising the formula in depth and presenting a larger and more opulent version. Unfortunately, the prices are undergoing a notable surge, so that this vehicle risks suffering from the fierce competition that currently reigns.
For this restyling, Hyundai has decided to opt for an upgrade of its electric Kona. Its new design and lighting signature go hand in hand with the growth of this compact SUV, now 15 cm longer.
The standard equipment is intended to be more generous, from the entry-level Intuitive, in particular integrating the adaptive regulator previously reserved for the highest level of finish. However, you will have to opt for the Executive finish in order to benefit from level 2 autonomous driving.
On the engine and battery side, Hyundai discreetly modifies the recipe by still offering two versions of its Kona. The first, the most affordable, incorporates a 48 kWh battery associated with a 155 horsepower motor. The Long Autonomy version is based on a battery/motor couple of 65 kWh and 218 horsepower. The range of these two models is not yet known, but it should reach approximately 350 and 480 km respectively.
A marked increase in price
Between moving upmarket and rising raw material costs, Hyundai is struggling to contain the price of its small SUV. The end result is likely to disappoint many motorists since the Kona EV with small battery starts at €40,850 and goes up to €43,850 in the Premium finish.
To get your hands on the big battery, you will have to pay €44,250 for the Intuitive finish and up to €50,750 for the expensive Executive finish. In Premium finish, it is displayed at 47,250 €, and it may be interesting to negotiate with your dealer to bring it within the limits of the ecological bonus.
The Kona EV will obviously have to compete with other SUVs in its segment, such as the Peugeot e-2008 or the more premium Smart #1 or Volvo EX30. Competition from the MG4 is likely to be felt, but the new ecological bonus could favor European vehicles and penalize the MG, while the Hyundai is assembled in the Czech Republic and its batteries produced in Poland.
Finally, the threat could well come from its own house with the old Kona EV models, currently displayed from €37,100, with the possibility of negotiating a more generous discount from its dealer.