Hyundai Kona Electric – Sleek, Fun & Versatile

The Hyundai Kona Electric doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It’s based on Hyundai’s existing petrol and diesel models. However, it has its own unique identity too and comes armed with a range of features that make it perfect for anyone leasing their first electric vehicle.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of the Hyundai Kona Electric so you can decide for yourself.

Meet the Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai has carved out a strong reputation in the electric car market. Its Ioniq 5, for example, was crowned German Car of the Year 2022 – an award it stole from five other competitors in the same category. Why are we talking about the Ioniq 5 and not the Hyundai Kona Electric? Because Hyundai’s team has put just as much thought into the Kona, so you’ll be in safe hands.

There are two versions:

1. A 39kWh model with a maximum driving range of 189-miles and which can achieve 136hp

2. A 64kWh model with a higher drive range of 279-miles and improved 204hp

If you don’t like waiting, why not invest in a 100kW charger. Your vehicle will be 80% charged in just 47 minutes. Otherwise, charge your Kona overnight as you would with a laptop or smartphone (which will take about nine hours).

Rivervale work alongside Virtus Energy to provide the latest high speed electric car chargers. We can add the cost of the provision and installation to your monthly lease rental cost. Schedule a chat with an EV charger specialist to learn more.

Video Review With Jack The Lad

Performance

When leasing a car, performance is one of the key metrics people use to compare vehicles. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the Kona’s capabilities to help you make a more informed decision.

Noise

The Hyundai Kona Electric is quiet to drive and equally silent when at rest. Whether you’re negotiating town traffic or driving on a motorway, you’ll feel at peace throughout your journey – and collected upon arrival.

Space

Internally, space is perfectly adequate. There’s room to fit two average-sized adults or three young children in the back. But taller people might struggle on long journeys. With a boot capacity of 330 litres, the Kona’s specs are in line with same-sized hatchbacks in its class.

Speed

Power isn’t an issue with this deceptive EV, which can comfortably achieve 60mph within 7.9 seconds if you opt for the 64kWh version. This means you’ll have enough power to accelerate out of trouble, keep pace with traffic, or get a head start at traffic lights.

Control

Don’t look for a gearbox because there isn’t one. Instead, a paddle located behind the steering wheel is used to slow the vehicle – although you’ll still need to tap the brakes to bring the Kona Electric to a complete stop. This system can be switched off if desired without sacrificing momentum.

Like many other electric vehicles, the Hyundai Kona is eligible for a range of government grants and schemes to help affordability, and to drive the way forward towards an all-electric vehicle future.

Aesthetics

Whatever your destination, the Kona Electric is bound to turn heads. Externally, the lack of exhaust pipe, smart-looking alloy wheels, and blanked-off grille conspire to create a modern and eye-catching aesthetic.

Internally this EV doesn’t disappoint either. The dashboard is logically organised, and buttons are used in place of a gearbox, allowing you to switch between neutral, drive and reverse with ease.

Seats are comfortable and can be manually adjusted – as can the steering wheel. Upgrade to premium and you’ll never drive cold again thanks to heated seats that’ll keep you warm during colder weather.

The Kona Electric also comes with:

1. A choice of two stylish colour schemes: black or blue grey

2. An ‘infotainment’ system with built-in sat nav

3. Parking sensors and camera guidance system

Sustainability and driving

As touched upon earlier, the Hyundai Kona can achieve 80% battery capacity in 47 minutes. But how far can it travel on a single charge? Travelling at 70mph you shouldn’t have to plug in again for circa 250-miles.

If you're looking for a more compact city car, the Fiat 500e La Prima is a fantastic choice. It's nippy, practical, and offers a fun driving experience.

Hyundai hasn't compromised on safety, either. The Kona achieved a five-star rating when assessed in 2017. Furthermore, each UV includes autonomous emergency braking and forward-collision as standard – so you won’t have to pay more to stay safe.

Whether you’re navigating urban roads, narrow country lanes, or busy motorways, the Kona securely grips the road and has the power and agility needed to keep you out of harm's way should the unexpected happen.

Conclusion

The Kona Electric is a well-rounded EV that combines style, practicality, and performance in equal measure. Is it for everyone? As noted earlier, space is limited and may not suit very tall people.

Equally comfortable in urban settings or motorways, the Kona holds the road well and provides superb control designed to reassure anyone driving it. Meanwhile, the button-driven gear interface and paddle system that controls speed is easy to use, meaning even novices who’ve never driven an electric vehicle should have little trouble mastering the interface.

Interested in leasing? Call us for advice, and we can help you make the best choice for yourself. Get through to a leasing expert on 01273 433480 or request a callback at a time that suits you.