Hyundai Kona Electric Review
Car Tested: Hyundai Kona Electric; Road Test No. 1117; Test Location: Buddh International Circuit
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 29.13 – 29.36 lakhs
With incredible performance and dynamics powered with a sustainable powertrain, the Hyundai Kona is practical crossover
Climate change is real and is happening, making countries go away from fossil fuels. Electric is the mantra and every automobile manufacturer is working in that direction. India too has shown interest in going green (read electric) and brands are quick to take notice of the same. Hyundai is starting their electric chapter with the Kona – a premium compact crossover. Hyundai seems to have got the basics right – good looks, an SUV body style, decent equipment and more importantly, something electric cars previously couldn’t boast about, a respectable range. How does it all stack together?
Motor Quest: The Indian market never really welcomed electric cars. Mahindra launched the first electric car in a joint venture called Reva. But it was too small, too impractical and too expensive to be even considered as an alternative to the traditional cars of the time. Mahindra bought some finesse with the e2o and e2o Plus but they remain niche choices, thanks to the high price. However, electric cars are beginning to gain traction in India. Mahindra and Tata are expanding their portfolio and the government, with the new budget, has made electric vehicles a priority. We can see many brands, in the entry-level and premium segments, launching electric cars in our country soon. About the Kona, it is Hyundai’s global compact crossover which is on sale in the European and the American markets. The car was launched in 2017 and is internationally available in petrol and electric powertrains. Hyundai is going to sell only the electric Kona in India.
[flickr size=”center” float=”medium”]http://www.flickr.com/photos/motorbeam/48267246192/[/flickr]
The Kona has a rugged crossover stance
Exteriors – The Kona follows the traditional Hyundai design philosophy and looks typically Hyundai all around. The EV does not have the SUV proportions like the Creta but still, all the SUV elements are neatly integrated into the package. You get roof rails, side cladding, flared wheel arches and skid plates. However, due to its size, it is best described as a cross-over. Nonetheless, the Kona looks chic and futuristic. The 17-inch alloy wheels add a lot of character and we like the LED headlights and proportionate fog lights. The electric Kona does not get a front grille but a body coloured panel which houses the charging socket. Being an electric car it also misses out on exhaust pipes.
