Hyundai’s latest addition to their fleet, the next-generation Kona, made its debut earlier this year in markets beyond North America. However, it is now the perfect opportunity for this small yet mighty crossover to bask in the spotlight amidst the bustling city streets of the Big Apple. At the highly anticipated New York International Auto Show, Hyundai is finally unveiling the full spectrum of its 2024 Kona lineup, featuring not one, not two, but three distinct trim levels that are sure to capture the attention of even the most discerning car enthusiasts. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance – the all-new Kona Electric, an eco-friendly powerhouse.
2024 Hyundai Kona Preview
Kona Electric Battery and Range
In terms of the matter at hand, it can be postulated that there exist few variations between models distributed worldwide, although it is pertinent to note that certain inconsequential modifications exist regarding the statistics pertaining to the Kona Electric. Specifically, Hyundai indicates that the electric vehicle (EV) is equipped with a 64.8-kWh battery pack, which serves as its preeminent and most imposing offering. However, this is slightly inferior to the 65.4-kWh battery that was initially referenced during its global debut. Further examination evinces that the projected range of the vehicle has depreciated from an estimated 304 miles to a more conservative figure of 260 miles in North America. Nevertheless, it should be acknowledged that the previous range projection was based on a rather generous Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) estimate, whereas the 260-mile range projection emanates from Hyundai’s internal calculations.
Kona Electric Charging
The Kona Electric boasts impressive 400V fast charging capabilities, allowing for a speedy 10 percent to 80 percent charge in just 43 minutes. Interestingly, this aligns closely with the global model’s charging time. However, the standard-issue battery in this version of the Kona Electric differs slightly, with a rating of 48.6 kWh, as opposed to the global model’s 48.4 kWh. This variation leads to a drop in the estimated range of 197 miles. Notably, the front-wheel drive remains the sole powertrain option for the electric version of the Kona, just like the global model. The subtle differences in battery capacity and range between the Kona Electric and the global model may leave potential buyers with a perplexing decision.
In the realm of internal combustion, prospective purchasers in both the United States and Canada are presented with an identical suite of options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant, purportedly yielding an estimated 147 horsepower, or a more potent turbocharged 1.6-litre machine, boasting a robust 195 hp. Opt for the turbocharged iteration (which is exclusively available with Limited and N Line models), and you shall be endowed with an eight-speed automatic transmission rather than the standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) that is provided as the default. Additionally, you may choose to elect for either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, according to your driving proclivities and exigencies.
Kona N Line
The sportiest version of the Kona, the N Line, is now available with a revamped appearance package. Standout features of this package include body-color cladding, 19-inch wheels, sleek exhaust tips, a subtle rear spoiler, and unique front and rear fascias. The N Line also comes equipped with black mirrors. Inside, the sporty theme continues with sport seating that features red accents, N Line door sills, aluminum pedals, and a top Bose stereo system.
Interior and Safety
As an introductory reiteration, it can be observed that the newly launched Kona model boasts a marginally superior size in comparison to its predecessor. Moreover, the vehicle has been ingeniously embedded with a plethora of advanced technological features, specifically, the state-of-the-art dual 12.3-inch displays that have been artfully integrated into a single, alluringly curved glass. Interestingly, both the combustion and electric versions of the Kona model have been thoughtfully equipped with a range of features that have been engineered to receive over-the-air updates, in addition to benefiting from Hyundai’s second-generation SmartSense driver assist systems.
These systems incorporate a host of captivating features, such as remote parking assistance, blind spot monitoring, advanced forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and several others. It is also noteworthy to mention that the Kona Electric variant has been masterfully designed to encompass a range of novel features, including one-pedal operation, Vehicle-to-Load capability, and active grille shutters that serve to optimize the vehicle’s aerodynamics, among other things.
Price
As we eagerly await the 2024 Hyundai Kona’s official on-sale date, one cannot help but wonder about its pricing structure. Alas, as of early April 2023, we are left in the dark regarding the financial details. However, we do know that such information will be disclosed in due course, presumably nearer to the combustion-powered trim levels’ summer release and, subsequently the Kona Electric’s fall debut. Such a timeline only serves to heighten the anticipation and curiosity surrounding this eagerly awaited vehicle.
Source and Images: Motor1